A Leadership that Pleases God
A leadership that pleases God
How many biblical leaders are examples of leadership that pleases God. The story of Nehemiah’s calling is very compelling, because God saw in him, a simple cupbearer to the king, a man who could make a difference by taking on a work that, for many, would probably have seemed impossible, just the way God likes it, with impossible things. That’s because we can handle the possible, but only God can handle the impossible. If we compare Nehemiah with most politicians today, the difference is more than clear, since Nehemiah had at least three characteristics that are very rare these days.
The first characteristic is that of a leader free from benefits he was actually entitled to, but given the size of the task and the sacrifice it involved, he chose to renounce the bread that was due him (But the earlier governors—those preceding me—placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels of silver from them, as well as food and wine. Ne. 5.14b). What an example! Very much like Paul’s in 2 Corinthians 12.
The second characteristic is that of a leader who fears God. In verse 15 of chapter 5 he mentions that the leaders who came before him oppressed the people and took their bread and wine, along with forty shekels of silver; they were oppressors and thieves of the people. The question that arises is: why did Nehemiah act this way? The answer is at the end of the verse: because of the fear of God. The fear of the Lord is recognized in leaders who know the character of their Lord.
The third characteristic is that of a leader free from attachment to his possessions. Verse 18 of chapter 5 says that he prepared food at his own expense. Dear leaders! What an example of a leader Nehemiah was! His life should teach us how to be a leader that pleases God. No Christian leader can excuse himself for lacking examples in the Word of God, because it is filled with examples to follow, especially in our Savior Jesus Christ.
I love Nehemiah’s request in verse 19: Remember me for my good, O my God, and all that I have done for this people. Such a request could only come from a heart free from benefits, one that fears God and is free from its own possessions.