Hope To A Hopeless People | Rev Dr S.O James

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Things around us seem not to be alright. Both the church and the nation seem to be in ruin. For us there seem to be no functional system and no functional structure. The COVID 19 pandemic has further exposed our weaknesses and failure as a nation. People are suffering and crying and we are becoming an object of ridicule in the global world. The most pathetic thing is that for years we are living on adapting to bad situations both as a church and the world.

The book of Nehemiah shows us an example of how the fortune of the Israelites was turned around from shame to glory and from hunger to plenty. Our situation will surely turn around.

For over 100 years the nation was in disgrace and the people were living on until Nehemiah caught the vision and called on the people to arise and build. This is the time for our leaders and all citizens to catch the vision of a new nation. We cannot and must not continue the same way after the COVID pandemic crisis.

Let us look at the example of Nehemiah and see how the glory of the land of Israel was restored.

1. ACKNOWLEDGING THE TRUTH OF THE SITUATION

Nehemiah asked about the true situation in the land. His attention was drawn to the situation on the ground:

• Jerusalem lies in waste
• The gates are burned with fire
• The people were in disgrace or reproach.

1. A CALL FOR BURDEN AND CONCERN FOR CHANGE

In Nehemiah, we see a man who “saw a need, rose up, captured a vision, laid a plan and mobilized others to join him in his course.” Though comfortable at Susa, yet he was greatly concerned about the condition of the remnants in Jerusalem (Neh1:4-6). Great leaders are men that are touched by a need, “men who are disturbed, restless and fell miserable and dissatisfied until something has been done” about a need. Nehemiah burden was not temporal he carried the burden for about four months before he had the opportunity to appeal to the king (Neh1:1; 2:1).

• A CALL FOR INFLUENCE IN THE PALACE

 Who are our people in the palace?

What are they doing?

(a).   Character and Self Discipline (Neh1:1-2): Nehemiah’s character and self-discipline is seen in his day to day activities in the king palace. Nehemiah’s position in the palace was a position of trust. For him to be appointed as the king’s cupbearer in the land of captivity demanded considering him as a man of credibility and integrity.

(b). Strong Influence: In Nehemiah we see the power of influence. Though he has little power and no resources to rebuild the broken wall, yet he used a great but often neglected asset, stewardship of influence to usher in a great change. He did not only influence the king but also influenced the people to do what they considered an impossible task. Nehemiah uses his position and resources around him to accomplish a divine task.

1. A CALL FOR CLEAR VISION

• We cannot rebuild until leaders through see and admit the problem

Neh. 2:12-16; through inspection, investigation and vision

• Where there is no vision the people perish (Prov. 29:18)

1. A CALL TO ARISE: A CALL FOR PRACTICAL ACTION – 2: 17-18

• “So they strengthen their hands for this good work
• 4:6 – “So built we the wall, and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had the mind to work” – Neh. 3:1-32
• Nehemiah mobilize the people
• Nehemiah arranged the people and position them where to work
• Nehemiah mobilize resources (from the king and from the people)- Neh. 2:7-8
• We cannot rebuild without adequate resources
• Resources Mobilization: Nehemiah was able to mobilize the human and material resources needed for the work. He knew what he needed for the work and he requested for it and got it (Neh2:7-8).

1. A CALL FOR UNITY AND COLLECTIVE ACTION

• One body in Christ – United to work
• United to silence the Sanballat and Tobiah (Neh. 2: 19-20;4:1ff
• Courage and Resistance to Opposition: Nehemiah was sensitive and courageous enough to defect and stand against every opposition and challenges. The enemy used several weapons which include, ridicule (Neh.2:19; 4:1-3), resistance (Neh.4:7-8), discouragement (Neh6:10-14) and so on. Nehemiah modeled the right leadership response to challenges. He relied on God (4:4, 5), respected the opposition (4:9), reinforced his week point (4:13), reassured the people (4:14) refuse to quit (4:14, 15), renewed the people’s strength continually (4:14-23).
• A CALL TO PRAYER

One landmark, distinctive and striking feature of Nehemiah leadership style was in his strategic prayer. Nehemiah leadership began with prayer, progressed through prayer and ended with prayer. (See Neh1:4-11; 2:4;4:4,5;4:9;6:9 and 13:29. Leaders must touch their world through prayers as they contact heaven’s throne and annex the “indescribable power” of God. Leaders must pray to get a supernatural result.

• A CALL FOR SPIRITUAL RESTORATION

Success Consolidation: Nehemiah did not only lead in the rebuilding of the wall he also carried out necessary spiritual reformation to restore the people back into a right relationship with God.

Thus he was not only interested in or carried away by physical achievement but also spiritual restoration. On completion of the rebuilding and rededication of the people’s lives to God (Neh. 7:4-13:30).

• 7:64; those whose name was not in the register were put out from priesthood
• 8:1ff; Ezra the priest brought the law and read to the people; the people wept – vs 9; (a new emphasis on the word)
• 9:1-3; 13:1-3; They separated themselves from all strangers and confessed their sins
• 1 Peter 2:9 – You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood …..
• 12:1-2 …. Present yourself as a living sacrifice, holy …..

CONCLUSION: Nehemiah’s leadership is indeed a model for us today. His visionary and committed leadership provides a useful lesson in leadership. Under his leadership and motivation, the seemingly impossible task was made possible by ordinary people. The Jews rebuilt the city wall that had laid in ruin for more than 120years in just 52 days. Effective leadership can change the situation and make ordinary people do extraordinary things for God. Nehemiah used his stewardship of life influence and position, harnessed available resources (material and manpower). He mobilized a seemingly hopeless and defenceless people to accomplish the great task through vision, determination, courage, commitment and teamwork. God is still looking for a man like Nehemiah in every generation.