Nehemiah:A Case Study in Leadership
In the book Dying for Change Leith Anderson recounts an important incident in the American Revolutionary War that applies to leaders in today’s church.
In 1777 the battle of Saratoga was fought. Some believe that skirmish was the turning point of the Revolutionary War.
On the eve of the battle, patriot troops recognized that the British regiment had more soldiers, more gun powder, more muskets, and more shot.
Daniel Morgan of New Hampshire was commanding this ragtag group of farmers known as “Morgan’s Rifles.” He bet with his men the night before the battle, and said to them, “Don’t waste your shot on those who fight for six pence a day. Save your shot for the epaulet men.”
Morgan’s point was simple. Patriot troops could not afford to waste their limited ammunition on common soldiers. Instead, they were to target the officers, to ones with the epaulets on their shoulders.
This strategy devastated the British. By the second day of the battle the British officer ranks were decimated. The British regiment still had plenty of men, fire power and supplies, yet they surrendered to the patriot troops.
The States of America went on to win the war. To this day, officers are not longer identified on the battlefield, because the principle is true: As Goes the Leader, So Goes the Battle.
In the Church, Satan doesn’t attack our programs, strategies or mission statements. He goes for the throat—the roaring lion seeks to devour leaders.
The church needs godly leaders who will empower the church in its cause to transform the world.
Prayer
Reading Nehemiah, we see that godly leaders are people of prayer. If you take the time to read ch.1-2 of Nehemiah, one trait stands out about this man. He was a man of prayer. He was drawn to seek the face of the Lord continually. Prayer wasn’t a dry practice, it was his LIFELINE.
REMEMBER, it was Nehemiah who said, “THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH.” Prayer was where He found that joy. In prayer, he was filled with the fire of God, the sober intoxication of the Spirit
Vision
Nehemiah was also a man who envisioned a “with God“ future. God had put in Nehemiah’s heart a dream of Jerusalem being secure and viable. A wall that would keep the enemies at bay and God’s people protected.
Vision is essential; not a 5-year plan in a Powerpoint deck or a motto on the wall. True vision is an inward fire that compels you to shape the future.
Hard-Knocks
One author writes that leaders aren’t born; they are forged by time, teaching, and torture. Nehemiah faced resistance. They tried to distract him with false offers of peace. When that failed, the leveled false criticism against him.
Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter 6 in which was written:
“It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us confer together.”
I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.”
They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” - Nehemiah 6:5-9
Anybody who steps forward to lead is painting a bulls-eye on thier own back. When they found out that Nehemiah couldn’t be sidetracked, they tried to SLANDER him. The word “Satan” means Accuser/Slanderer. Anytime you slander somebody, you’re doing the work of the devil. That’s his job, we don’t need any “Devil’s Advocates”, he has enough on his own!
People often react to criticism like they do to gunfire; they tend to duck and keep their heads low. The hardest part of being a leader is handling false accusations. It knocks the wind out of your sails.
How Did Nehemiah handle it? He prayed!
So I prayed, Now Lord strengthen my hands. - Nehemiah 6:9
This is an important prayer because conflict like this drains us emotionally.
Abraham Lincoln said;
“If I were to try to read, much less answer all the attacks made against me this shop would close for business. I do my best, the very best I know how, the very best I can. I aim to keep on doing it until the end. And if the end brings me out wrong, then ten angels swearing that I was right wouldn’t make a difference.”
When faced with accusation, we return to the Lord in prayer and let Him remind us of the vision he put in our hearts.
The Result
So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. - Nehemiah 6:15-16
The job was done. Faster than expected.
I’ve heard many leadership talks that turn Nehemiah’s example into a recipe for success, but I think they’re missing the point. Yes, God sometimes gives material success to people who pray, cultivate vision, and endure hardships. Other times, people with the same experiences suffer in obscurity. God doesn’t promise to give us success; He promises to give us Himself. And that’s better.
Conclusion
While success and recognition may be outcomes of effective leadership, they should not be the ultimate goals. The true measure of leadership is faithfulness to God's calling. Like Nehemiah, leaders are called to serve, inspire, and guide others toward God's purposes. By prioritizing prayer, developing a clear vision, and cultivating resilience, Christian leaders can make a significant impact on their communities and the world.
Remember, the greatest reward for a leader is not earthly success but the knowledge of serving God faithfully.
With You;
Pastor Tim
