The Humility Of A Godly Leader Series

The Humility of a Godly Leader

Nehemiah 2: 1-8

In the previous chapter, Nehemiah was made aware of the desperate situation in Jerusalem. While he was far removed from the city and the difficulties facing the remnant who had returned, Nehemiah was deeply burdened for the needs of the city and the people of Judah.

In our text today, some time had passed since Nehemiah heard the news from Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s burden for the city had grown stronger and he is determined to personally address the need. His prayer unto the Lord had not fallen on deaf ears or gone unheeded. God was about to present Nehemiah with the opportunity to return to Jerusalem and carry out the work He had placed within his heart.

As we will discover within the text, there were still a couple of hurdles that Nehemiah must overcome in order to return to Jerusalem and begin the restoration of the walls. The hurdles before him would require humility, patience, and tact. Nehemiah was certain of the burden God had given for Jerusalem, but he also realized he must approach the situation carefully in order to be granted permission to return.

While the situations before us are different, godly leaders must possess humility, patience, and tact, just like Nehemiah. How we approach any situation, and the attitude we possess, will greatly affect our ability to lead and enjoy success. As we examine the commitments of Nehemiah, I want to consider: The Humility of a Godly Leader.

I. He is Patient (1) – And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. If you recall, the book of Nehemiah began in the month of Chis-leu, during the twentieth year of Artaxerxes’ reign. It is now the month, Nisan, of the same year. Some four months have passed since Nehemiah first got the news of the devastation in Jerusalem. During this time, although unable to return to Jerusalem, Nehemiah was not idle. No doubt, he continued to pray about the great need and waited patiently for the Lord to open the door for his return.

The text reveals that Nehemiah had taken the wine to set before the king. Many scholars argue that there would have been several cupbearers in service to Artaxerxes. Nehemiah was well aware of the customs and procedures within the palace. It would not have been wise to have entered the king’s presence uninvited or during a time when he was not scheduled to serve the king. During those four months, Nehemiah remained patient, knowing the Lord had burdened his heart for Jerusalem and that He would orchestrate his return in His sovereign time and will.

Godly leaders who serve with humility must learn patience in order to be effective. Many times, the Lord provides the burden in advance of engaging in the task. Effective godly leaders will learn to patiently wait upon the Lord and His timing, rather than rushing into the task unprepared, getting ahead of the Lord. We must learn to trust the Lord, waiting for Him to open the door to begin the task He has called us to, while using that time to pray and prepare our hearts for the work. Ecc.7:8 – Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Col.1:10-11 – That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.

II. He is Persistent (2-4) – Once Nehemiah got the chance to serve the king again, he was faced with a dilemma that could have resulted in a difficult and dangerous situation. The cupbearer was a trusted servant, one who sampled the king’s meals prior to serving the king. To come before the king with a sad or unusual countenance raised suspicion, causing concern for the king. Although afraid, Nehemiah knew he had to present his request to the king. He boldly asked, “Why should my countenance not be sad when the city where his fathers are buried lays in ruin?”

Nehemiah could have abandoned his request before even mentioning it to the king once he realized the king was aware of his emotional state. However, Nehemiah was burdened for Jerusalem, and he was persistent in fulfilling the task God had given him. We too must be committed to fulfilling the work we have received. If you notice, when confronted by the king, Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven. He trusted the Lord and walked by faith. Many of God’s choice servants needed persistence in their walk with Him – Abraham, Moses, David, Jeremiah, etc. We too must walk by faith, trusting the Lord to provide for us, equipping us to perform the work He has called us to engage.