A Journey of Faith and Leadership: A Reflection on Nehemiah 2

Continuing in the Book of Nehemiah (here is a link to my thoughts on Nehemiah 1), Nehemiah, a layman serving as the royal cupbearer, rises to the daunting challenge of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. This blog post will delve into the second chapter of Nehemiah, reflecting on its profound messages and life lessons.

Nehemiah’s Courage, Boldness and Humility (Nehemiah 2:1-5)

Chapter 2 opens with Nehemiah in the court of King Artaxerxes – it’s been 4 months since his moving prayer in the previous chapter. The king notices Nehemiah’s sadness, a risky display of emotion in the presence of royalty. Yet, Nehemiah courageously shares his heartache over the ruins of Jerusalem and his desire to rebuild it. Notice how he appeals to King Artaxerxes in a way that he would understand: “Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and it’s gates have been destroyed by fire?” Rather than speaking to the king about this holy city that has been destroyed, he uses tact and asks the question in such a way that would move him emotionally. In this critical moment, we witness Nehemiah’s humility and faith as he prays (Nehemiah 2:4) to God before presenting his request to the king. I can reflect on situations in my life when I would pray quickly to God before opening my mouth. Unfortunately, there are more times where I didn’t pray to Him first.

Royal Favor and Divine Intervention (Nehemiah 2:6-8)

In response to Nehemiah’s request, King Artaxerxes not only grants him the permission to return to Jerusalem but also provides letters for safe passage and resources for the rebuilding of a wall and a house. This sequence of events reminds us that when God is involved, even pagan kings can become benefactors to fulfill divine plans. Clearly, God has been in control this whole time. We can see multiple times in this passage where Nehemiah recognized this.

Resistance and Opposition (Nehemiah 2:9-10)

As Nehemiah sets off on his mission, he faces resistance from regional governors, particularly Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official. Their displeasure marks the beginning of the opposition Nehemiah would face, highlighting the reality that worthwhile endeavors often meet resistance. What good, spiritual action doesn’t Satan attack? This resistance did not stop Nehemiah. (More on this in chapter 4.)

Strategic Planning and Inspiring Leadership (Nehemiah 2:11-18)

Upon reaching Jerusalem, Nehemiah conducts a secret inspection in the night of the city’s walls. His careful evaluation of the task ahead underscores the importance of strategic planning in any significant undertaking. Following this, he rallies the people, sharing his vision and the divine favor he received from the king. His inspiring words lead the people to respond, “Let us start rebuilding,” illustrating Nehemiah’s ability to motivate and lead. What we see is a leader as opposed to a manager. He begins to lead out in front.

Persisting Despite Opposition (Nehemiah 2:19-20)

The chapter concludes with further ridicule from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab. However, Nehemiah remains undeterred, responding with reaffirmed faith in God’s support for their cause. His unwavering resolve in the face of opposition serves as a powerful example of steadfast leadership. We see too many church leaders compromising the clear Scriptural direction. Nehemiah’s persistence is something any Christian can learn.

Conclusion

Nehemiah 2 is a rich narrative filled with lessons on faith, courage, strategic planning, and leadership. Nehemiah’s story serves as a reminder that with God on our side, coupled with bold faith and strong leadership, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our noble objectives. His journey continues to inspire us to take on our challenges with strategic planning, unshakeable faith, and resilient leadership.