So, we can learn a few things about Nehemiah’s character in chapters 1 and 2.  He has a great concern for others (Ne. 1:4); he trusted God’s wisdom, care and faithfulness (Ne. 1:5-11); he was burdened for the sins of others, but didn’t think himself better in any way - he was humble and honest (Ne. 1:6-7); Nehemiah had listened, remembered and understood God’s word and stood on His promises (Ne. 1:8-9); his greatest desire was for God’s fame and ultimately wanted to be obedient to what God called him to (Ne 1:11); he spoke and acted with wisdom… always confronted decisions with prayer (Ne. 1:4, 2:4,); he considered his authorities and respected boundaries (Ne. 2:5; 7-9).  That’s a great list of a pretty incredible man!  I hope to have all those characteristics as I strive to be a leader and follow after God! 

We see that because Nehemiah had such a heart for others and passion for magnifying God, he had a big (seemingly impossible) dream to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.  He never denied that he and his peers had acted wrongly in the past, but was ready to take a strong step forward. 

“Difficulty is the very atmosphere of miracle - it is miracle in its first stage.  If it is to be a great miracle, the condition is not difficulty, but impossibility.”  -Lettie B. Cowman (1870-1960)

In taking on such a mighty task, he needed a pretty incredible team to work alongside him… which leads us to chapter 3.  At first, I was frustrated and very tempted to skim and skip through this chapter.  What a long list of names!  Blah, blah, blah.  But, what I realized (as I tediously read through), is that most of them were given a title or description.  It lists high priests, fellow priests, citizens of many different cities and towns, sons, daughters, goldsmiths, perfume makers, rulers from all over, countrymen, temple servants, and merchants.  All these different people…  all these different talents and gifts…  all kinds of walks of life… came together for ONE purpose - ONE common goal.  The rulers and priests had no better or more important job than the goldsmiths and countrymen.  For this time they were on level playing field.  No title made them higher or lower than the one they were working alongside.  And they were ALL being directed by Nehemiah.  A part of being a leader is being willing to work with other people and being willing to be led.  Sometimes you are the one directing the job, and sometimes you are one of the workers.  And there is no title, no task, no “calling” that makes you better than someone else.  Looking back to Nehemiah’s characteristics, he approached everything with humily, respect and patience.  For this job he was the director, the man in charge.  But there would be no way he could have led such a group of people if he didn’t exhibit all the characteristics we read about above.  I know I have a lot to live up to if I strive to be a leader like Nehemiah!