Intro:

Imagine a person who, against all odds, escaped from the worst kind of oppression and finally found freedom. After enduring years of suffering, danger, and hardship, this person had every right to stay in safety, to enjoy their newfound life, and never look back. Yet, instead of simply enjoying the fruits of their own escape, this individual made a radical decision—to return. Not just once, but over and over again, stepping back into danger for the sake of others.

This leader didn’t sit on the sidelines or simply offer advice from a safe distance. They put themselves in harm’s way, walking miles in treacherous terrain, under the cover of night, armed with nothing but faith and determination. Their goal? To bring others out of captivity and lead them into the same freedom they themselves had found. Each journey they made was filled with peril, but each success brought more people out of darkness and into hope.

Imagine the courage it took. Imagine the inspiration that spread like wildfire to those who heard the stories. This individual didn’t just give orders; they led by example, showing people that no matter the cost, freedom was worth fighting for. People began to believe, not just because of words, but because they saw the life of someone who lived what they preached. This leader embodied sacrifice, determination, and faith in a way that called others to action.

By the time their work was done, they had helped save the lives of dozens, possibly hundreds, of people, many of whom never would have had the courage to fight for their own freedom if not for the example set before them. Their actions became a beacon of hope, a light in a very dark place, and a testimony that a single person, committed to leading by example, can change the lives of many.

Who was this remarkable leader? It was Harriet Tubman, a woman who led enslaved people to freedom on the Underground Railroad, risking her own life time and again so others could experience the freedom she had found.

As we come to the latter half of Nehemiah Chapter 2, it starts to become very evident that Nehemiah was not the… “Do as I say and not as I do type of leader”… Rather, he was a godly leader who lead by example.

Like Tubman, Nehemiah’s leadership wasn’t just about giving directions from a safe distance—he took action, led by example, and trusted in God through every step.

The Motivator

Lets look at the latter half of Nehemiah chapter 2 and as we do, we will see, Nehemiah “The Motivator”

As you are turning to Nehemiah chapter 2, I will just give a quick review…

From Chapter 1 we know that Nehemiah is a cupbearer to the Persian King, Artaxerxes… Upon receiving a report from from some friends regarding the current state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah made it a matter of fervent prayer that God would use Him to help rebuild the walls around the city.

We opened chapter 2 last time, where Nehemiah receives permission from King Artaxerxes to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild… which is very significant in and of itself, because it was Artaxerxes who halted a rebuilding project several years earlier.... … and now we pick up our study in v.11...

(Read Nehemiah 2:11-20)

Meat:

Nehemiah has made it to Jerusalem, as stated in v.11…

“So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days.”

And As soon as he got there…

Nehemiah...

1. Assessed the Situation

And he did so…

1.1 Promptly

He didn’t waste any time

He didn’t set up his own residence first

He didn’t rush right in and start barking orders to everybody…

He promptly assessed the situation in order that he might have a good grasp of the challenges that lie ahead.

Not only did he assess the situation promptly, but he also did it…

1.2 Privately

Look at v.12…

“12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me;...”

If I may speculate for just a moment… These “few men” could very well be some of the guards that Artaxerxes sent with Nehemiah as recorded in v.9… They may have been tasked with making sure Nehemiah returned safely to his position of Cup Bearer to the King… … Moving on in v.12… Nehemiah says...

“I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem; nor was there any animal with me, except the one on which I rode.”

Now most of us, in the same situation, probably would have immediately gotten with the leaders in Jerusalem to get their take on the problem.

Modern leadership models would have had us sending out surveys to assess the people’s thinking.

- How did they feel about the wall being down?

- What did they think needed to be done first?

- What area do you think you are most gifted to work in?

Modern leadership theory says that in order to accomplish a goal, it’s important to build a consensus. And in order to build a consensus, you need to have as much input from people as possible.

But Nehemiah didn’t prescribe to modern leadership theory. Those models might “work”. But just because something “works” doesn’t mean that’s the method that God wants us to use.

Nehemiah was acting on the burden that God gave him—not anybody else. That’s why he didn’t start by surveying the population. That’s why he wasn’t really interested in building a consensus or building a team (at least not right away)… Because, they didn’t share his burden… Yes, Now there will come a time when Nehemiah will need to pass his burden along to them… and he does, which we will talk about in just a few minutes…

But first, Nehemiah chose to privately assess the situation and reflect on the burden God had entrusted to him. He didn’t want anyone who didn’t share his vision to discourage him or explain why it wouldn't work. After all, they had done nothing to address the issue over the years. Why should he expect useful advice from them now? So, he evaluated the circumstances on his own.

He assessed the situation promptly, privately, and…

1.3 Personally

This really gives us insight to the type of leader that Nehemiah was…

He didn’t send others out to assess and report back to him… He went out and got his hands dirty… He put eyes on the task at hand… He had to the full extent of the damage before he could start to plan out the repairs.

vv.13-15 say this…

“13 And I went out by night through the Valley Gate to the Serpent Well and the Refuse Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were burned with fire.

14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal under me to pass. (I believe this is a reference to how great the destruction was… his horse or his donkey couldn’t walk through the rubble, so Nehemiah had to get off and climb around)

15 So I went up in the night by the valley, and viewed the wall; then I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned.”

The NKJV says that Nehemiah “Viewed the walls”… almost sounds like he sat on a hill and just looked at the landscape around the city…

However, the Hebrew word that the NKJV translates as “viewed”, is better translated (as it is in other versions of Scripture) as inspected or examined… it is a medical term that means “a thorough examination”…

Imagine you’ve been feeling unwell for weeks—fatigue, headaches, and an occasional sharp pain in your side. You go to the doctor, hoping to get answers. Now, picture two different doctors.

The first doctor barely glances at you. They ask a couple of standard questions, listen to your symptoms for a minute or two, and prescribe something generic without much thought. You leave the office still unsure of what’s wrong, feeling like just another number in a crowded waiting room. It’s quick, but did it really address the problem?

Now imagine the second doctor. This one takes time, listens carefully, and asks follow-up questions. They run a few tests, check your vitals thoroughly, and even consider your medical history and lifestyle. They don’t rush. By the time you leave, you have a clear explanation of what’s going on and a detailed treatment plan. You feel heard, understood, and confident that the doctor took every necessary step to ensure your well-being.

Which doctor would you trust with your health? The one who does the bare minimum, or the one who takes the time to give you a thorough examination and real answers?

Nehemiah was personally and thoroughly examining the damage and condition of the walls in order to see exactly what it was going to take in order to repair them properly.

Doing so…

Shows his dedication to the task God had placed on his heart and carefully assess the reality of the situation, demonstrating a deep sense of responsibility for the mission.

which, as godly leaders, we need to be able to recognize the fact that superficial fixes and rushed judgments are not enough; it takes careful consideration and preparation to fulfill God’s purposes effectively.

Nehemiah’s personal assessment was an act of humility… He didn’t delegate this crucial task to others while remaining distant from the problem. He was willing to step into the difficult work himself, showing that true godly leaders lead by example.

and his personal examination allowed him to understand the full scope of the problem, which is essential for crafting a wise and effective plan. By seeing the damage with his own eyes, he could determine exactly what resources, strategies, and people would be needed to rebuild the walls.

This insight gave him credibility when he later shared the vision with others and led the effort. A godly leader who seeks understanding gains the trust of those they lead because they have taken the time to grasp the true needs of the situation.

Which brings us to the second point on our outline… and that is… Nehemiah…

2. Shares His Burden

After his thorough examination, Nehemiah returned to where he was staying and v.16 says

“And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the others who did the work.”

Nehemiah returns from his assessment, puts together a plan (which I am certain was showered with prayer) and THEN… he shares the burden that God has placed on his heart…

But he doesn’t just jump right in and say… “hey lets go and rebuild the city walls”… …

What we find in the next two verses is an amazing example of how to motivate people to become involved in a seemingly overwhelming, but godly cause…

First of all, Nehemiah shares his burden…

2.1 By Identifying the Problem

Look at verse 17…

“17 Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire.”

Nehemiah was honest about the dire state of Jerusalem. He didn’t sugarcoat the reality but helped the people see the severity of their situation—"You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire."

Nehemiah is letting the people know that he has done a thorough examination and has gathered all the facts… He is assuring the people that he knows what he is talking about… He knows the exact state of the city walls because he’s been there and observed them personally.

To which then… Nehemiah shares his burden…

2.2 By Presenting a Solution

v.17 goes on to say…

“Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem...”

Nehemiah quickly moved from problem identification to offering a solution, saying, "Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem." His clear and concise solution made it easy for others to follow.

But there is something else woven in here that I don’t want you to miss…

Nehemiah shared his burden to rebuild the walls…

2.3 By Including Himself in the Blame

He says “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire… Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem… ”

He includes himself as being part of the problem and the solution… He’s only been there for a few days, how is any of this his fault?

He’s been identifying himself in the blame since he started to feel the burden on his heart… remember his prayer from chapter 1…

Nehemiah 1:6 “ please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned.”

By including himself in the blame, Nehemiah showed that he wasn’t commanding from a distance... Instead he was inviting the people to join him in the work, creating unity and shared responsibility.

“You see the distress that we are in… Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem…”

and then… Nehemiah shares his burden…

2.4 By Revealing His Motivation

There are several wrong ways to motivate people… like fear, guilt and shame…

But if you want to properly motivate people, you must first have the proper motivation…

Nehemiah’s motivation was a spiritual one and it is found in the last phrase of v.17…

“...that we may no longer be a reproach.”

When Nehemiah says "that we may no longer be a reproach," he’s pointing to the disgrace and shame that had fallen upon the people of Jerusalem. The broken walls symbolized much more than physical ruin; they reflected a loss of security, honor, and their standing as a chosen people of God. To be a "reproach" meant that they were subject to scorn and mockery from surrounding nations. In biblical times, the strength of a city was judged by its walls. Broken walls signified a broken people—defenseless, defeated, and disregarded.

A godly leader like Nehemiah understood that living under such a reproach was not only a physical issue but a spiritual one. The state of the city was a reflection of their relationship with God. By calling the people to rise and rebuild, Nehemiah was urging them to reclaim their identity as God’s people. Rebuilding the walls was a tangible way to restore their honor, dignity, and confidence—not just in themselves but in God’s promises to them.

Nehemiah was motivating them to rise above the centuries shame and brokenness, and to participate in the greater work of restoration, unity, and renewal that reflects God’s purpose for them as His chosen people.

Nehemiah not only shared his burden… but he also…

3. Shared His Testimony

When people hear how God has personally transformed your life, they see His power in action. It’s one thing to hear about God’s work through scripture or historical accounts, but when they hear from someone they know or can relate to, it makes the reality of God’s power undeniable.

Your personal testimony shows that God is not a distant or hypothetical being… It shows that He is actively involved in people’s lives today.

Nehemiah says in v.18…

“And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me.”

He shared his testimony of how he was able to get to Jerusalem and how it had to be God’s will for them to rebuild the wall because it couldn’t have happened any other way…

Nehemiah knew his burden was from God, confirmed it through prayer, and witnessed doors opening that only God could open. Because of all this, he had unwavering confidence that he was in God’s will. With that assurance, he could confidently tell the people he was walking in God’s will.

So, when Nehemiah laid everything he’d been through out before the people, they had a choice to make. They could either trust Nehemiah or not.

His testimony…

3.1 Inspired a Response

The latter half of v.18 says…

“So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.”

Oh, the power of a personal testimony of God’s calling and mighty provisions…

Lastly this morning… Nehemiah…

4. Stood Against Opposition

Just when it seems like God’s plan is coming together… here comes Satan to try and stop it…

v.19

“But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?””

Here is something that I want you to take note of…

Special note: Whenever God’s work is advancing, Satan often steps in to hinder or derail it.

For Nehemiah, Satan used…

4.1 Mockery and Ridicule

“...they laughed at us and despised us...”

This is a common strategy Satan employs when God’s plan is moving forward. He uses discouragement to create doubt, fear, and insecurity.

The ridicule from Nehemiah’s enemies was meant to undermine his confidence and plant seeds of doubt in the hearts of the people who were working on the walls.

Satan still uses the same tactics today… he seeks to belittle and demoralize those who are doing God’s work… Whether it’s through negative comments... societal opposition... or inner doubts... Satan tries to make us feel foolish... inadequate… and even incapable of accomplishing God’s purpose for our lives.

As godly leaders we need to be able to stand firm when this type of opposition comes our way by…

Rooting ourselves in prayer

Relying on God’s promises

and Remaining focused on the mission…

Nehemiah stood against his opposition…

4.2 By Responding Calmly and Firmly

v.20…

“So I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.””

In other words, Nehemiah said “This is God’s work, not yours; and we His servants. He has commanded us to build, so we will build. And by the way, this none of your business, because this is not your city and not your home, so it would be in your best interest to stay out of our way.”

He was basically telling these three men that if they opposed this project then they would have to deal with God Himself.

And the same is true for anyone that opposes us as we do what God has called us to do. A great truth that you can find rest in is this…

No matter how fierce the opposition, we can stand firm in the assurance that God’s plans cannot be thwarted. Our confidence lies in His sovereignty and faithfulness to bring His work to completion…

Just as the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:6… “I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Closing:

Nehemiah was a godly leader who was able to motivate a discouraged group of workers, to do an extremely overwhelming task, despite the history of failed attempts.

And he did so because he took the time to Assess the Situation, Share his burden, share his personal testimony and taking a stand against the opposition.

Whether we look at Harriet Tubman or Nehemiah, we see that true leaders are those who lead by example, showing others the way through their own actions.

Nehemiah's burden for his people, his dependence on God, his boldness to act, and his willingness to personally invest in the work of restoration all point to the essence of godly leadership.

Nehemiah inspired and motivated others not just through words, but through the courageous and faithful life he lived.

We are called to be this same kind of leader: a leader that doesn’t just say what should be done… … but one who leads by example… … relying on God every step of the way.

Prayer: