Time in the Word: Nehemiah 13, Proverbs 23

This final chapter of Nehemiah is full of practical and needed instructions for every leader. Now Nehemiah had returned tot he king’s service for a season and then asked leave and returned to Jerusalem. When he left, things were in order, but when he returned, things had digressed. Notice:

• 13:4-9. Tobiah had worked his way into getting a condo in the Temple. He had a relative on the inside and the Temple of God was used for personal favoritism/nepotism. A leader must never compromise principle. He is the keeper of the vision and must hold to principle with dogged determination. Period.
• 13:10-14. When the leader’s voice (Nehemiah) waned…the people slipped back into old habits. The leader must keep people focused on the reason for their existence/employment. The people slipped back into self-service…and the work of God (the purpose of the organization) suffered.
• 13:15-22. People can justify the little things without issue, but a strong leader will never compromise on principle. The Sabbath was forsaken and Nehemiah admonished the people for forsaking the Sabbath and for allowing foreigners to violate the principles of the community in not observing the Sabbath. His determination was not well received…but he threatened to even use force to enforce the rule…against the foreigners who sought to intimidate their way past it. Leadership requires conviction and courage.
• 13:23-31. A leader continues to point out dangers…like the mixed marriages embraced by the people. The established doctrines/rules/principles must be adhered to and repeated, lest even the greatest organization falter.
• 13:1-3. The return to holiness involved a continuous searching of the Word for God’s instructions…which pressed the people into making tough decisions. They had to choose God’s Way over their own…and they did.

An effective leader must be tough. Leadership (as it is presented here) is not undertaken by opinion polls, or popular consensus. These are tools for leaders (potentially) but leadership is fidelity to an audience of One. ONE!

Proverbs 23:12 is the takeaway today. “Apply your heart to discipline and your ear to the words of knowledge.” [Becoming wise and living a blessed life are intentional acts...where we CHOOSE to yield to God and the weight of His instruction.]

Time in the Word: Nehemiah 11-12, Proverbs 22

After the establishment and formalization fo the covenant in Ch 10, there came the difficult work of repatriating the City of Jerusalem. It was one thing to rebuild, but it is another thing completely for the leader to inspire those who had established lives elsewhere…to pick up and return to the City of Jerusalem.

What was clear was that the city had to be populated to continue to difficult work of rebuilding and restoration. WHat was less clear…was how to do it.

So, it was agreed that 1 in 10 would return to the CIty…and the people would be chosen by lottery (casting lots). In this manner, it was believed that God selected the people and it was fair. For “fair” to work, everyone must agree in advance to the principles and commit to carrying them through. The story in Ch 11 and the early verses of 12 detail how this occurred.

12:27ff details the dedication of the Wall (a means of giving thanks and commission to purpose) and the establishment of the workers in the function of the Temple Service. One thing that struck me was the statement in vv.44-45, “For Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who served. For they performed the worship of their God and the service of purification…”

WHat had been a “lip service” some months before, had now become a source of pride and devotion. The people gladly gave to the Temple and spoke well of  the Temple (pride) because it was the embodiment of response to God.

APPLIED: Is the Work of the church and the service of your ministers a source of pride for you…or a drudgery of obligation and a subject you never bring up? Whatever your response…consider how it is a reflection on the God of the Universe who calls, equips, establishes, and empowers.

Proverbs 22:19 is the takeaway today. “So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have taught you today, even you.”

Time in the Word: Nehemiah 10, Proverbs 21

Yesterday, we discussed the repentance of the people being seen in the commitment made and the accountability provided in the signing of the covenant agreement before God. Today, we see the substance of that agreement. What does repentance look like in substance?

• 10:29. It is a serious matter…a curse and an oath. “May God curse me and destroy me if I do not honor this oath, for this I swear and promise before God and to God.” NOW THAT IS STRONG. [NOTE: How impactful do you think it would be to have people confess a curse and an oath in church of their allegiance to God?]
• 10:29-31. We will obey God’s Law, live separated as a people unto God and honor God with our worship (trusting) response to His Word. [NOTE: The commitment is to God first and foremost...not to man. All real repentance is focused toward God...even when there are human victims as well. When we hurt or neglect a person, we are an affront to the Creator of that person...to the God of heaven.]
• 10:32-36. We OBLIGATE ourselves to intentional worship according to the Word of God. So we financially support the Temple service ABOVE AND BEYOND our tithe…because we value the TEMPLE SERVICE. (Now a preacher doesn’t score popularity points talking about money or giving to support the Temple and the church’s ministry…but you cannot get around the truth of this if you believe the Bible. Notice how the obligation was an oath beyond the tithe which was already belonging to the Lord {See Mal 3:8-10 for further on this} ).
• 10:37-38. The tithe was to come to the Levites in the rural towns (front line ministers) who would send a “tithe/ 10%” of this to the Temple for use in the service and ministry of the Jerusalem Temple. BTW: This is the basis for the principle for cooperation and why we partner together with other churches to accomplish ministry that we could not do otherwise. It is also why our baseline AS A CHURCH ought to be a 10% contribution up the line for cooperative ministries. No man is an island unto himself, and no church is an island unto itself. We are all connected and accountable…even if we refuse to acknowledge it.
• 10:39. To respond in any way other than the manner prescribed here is to NEGLECT the house of our God. STRONG WORDS in this covenant.

What we do…how we do it…and why we do it…is important. Critically important. Our response to God is never to be made without solemn consideration and unmitigated zeal. A curse…and an oath.

Proverbs 21:3 is the takeaway today. “To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.”

Time in the Word: Nehemiah 9, Proverbs 20

When we left off in Chapter 8, the people had spent time listening to and applying the Word of God for a day. A festival was declared (8:9-10) and the people rejoiced before the Lord in a prescribed response to His holiness. Following this, the elders of the people assembled on the second day for more instruction from God’s Word. This culminated in a solemn assembly (8:18).

What is a solemn assembly? It is a time to assemble before God as we ARE and in light of how we measure up against God’s plan and purpose…and it always involves confession and repentance.

NOTE: Confession and repentance like that which is presented here is…I believe…rare in the world we live in…and I mean the “church world.” Yes, people meet for “church” but a solemn, contemplative and responsive environment is not characteristic of much of what I see in the church. I see apologies…but not deep repentance. Now to be fair…that is pretty characteristic of history; however, history has been pretty rough from the perspective of God’s people. We should not aspire to repeat history or reflect historical norms…we should seek abundant life!

The confession of the people comes with several major “movements.” FIrst, there is acknowledgment of the transcendence of God and His value/ worth as Creator of all things! Then there is the remembrance/rehearsal of how God has faithfully worked in blessing His people through the ages. Then there is the turn (9:26) where confession of sin begins…but this is not repentance. Confession is agreement with God and all repentance begins there. For that matter, confession often leads to remorse but this also is not repentance. Repentance BEGINS with the “TURN”…the change of course/direction/intent. Repentance is when we commit to be different and to return to the plan of God for our lives.

You’ll note here that repentance is not seen until the last verse of the chapter (9:38) and it continues in Ch. 10. WHat you’ll also note as we get into the next chapter…is that there is no qualification or “holding back” in repentance. Repentance is an abandonment of self and an embrace of God. This is why I say repentance is rare in the church today. Real repentance is when we stop arguing with God and embrace His plan wholly and completely. If you maintain a stronghold of rebellion or sin…you have not repented. Furthermore…blessing isn’t unleashed until repentance occurs.

What are these strongholds? It is like when we confess that we yelled at our kids but we refused to tithe. It is like when we choose to stop getting drunk but won’t forgive another for hurting us. Strongholds are those places in our heart that we have barred God from entering. We simply refuse to let God be Lord of those areas. We think that by doing so…we protect God from the ugliness of those sins…or that those sins aren’t real since we won’t open the door. Wrong! They are real and they are known and they are ugly…but they do not have to master us in our lives.

v.38…”Because of all this [that God has done on our behalf and all that we have done that is an offense to God], we are making an agreement [with God and before our brethren] in writing…” That is repentance…confession and remorse…leading to substantive and unqualified change. And this [repentance] is the launching point of purpose, joy, and abundant living!

Proverbs 20:9 is the takeaway today. “Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?’ “

Time in the Word: Nehemiah 7-8, Proverbs 19

Chapter 7 is a recording of the genealogies of those who returned from Babylonian captivity. (One of the things about this chapter I love is the fact that no one is lost and nothing is assumed. Each person is recorded and is important to God.) Chapter 8 relates to the restoration of the reading of the Law to the people. Due to the circumstances that the people experienced, they had moved away from a passionate devotion to the Word of God. Now…a couple of observations:

• Nehemiah was a leader who listened to God (7:5). He led…but he did so by first following the leadership of God.
• 7:61-65 records those who had claims to priestly lineage but could not prove it. Notably, you find Tobiah’s name mentioned here…who had no connection to the priestly line but who had (and would continue to) weave his way into the role of leadership among the priests. His money and influence talked for him. Many of the people did not even stop to check his credentials against God’s record. Had they done so, they would have realized that even though he was powerful and influential, these things had nothing to do with God’s call on the life of a priest. The priest was called and assigned by God…not by the people according to their whims or desires. A godly and anointed ministry is ordained by God and led by those whom God ordains…not by self-appointed people who endear themselves to the populace in order to gain a foothold in the community of faith. (Wow, there is a lot to this…)
• 8:1. The people gathered as one people to hear the Word of the Law of God. This had been a neglected act, but in this moment, it is revived and with power.
• 8:5. The people stood in reverent awe of the Word of God. [Part of the problem with the community of Christians today is a lack of reverence for the Word of God. Some theologians parse the Word according to extra-biblical agendas and the hearers treat it as a buffet, picking and choosing it. Things that are difficult or hard to accept, are written off as conjecture or preaching opinions...rather than divinely inspired and preserved instructions for the Creator of all. No people will ever rise up to abundant life without a wholehearted respect for and submission to the Word of God.]
• 8:7-8. There was a need for translation and application of the Word to the lives of the people. What we do in “church” today has strong biblical roots and practical origins.
• 8:13-15. The response fo the people was one of obedience. They had lost their way…even the observation of the biblical feasts like the Festival of Booths…but when they heard it afresh, they acted radically to align their lives to the Word of God. And God was with them.
• 8:18. One cannot encounter God and His Word without a solemn assembly. Not only did they hear the Word of God and apply it, but in the process they came to desire MORE of the presence of God. They needed Him. So, they assembled before Him with great humility…

Some might ask, “Which came first, the Presence and conviction of God…or the humility of the people?” The answer…I think…is YES. There was humility in the presence of God which led to an increasing awareness of God’s presence…which led to increased humility. If we do not sense awe int he presence of God or in the hearing of God’s Word read and applied…then the issue is not God’s but our own. If we are humbled before God, He will reveal Himself more powerfully, leading to our increased humility in His presence.

Proverbs 19:19 is the takeaway today. “A man of great anger will bear the penalty, for if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.”

Time in the Word: Nehemiah 6, Proverbs 18

In this chapter of Nehemiah, we find the leader confronted on many sides with conflict, strife, personal attacks, and attempts to destroy his work. Such is the life of a leader who is blazing a new trail.

What is certain from this chapter is that the enemy is relentless… Notice:

• 6:1-4. There were four attempts to get Nehemiah to leave his work to meet with his enemies. Their purpose was simply to destroy him…but he was wise to them. So, he responded, “I am doing a good work…and why should it stop so I can meet with you.” [WOW! I think of the time I have spent meeting with people who did not want to help me, or learn from me, or connect with me...but only to "correct" me or "fix" me... Usually very early on it becomes apparent that their intent is only to hurt and malign, voice their frustration and to discourage me from proceeding with my role as the leader. Somewhere in the church manual it is written that pastors should meet with every person who wants to throw stones...just in case he can win them over. This is cultural and not necessarily biblical! I would have lost a lot less sleep and a lot less momentum by avoiding meetings with self-appointed guardians of the past who wanted to vent their frustrations... lesson learned.]
• Our enemies often times lie about the leader and what the leader is doing. They do this…because they are liars…or because they are beholden to liars (6:5-7). Notice the language…”It is reported…”  TO WHOM? BY WHOM? Where is the accountability to the statement? In the church world…this is akin to the infamous “they” or “some people” are saying…. comments. Who are THEY? I am committed to no longer addressing these unauthenticated and unaccountable comments in my life. If we cannot put a name to it…then we are operating in the gossip realm and it is not worthy of a response. [BTW: Jesus modeled the "non-response" response when dealing with knucklehead Pharisees. We can learn from that].
• 6:10-11. The enemy will use people who claim to be speaking for God to try to detour us. “Come save yourself by leaving the work and hiding in God’s sanctuary.” What? Nehemiah compared the words fo the “prophet” to the call on his life which he knew came from God. When the prophet’s words did not align with the call on his life as the leader and the one commissioned to accomplish the work, the prophet was discounted as an agent of the enemy.
• OBSERVATION: Resistance increased progressively as the project came closer to completion. (True then…true now.)
• 6:15-19. The enemy had developed alliances with insiders. This is akin to the back channel phone calls and hallway meetings in the church today. Every “church boss” has developed his following of people who keep him informed and who he can manipulate based on past connections. [NOTE: Nehemiah doesn't "string up" the disloyal insiders...he simply marks them for who they are. They are still in the vulnerable and recoverable camp. The guy pulling the strings...no, but those whose strings are being pulled...Nehemiah allows to remain in the midst.]

Frankly, learning to deal with opposition, resistance, and being maligned is a critical skillset for the leader. You will face opposition. If everyone was “for it” God would not use you to lead people to it.

Proverbs 18:2 is the takeaway today. “A fool does not delight in understanding, only in revealing his own mind.”

Time in the Word: Nehemiah 5, Proverbs 17

I found it a bit humorous today, on National Tax Day, that I would happen upon the chapter of the book dealing with the King’s tax which was heavy and the chastisement against the nobles for exacting usury (high interest rates) against the people when they borrowed for food and other necessities. [Kind of in a sick humor sort of way].

• 5:1-5 details an outcry from the people that the leaders within the community…those who were business owners, political officials, and community overseers were charging high interest to their own kinsmen and foreclosing on them when they could not pay…or selling them and their children into slavery to cover the debts. Now…every part of the culture of the day would have considered this acceptable business practices…except the Word of God for His people…which called people to live according to a higher standard. Nehemiah was infuriated!
• 5:6-7. Leadership lesson #1…go consult with yourself. Every leader needs “thinking time” to simply consider what is happening around him and how to best handle a matter. [I violate this all the time...yes, that is a confession.] There are other times when a leader should just get alone to dream and consider “stuff” but this is a time spent in response to a crisis that threatened the accomplishment of the mission. Leaders are called to RESPOND…not simply REACT. Nehemiah first went to consult with himself. Then, he confronted with the issue head on. He confronted those responsible. He did not write a blog or go on Good Morning America…or post a video on You-Tube…he went to the offenders and addressed the concern.
• 5:8-12, 14-15. When Nehemiah addressed the matter…he pointed to the specifics of the problem, the moral infraction of it, the course to correct it, and the reason why the leaders should listen to him (if they fear God). He also lived out the example in his generosity, mercy, and charity, as well as his engagement in the work. [No leader has credibility if he simply sits in his tower and complains, or gives direction without reason, or fails to live the example.] Nehemiah acted correctly and courageously…
• 5:14-19. This example is one of servant leadership at its finest. Nehemiah was entitled to more comfort and provision that he took. He chose not to TAKE this provision because it was a burden on the people he served. (Now that can backfire and we will see that later in the story…but for now…the principle is solid.)
• 5:19. Nehemiah would not be recognized for his great charity…and he did not seek it. He knew that God was watching and he was accountable to God. NOTE: Leaders, we will not always (or often) please the masses.You were not called to lead by popular consensus. There are moral issues that require a strong stand…even if everyone else is against you. If so…tough. Look to God for righteous judgment of your actions and serve a constituency of One.

Proverbs 17:14 is the takeaway today. “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.” [Non-essential disagreements are best let go by the wise leader. Some hills aren't worth dying on...and if you pursue them, no matter how small, someone or something will die. So, be willing to take the higher road and walk away...on matters of no real consequence.]

Time in the Word: Nehemiah 3-4, Proverbs 16

In the third chapter, we find detailed descriptions of the rebuilding process and those responsible for it. Each builder was accountable for his part of the wall. He was not responsible for his neighbor or for the overall project. He did his own part and the parts were joined together to close the breaches.

This is a key factor of organization. We have far more opportunity together than alone. In cooperation, we can accomplish things that others cannot. It amazes me that there are more believers on the planet today than at any other time and yet we cannot seem to get the mission done. Part of this is due to redundancy. There may be five groups trying to make the same gate…whereas if one made the gate, one the mortar, one carried the rock, while the other two built on each said, we might just finish the wall.

Cooperation like this requires a humility that is rare today. We must care about accomplishing the mission more than credit for it. It also requires trust.

Chapter 4 deals with some real leadership challenges. Progress never takes place without resistance and detractors (4:1-3). Yes, there will always be detractors. It is part of life. Ones critics can set the agenda for our actions if we are not careful. Nehemiah gives us a principle here: When criticized…turn first to God (4:4-5). The actions of the critics are not unimportant. They were demoralizing the builders and slowing the process of work. Yet, Nehemiah turned to God (who had initiated this mission) and asked Him for justice. [POINT: If you know you are doing the Lord's work...what you are called to do...you can trust God to fight for you.]

Nehemiah’s actions gave a sense of encouragement to the people. They felt his pulse…the heartbeat of God…and they finished the wall to half of its height…because they had a mind to work (4:6).

The enemies did not go away…they conspired to attack. Nehemiah prayed for God’s help…and then set a guard to watch for the enemy (4:7-9). [POINT: Prayer does not mean that we never act beyond prayer…it means we ask God and we act accordingly. God often answers our prayers through means that can be explained naturally rather than supernaturally. Yes…it would make a cool movie to strike the enemy with blindness, but God provided safety through the worker’s weapons.

Notice 4:11-14. Nehemiah was constantly engaged in and aware fo the progress of the project and the conditions of the people. He heard of the things that brought fear to the workers. He constantly adjusted the course…like a ship’s captain navigating dangerous waters. In v.14…the people were so disheartened at the threats of attack (terrorism) that Nehemiah had to remind them of the big picture. This task is for your families and for your God’s honor!

Working conditions were not optimal. It was difficult. The threat of attack was real…so the workers carried weapons at all times…and even slept in their clothes…ready to react and repel attackers. Half of the workers were at sentry posts and Nehemiah was on scene with a trumpeter at his side…ready to rally the workers to a point of attack.

[POINT: No leader can be disengaged. He must have good information, communication, and be decisive in his actions. He does that best "on the ground" not in the office. This doesn't mean he needs to build the wall. He has a different and necessary task. If Nehemiah had picked up stones for the wall, he would have had to abandon the task he was best suited for. A leader must know what he is created for...and do that...or he will sink the entire ship. Captains belong on the bridge...not in the engine room. In the engine room...they get in the way...and then no one mans the bridge...a double failure. Still...the leader must know everything that is happening that affects his people...or else...they are vulnerable. After all...they trust him to lead and rally them when needed. His presence at his post means the workers can accomplish their task without worry. The captain is on the Bridge.

Proverbs 16:20 is the takeaway today. “He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.”

Time in the Word: Nehemiah 2, Proverbs 15

A couple of leadership observations emerge from this chapter. First, on the heels of the prayer to give him favor with the king, we find Nehemiah in the king’s presence. The king asked why he was sad (which consequently was a deadly offense to the king). The notice:

• Passion. 2:3. Nehemiah said, “how can I be anything but sad. My ancestral roots are treated with contempt. My land is in ruin.” Nehemiah found his passion and communicated it. Leaders must be people of passion. If you are not passionate…your voice is lost in the cacophony of vying competitors.
• Planning. 2:6-8. Nehemiah did not have only passion. He also had a plan. There are a ton of people out there that can tell you what they are outraged about or disagree with…but do they have a plan. It doesn’t take real skill to simply have a passion. How will you bring it to pass? How will you take steps to fulfill the vision. A passionate leader without a plan…is at best a naive person..and a worst…a noisy distraction. Be passionate…but also do what you are called to do. If entrusted with the gift of leadership…lead.
• Opposition. 2:10, 19. Anytime you lead…someone will oppose you. If there were no opposition, there’d really be no need for a leader. Opposition goes with the territory. Some opposition is good. It is skepticism that needs to be addressed and then won over. Other opposition, like that mentioned here, is more sinful and sinister. It stems from evil motives. It has something to lose if the leader is successful. EACH FORM of opposition demands a different response. Skepticism can be discussed and fear alleviated. Sinful resistance…must be confronted, corrected, and cut out. There is no room for a detractor when an organization is moving forward. Nehemiah’s cause and calling were just…it came from the heart of God (2:4,18,20). Such a just cause demands completion…not compromise.
• Engagement. 2:11-16. To this point, Nehemiah had information only second-hand. Before enlisting the people, he needed to put “eyes on” the situation. A good leader is not only decisive, but he is personally invested. Before Nehemiah could lead such a great task, he needed to be personally “bought in” to the task. Whether we like it or not, leadership is an art, not a science. It involves some subjective choices…a gut instinct. These instincts cannot always be quantified or placed on a spreadsheet formula.
• Call to action. 2:17-18. the best plans and instincts in the world don’t get anything done without people. Leaders lead people. Period. At some point, the leader must call others to act. If he has done the rest well, they will likely follow him. If he has taken shortcuts along the way…they will likely not. You can only plan so long…then you must step forward and ask for the commitment.

Leading isn’t easy, but it is necessary. If God has called you to lead…then lead. There is no room for excuses when the mission is identified and the call to act is given. Lead. the destiny of something greater than yourself rests on your willingness and skillful engagement.

Proverbs 15:2 is the takeaway today. “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.”

Time in the Word: Nehemiah 1, Proverbs 14

Led to take up the lessons of Nehemiah for next few days. For those who may be unfamiliar with this book, it is one of the best books on LEADERSHIP you can ever read.

Nehemiah was a “civil-servant” of King Artaxerxes. He was a trusted insider who served as the cupbearer. This gave him access and spoke of the trust of the position, since he was a “taster” of the prepared food and wine for the king. (Like a lab rat…if he died, the king would stay away from the foods). The point being, he had learned to make the best of his captivity and had excelled to a place of comfort, self-sufficiency, and relative prosperity. All of this changed when he asked some of the exiles who had repatriated Jerusalem about the condition of the City (1:1-3). My Observations:

• 1:1-3; v.4. Nehemiah was comfortable but was willing to become uncomfortable for a higher calling. He recognized the need to serve and to risk…for something greater than himself.
• 1:6-7. Nehemiah interceded for others…some of whom were aware of their circumstances…others who were blind as he had been. He fasted and prayed and wept before God…confessing personal, generational, and corporate sins. He recognized that the cause of the loss of privilege of the people of God was the sin and rebellion of the people…not fate…or a powerful enemy…or a vindictive God. It was their sin and the response of a Holy God toward it.
• 1:8. Nehemiah was an informed leader. Not only did he personally take responsibility for the nation…but he understood what was at stake and what the opportunity before them was. God had promised restoration for a repentant nation.
• 1:11. Nehemiah was willing to risk. No leader ever made an IMPACT without risk. He placed all of his chips in the middle of the table and laid down his cards. If God did not help him…he would likely die. There was no hedged bet here…no fallback…no plan B. Succeed or die trying.

The character of a leader is essential. His courage is as well. I ABHOR the way the media and ill-intended politicians try to demonize leaders who have become successful. They act as if the rich are rich because they exploit the poor…and call for them to be Fair. Here is what I know…most of them don’t even believe what they say. They know that their own success stems from the risks taken at previous steps on the journey. (It is a bit hypocritical to take numerous vacations on your first couple of years in office…accept the long-term pension of the Office of President and then call on a few thousand people who invest in building companies to pay more taxes. Really? Worse…to pit the populace against them is to play on the simple-minded who have never risked in the same manner and therefore are not due the same reward.

Yes…there are some who do not fit this definition…but many do.

Leaders lead. They risk. And they are rewarded. Those without the courage to lead should follow and enjoy the benefit of the risk others take…just don’t hate them for it. Rather…rejoice that someone risked and provided you all of the opportunity you presently choose to embrace.

Proverbs 14:2 is the takeaway today. “He who walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises Him.”