1. Because they understood. The book of Nehemiah delivers a refreshing image about the value of leadership among God’s people. How can we apply the importance of God-inspired leadership to our fellow Christians today? Do you consider yourself to be one of God’s leaders today? If not, why not? Does God have a leadership role for each of us–in the home? at school? on the job? in church? In the community where we live?
2. The influence of leaders. Think of a leader in Bible times who had a negative influence on his followers. Then come up with the name of a leader who inspired God’s people to follow Him. Your lesson lists five leaders who had a good or a bad influence in Bible times. Add a Bible character not on the list who was a wonderful leader of God’ people. Share the contributions of a person today who has been a positive influence on you for a Christ-centered life.
3. Leaders of evil in the sight of God. Would you agree that even a devout Christian leader can put stumbling blocks in the path of followers? How could that be? Even worse, can true and dedicated leaders in Christian fellowship turn others away from Christ? What were some fundamental reasons why some of God’s followers rejected God’s teachings presented by the devout leaders Ezra and Nehemiah? Is it true in your church that the most steadfast of your spiritual leaders reap the greatest harvest? What is by far the greatest source of true conversion in our church today? Put another way, what is the only source we dare to follow to receive full conversion and salvation today?
4. Courage and empowerment. Read Nehemiah 4:7-23 and ask, “Why didn’t God step in and work a miracle? Why did Nehemiah need to be involved as he was?” Do you see horrible examples of sin around you, perhaps even in your church or your government? Should you “stand still” and let God lead the battle? Or should you get busy and fight sin every way you can and trust God to give you strength to win the conflict? What was the real reason that Nehemiah’s efforts resulted in the failure of his enemies? How does the following verse by the apostle James fit into this story? (or does it?) “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18. Does this mean we should fight every battle against sin and spiritual error?
5. Purpose and passion. What great action did Nehemiah assume as God continued to direct him in the leadership of God’s people? Your lesson states, “Nehemiah appears to be driven by the idea of making a difference in the world.” Do you share a passion with Nehemiah like that? Did Ezra and Nehemiah agree with each other regarding the restoration of the temple? Did a high salary and other compensation help them to direct God’s people in the restoration project?
6. Humility and perseverance. Don’t conclude that this week’s lesson covers all of the dramatic events associated with Israel’s return to Judah. Still, there should be enough here to encourage you to study this fascinating time in the history of God’s people and the phenomenal contribution of two of God’s chosen leaders to its success. Ezra turned away from the idea of asking the king for protection, and Nehemiah agreed with this advice. Still, Nehemiah ended up holding the highest position in the Jewish nation and led out in a remarkable way in guiding the people back “home” to Jerusalem. Would you agree, these were two mighty men who worked for God without fear or holding back?

Amen!(0)

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Look at the following texts. What do they tell us about these leaders and their influence over the people they ruled?

• 1 Kings 15:26, 1 Kings 15:34

• 2 Kings 13:1-3

• John 11:46-53

Image © Jeff Preston at Goodsalt.com

It is a sobering thought to many of us who hold positions of leadership in any capacity that our leadership has the potential to bring people down or up spiritually. And, in all the cases here, the effect was devastatingly negative.

More specifically, our character and dedication to Christ make a difference to those with whom we interact. Spiritual leaders influence others, either toward God if they themselves seek God, or toward evil if they do not.

In contrast to what we have seen today, the fact that Ezra and Nehemiah had a strong relationship with God is undeniable. The amount of fasting and praying that is recorded in these books about Ezra and Nehemiah exceeds what the Bible reports for other great leaders. The nation was walking with God under their leadership, even if everything wasn’t perfect. Their direction in life was toward God. On the other hand, the fact that there were those who were not impacted or changed by the influences of Ezra and Nehemiah testifies that no one else’s faith but our own ultimately makes the difference for us. After all, look at the people who had the chance to see Jesus in the flesh, to hear Him preach, and even to witness or hear about His miracles, and yet who in the end rejected Him. Yes, we have a role to play, whatever our position in life is, and we can be an influence for good or evil. But in the end, each person will have to answer for himself or herself before God.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

Amen!(0)

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