This sermon explores Nehemiah's example of Godly leadership, emphasizing sacrificial stewardship, servant leadership, and the power of such leadership to strengthen relationships.
Good morning, beloved. It is a joy to be here with you today, and it is my prayer that the words we share in this sacred space will bring us closer to understanding the heart of our Heavenly Father. We are gathered here today to reflect on a profound truth, a truth that is as old as the hills and yet as fresh as the morning dew.
Now, let's turn to the scripture, Nehemiah 5:14-19: "Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve years—neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. But the earlier governors—those preceding me—placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God I did not act like that. Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we did not acquire any land. Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people. Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people."
Now, let's look more closely at these verses and the three main points they bring to light...
1. Sacrificial Stewardship in Leadership
As we delve into the heart of our discussion today, we find ourselves standing on the precipice of a profound truth, a truth that transcends time and culture, a truth that is as relevant today as it was in the days of Nehemiah.
A. This truth, dear friends, is the truth of sacrificial stewardship in leadership. It's about leading not for personal gain or glory, but for the benefit of those we are called to serve. It's about putting the needs of others before our own, about making sacrifices for the greater good. It's about stewarding the resources entrusted to us with integrity, wisdom, and a heart for God.
Now, let's take a closer look at the life of Nehemiah and see how he embodied this truth. Nehemiah was a man of great authority and influence. As the governor of Judah, he had the power to demand certain privileges and benefits. Yet, we see in verse 14 that he chose not to eat the food allotted to the governor. Instead, he bore the cost of his own sustenance. This was a significant sacrifice, especially considering the fact that he served as governor for twelve long years.
Why did Nehemiah make this sacrifice? Was it because he wanted to save money? Was it because he didn't like the food? B. No, Nehemiah made this sacrifice out of reverence for God and out of love for his people. He knew that the demands of the governorship were heavy on the people. He knew that they were struggling. And so, he chose to lighten their burden. He chose to lead with sacrificial stewardship.
C. But Nehemiah's sacrificial stewardship didn't stop at his personal sustenance. We see in verse 15 that he also refused to take the forty shekels of silver that the previous governors had taken from the people. This was a significant amount of money, money that Nehemiah could have used for his own benefit. Yet, he chose not to take it. He chose to respect the hard-earned money of his people. He chose to lead with integrity and fairness.
Moreover, Nehemiah didn't just refuse to take what was unjustly taken from the people. He also gave generously to them. We see in verse 17 that he provided food for a hundred and fifty Jews and officials, as well as for those who came to him from the surrounding nations. This was a massive undertaking, one that required significant resources. Yet, Nehemiah willingly bore the cost. He willingly shared his resources. He willingly opened his table to others.
D. Finally, we see in verse 18 that Nehemiah didn't just provide for the physical needs of his people. He also worked tirelessly for their welfare. He devoted himself to the work on the wall, refusing to acquire any land for himself. This was a significant commitment, one that required time, energy, and focus. Yet, Nehemiah willingly made this commitment. He willingly put the needs of his people before his own. He willingly served them with all his heart.
As we reflect on the life and leadership of Nehemiah, let's ask ourselves: How can we embody sacrificial stewardship in our own leadership? How can we lead with a heart for God and a heart for others? How can we make sacrifices for the greater good? How can we steward the resources entrusted to us with integrity, wisdom, and love?
May God guide us and empower us as we seek to answer these questions. May He help us to lead like Nehemiah, with sacrificial stewardship and a heart for Him and for others. And may He bless us and our leadership for His glory and for the benefit of those we are called to serve. Now, let's move on to the second point of our discussion...
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