SAT DOWN AND WEPT

Nehemiah, a cup bearer to the King of Persia, is a man whose heart longed to see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and that of the people of God. He comes forth as a man who is deeply committed to the welfare of his people, and his land. No wonder God used this man for the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.

The book of Nehemiah begins with “Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah…” – Nehemiah 1:2. Eagerness and the heart’s desire of Nehemiah is seen is the way he meets them. No greetings and no welcome. He comes straight to the point… “…and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.” – Nehemiah 1:2.

The update Nehemiah got was great news – “3 And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” – Nehemiah 1:3.

The response of Nehemiah to the news, is what makes him so different, and obviously a different kind of a leader – “4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4

The book of Nehemiah ends with these words, his personal prayer to the LORD – “Remember me, O my God, for good!” – Nehemiah 13:31.

We see Nehemiah as a deeply concerned and committed man of God, who loved the people of the God and Jerusalem, and a man of prayer. We also see him as a man, who was willing to step out of his comfort zone, to do something about the matter at hand, and not be an unconcerned bystander. Nehemiah is a man of intelligence and action. He is no idler and smooth talker. 

Lastly, Nehemiah comes out as a man who knows his position, and a man of humility. One who knows himself, and doesn’t push around his weight for self-promotion, and prideful pomp. A rarity among leaders these days.

May the LORD help raise many such men of integrity for His kingdom, in these last days.