Using Your Resources
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Using Your Resources
Using Your Resources
I Setting the Example
I Setting the Example
I Setting the Example
I Setting the Example
14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. 15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
neh 5.14-15
Presumably sometime while the city wall was being rebuilt, Nehemiah was appointed governor of Judah. This was the highest position of leadership in the nation at that time.
Nehemiah served as Judah’s governor for 12 years, from Artaxerxes’ 20th year (444 B.C.) to his 32nd year (432 B.C.)
One of the “fringe benefits” of being governor was a food allowance, granted him by the Persian officials, perhaps for official entertaining of guests.
He took the high road and did not take advantage of what he could have rightly done!
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Illustration -
A leader loves
A leader cares
A leader expends his own resources.
However, Nehemiah did not take advantage of what was rightfully his. In providing food for many Jews and in entertaining dignitaries from other nations (v. 17), he served food and wine out of his personal resources.
A leader builds a bond with his people and will gain trust
Nehemiah would not use his ability to tax but use his own money.
He had to set the example
He Needed followers and what better way than to use his own resources.
look at what they God a bunch of abusive money grubbing nobles
Who would follow that ?
Illustration
This practice contrasted with the former governors, who charged the Jewish people … 40 shekels (about one pound; cf. NIV marg.) of silver besides the food allowance of food and wine.
Even those governors’ assistants took advantage of their position and oppressed the people, demanding their payments.
The reason as his love for God!
Nehemiah’s reverence for God kept him from placing a heartless burden on his fellow Jews.
Nehemiah’s reverence for God kept him from placing a heartless burden on his fellow Jews.
This is still another evidence of his sterling leadership qualities: compassion for those under him and refusal to use his privileges at the expense of others
II Seeing the Goal
II Seeing the Goal
16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.
neh
19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
As governor, Nehemiah could have loaned people money to pay their taxes, having them use their land as collateral.
And then, when they could not pay back what they had borrowed, he could have applied the world’s standard and taken their land.
He, along with other leaders in Judah, could have exploited the poor.
But he did not acquire any land in this way, or by outright purchases.
He was careful not to abuse his position as governor in any way, thereby jeopardizing the people’s respect for him.
In fact he continued working right along with the people in the construction project.
He did not hesitate to “get his hands dirty” in this important building program, and was never sidetracked by other interests.
His motives were pure, and he never lost sight of God’s calling in his life.
He was in Jerusalem to help the people, not exploit them. He was there to exemplify God’s Law, not violate it. He was there to rebuild the wall, not a personal empire.[1]
9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: But he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Illustration of taking advantage of others ...
Loose sight of the goal....
Think upon me ----- Remember me
5:19. As a man of prayer, Nehemiah was in touch with God. He prayed that God would remember him (i.e., not fail to act on his behalf) because of his concern for the people. Seven times in his prayers recorded in this book Nehemiah asked God to remember (v. 19; 6:14 [twice]; 13:14, 22, 29, 31). Remember me with favor is the same prayer he voiced at the end of the book (13:31).[1]
III Supplying the Needs
III Supplying the Needs
17 Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us. 18 Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.
ne 5.1718
Exactly who all the 150 Jews were for whom Nehemiah provided food is not known, though some of them were officials.
The cost to supply one ox, six … sheep, and some poultry daily was no doubt great. Even so, Nehemiah willingly bore the cost “out of his own pocket” rather than place heavy demands on the people
The Goal was to finish the job and Nehemiah would not let other be taken advantage of ...
He would put his money where his mouth was ....
A great leader sacrifices for His people .....
How are you using your resources?
How are you using your resources?