Nehemiah: Motivator for the People

September 27, 2009

Background Scripture: Nehemiah 2
Lesson Passage: Nehemiah 2:5, 11 – 20

What is it that makes one a motivator? What does it take to be persuasive? There are lecturers and seminar leaders that claim that they can transform anyone into a persuasive person with the power to motivate others. Is this true or what about what others have said that some are born with the gift? I believe we have an opportunity to address these questions by examining the actions of Nehemiah in today’s lesson.

Nehemiah was burdened with what he believed to be a disgraceful situation for the Jewish people. He had heard that the wall that surrounded Jerusalem was destroyed and the gates torn down. This left the Jewish citizens there exposed to criminal mischief by outsiders—especially during the night. Nehemiah, on the other hand, was an exile in a foreign land. He served in the capacity of being the king’s cup bearer. His closeness to the king, however, didn’t qualify him for any favors from the king since he was there as a servant. Yet, the king still had the authority and the resources to help remedy the problem of Nehemiah’s ancestors. The weight of his burden apparently showed on his face for the king noticed that Nehemiah was somewhat out of character. Nehemiah prayed before he spoke to the king concerning the matter and God moved the king’s heart in Nehemiah’s favor. Now that Nehemiah had favor with the king, he could avail himself of the king’s authority and resources. Nehemiah requested everything he needed that the king could provide to make his work successful. This was the beginning of Nehemiah working from under his burden. The king granted him leave from his duties and letters of passage and authority to retrieve materials to aid in the construction work required. After arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah did a personal inspection of the wall and the gates so that he could make his own assessment of the situation rather than proceed based on what he had previously heard. Now Nehemiah was prepared to engage the Jewish people concerning the task of restoring the wall and gates of the city. This problem had persisted for a while yet some Jews lived there and accepted the conditions in which they lived. Nehemiah would need to stir them up to want to make improvement and not settle for the present condition. Nehemiah pointed out that the situation was an issue of national shame for Israel. This placed the burden of action on the shoulders of all Jews and not just a few who showed more concern than others. Nehemiah provided encouragement to his Jewish brethren by testifying of God’s help to him thus far. This appeared to be enough for the people to be inspired to follow Nehemiah’s leadership. This was the beginning of the process of restoration of the wall but it would take continuous encouragement in the face of opposition and ridicule. Success would require that Nehemiah do more than provide a spark to get the fire going. Nehemiah had to be a motivator for the people.

Robert C. Hudson
September 10, 2009