Then I said to them, “You
see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned.
Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer
derision.”
THE STUDY:
We are still under the
section entitled “The Review” in the book of Nehemiah. In verses 11-16 we see
the sub caption dealing with Nehemiah’s examination. But verse 17 starts
another sub caption dealing with Nehemiah’s exhortation. He now is revealing
to the people God’s plan.
Nehemiah was able to
discern the proper time to present the building project, and he knew how to
motivate the leaders and the people. He used four incentives: (1) He identified
with the people; he spoke of “the trouble we
are in.” (2) He stressed the seriousness of the situation. A leader must be
realistic and honestly assess the facts. People will have confidence in such a
leader. (3) Nehemiah was committed to taking definite action. (4)
He used his personal testimony of God’s grace to assure them of God’s favor on
the project (v. 18).[1]
Today we are only going to look at the first three. Tomorrow we will look at
the fourth incentive individually.
As they teach in you in
public speaking and especially in preaching, always incorporate yourself in the
message. Don’t say things like “you are a sinner” but “we all are sinners saved
by grace!” When you identify yourself with the people you are speaking to or you
are trying to motivate it helps in connecting with them. Don’t sugar coat
things but let your audience know the severity of the situation. Finally, express
your commitment to the job.
WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY
WITH ….
- We walk away this morning with the understanding that good leadership requires connecting with your people, honesty, and commitment.
APPLICATION:
I watched some of the democratic and
republican conventions over the last two weeks. I am not trying to open a can
of worms by talking about politics. The one thing that stood out to me was the
speeches, especially the Republican Senator from Florida Marco Rubio.
In sharing my
opinion only, I felt this young senator connected with the audience. I felt he
was honest in what he was sharing and everything he was communicating said, “I
am committed.” You may not agree but it was what I felt from listening to him
speak.
You have
people in your lives who know you are a Christian. They are not just watching
you but they are listening as well. Today, make sure you are connecting with
them. You will know by their response to you. Make sure you are being honest. Remember
what our moms use to tell us, “honesty is the best policy.” Finally, show them you are committed! That may
be to the job or to your relationship with them. Nehemiah knew this and Christ has
taught us as well, it’s all about relationships. This is where lives are
changed.
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Breneman, M. (1993). Vol. 10: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (electronic ed.).
The New American Commentary (182). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
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