Lead by Example (3/6/23)

Nehemiah 5:14-19

NEHEMIAH

4/1/2023

Read: Nehemiah 5:14-19 (AMP)
Biblical Lesson…

In this passage, Nehemiah leads by example because of the fear of the Lord that he has.  As the governor of the land, Nehemiah and his household (family and servants) refused to take the "governor's food allowance" or to take an additional "forty shekels of silver [as an excessive monthly salary]" as prior governors had done and subjugated the people into indebtedness and servitude. He recognized the suffering that the economic debt put upon the people and their lives as well as the decline of morale in the desire to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. As he administered God's justice by working alongside the people and not taxing them as prior governors, God provided enough food and provision to Nehemiah and his household and those who were his guests. Without realizing it, Nehemiah received the Lord's blessing for doing what is right in the Lord's eyes and was remembered by the Lord.

Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay 

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This biblical lesson can be seen in the Old Testament and New Testament as follows:

  1. Moses and the grumbling Israelites receiving manna and quail (Exodus 16);

  2. Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-nego protected from fire as they stood in faith (Daniel 3); and

  3. Jesus ministry as reflection of what He sees the Father doing and its importance (John 5:18-47).

Today's Version…

Consider our leaders today, I mean any person who deems himself or herself in a hierarchy whether in family, business, local, state, province, national, or even global level. How many people do you know follow through on their words? What was the result when they said "I give you my word that I'll…"? Does their "yes" mean "yes" and their "no" mean "no"? 

If you are a leader, are you like Nehemiah or the prior governors? When was the last time you actually noticed how people around you are doing? Are you willing to make a sacrifice if you are seeing the people "less fortunate than you" suffering? Do you notice the people in "rougher" neighborhoods than yours? How do you treat those different from yourself?

What to do…

In all things, pray, study, and spend time contemplating the questions above. Talk to those who know you. Think of how you see yourself. Consider all the good and bad, and truly figure out if you're a person that leads by example or not. Pray and ask God to help you to see yourself as He sees you. Let your "yes" mean "yes" and your "no" mean "no" for those you interact with.