Nehemiah – A Willing Cupbearer

Bethel Mennonite Church – Gladys VA

God used Ezra and other men for other things, but he used a burdened Nehemiah and directed him to do something about the wall around Jerusalem.

Nehemiah’s example of leadership should challenge us, he said “come, let us,” true leadership invites partnership and walking with those under the leadership. Likewise, Jesus works with us, he pulls against the yoke with us.

Nehemiah was willing to be used. So many people have been used in many mighty ways. But they all have one thing in common… availability.

Nehemiah, as the king’s cupbearer, had a very important role in the palace. Even so, he had not forgotten his people, the Jews back in Jerusalem. He wondered how they were doing and wept when he heard the report. He prayed a beautiful prayer both for himself and for his people in Jerusalem.
The king, on seeing his sadness, wondered what was wrong and Nehemiah told him. The king gave him permission to go to Jerusalem and see what could be done. He sent letters and cavalry with him.

Nehemiah didn’t go to Jerusalem flaunting his letters. He was a man of action but developed a plan of action first. He said, “Come, let us rebuild”. Not a command but an invitation. He used powerful words like us and we. He transferred his vision to the people. He delegated.

Lessons we can learn from Nehemiah:

1. God gives special burdens to people. He gives us different gifts and tasks to do, maybe in areas of concern that we have. Nehemiah’s burden came from God.
2. We should be challenged by Nehemiah’s example of leadership. Servant leadership gets involved and uses words like we and us.
3. His willingness to be used. We need to be willing and available to do the task. In the kingdom of God no one is above a job.

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