Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Nehemiah 11 and Psalm 23

Jerusalem’s temple had been rebuilt and now its walls were complete. Under Ezra and Nehemiah’s ministry, Gods people had rededicated themselves to the Covenant. To a certain extent their physical and spiritual missions had been completed. One of the remaining challenges, however, was how few people were living permanently in Jerusalem. The walls kept them safe from regular, small-scale bandits and raiding parties, but a small population meant a very small defence force, and this made them vulnerable to attack by any passing army.

The first step in accomplishing this mission (of repopulation) was for the leaders of the people to move to Jerusalem. They could not lead others where they were not willing to go themselves. If you are a leader of any kind, remember this: When God has shown you a direction for the family, the group, the team or the community which you lead, the only way to lead is to first step out bravely in that direction yourself. Get out front and lead.

As a consequence of their leaders’ willingness to lead from the front, the people of the towns and villages willingly submitted themselves to a “random” process of selection by the casting of lots. If their leaders were heading to Jerusalem, this was the least they could do. Those who were selected in this way moved to live in Jerusalem (with their households). In addition we also read that “the people commended all who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.” These were people with a wonderfully pioneering spirit and, by observing their leaders’ courage, they were inspired to move towards the unknown and to live in the severely under-developed City of Jerusalem. The others no doubt “commended them” because they acknowledged that they were not courageous enough to do so themselves.

Heavenly Father, where I am in a position of leadership, empower me to lead from the front, I pray. Where I am in a position of submission to the godly leadership of others, empower me to follow them into an unknown future with courage and joy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.