Our world is currently grappling with a severe leadership crisis. Many leaders are driven by personal ambition, using their positions to elevate their names and reputations. They see leadership as a path to self-aggrandizement rather than a humble service to others. However, God’s vision for the church’s leadership is starkly different. One does not seek to glorify the leader but to bring glory to God’s Holy name. The situation in Nehemiah 11 serves as a powerful reminder that authentic leadership is not about personal glory, but about serving others and bringing glory to God. When leaders prioritize the needs of their constituents and seek God’s guidance, they foster a climate of trust, cooperation, and shared purpose. This, in turn, inspires and motivates others to achieve great things.
Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem. And the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while nine out of ten remained in the other towns. And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 11:1-2
In a world where the significance of leadership cannot be overstated, God calls the church to embody His provision and the transformative power of the Gospel. The leaders in Nehemiah were required to have a physical presence in the political epicenter and the spiritual heart of the nation, Jerusalem. This had a profound impact on shaping governance and upholding worship as a central societal pillar. However, genuine leadership demands more than mere rhetoric; it necessitates leaders aligning their actions with their calling, eschewing hypocrisy by expecting others to embrace what they are unwilling to do. As Christian leaders, we must prioritize the worship of God, allowing the Gospel’s transformative example to be mirrored in our lives. Only then can we effectively guide others toward righteousness and transformation.
The rebuilding of Jerusalem and the subsequent choosing of leaders to establish their homes in the capital provided a beacon pointing to the nation’s restoration and rightful return as a bastion of hope and symbol of resilience after the exile. Therefore, we must echo these actions and strive to bring our community together stitched with hope given to us by the Almighty God. Leaders must prioritize the well-being of all people, shunning self-serving, divisive, and conquering tactics. We must reject divisiveness and animosity towards others, aspiring to be a beacon of unity in a world yearning for connection. If we live antithetically to the promise and sow division within the community, we shatter hope.
Every church must strive to sow hope and actively demonstrate its commitment to the community’s prosperity. In Jerusalem, leaders demonstrated their dedication to the city’s restoration by residing there and encouraging others to follow suit. Their presence symbolized Jerusalem’s safety and potential, inspiring confidence in the rebuilding efforts. We must be willing to exist within our community and not just swoop into and out of the community. Without a personal stake in the community, leaders lack the necessary perspective to make decisions that genuinely benefit their members. God expects us to strive for the flourishing of our communities, as it is a means of extending His mercy and grace to those residing within them.
Within our communities, we yearn for leaders who embody the divine light, carrying the torch of God’s message into the darkest corners. Our mission is to deliver the transformative power of the Gospel, a beacon of strength that transcends divisions and brings forth a harmonious unity. Through the Holy Spirit’s unwavering presence, the Church possesses the ability to ignite the flame of hope within hearts. As we embrace the Gospel’s message, we open ourselves up to the boundless love and forgiveness that God offers, emboldening belonging and purpose within our community. The Church can lead by overcoming the divisive forces that seek to tear us apart, embracing the Holy Spirit’s transformative power. This leads to a Gospel power that brings light to every dark corner of our community.
The leaders’ presence in Jerusalem served as a profound symbol of the city’s revival, transcending practical considerations and resonating on a deeper, spiritual level. Their dedication and presence were not mere gestures, but they laid the groundwork for a future characterized by hope. Therefore, we must align our actions with God’s command. By reflecting God’s character in our leadership, the Church inspires trust, unity, and cooperation within their communities. Additionally, the Church’s presence has the power to influence the perception and mindset of those they lead. Just as the leaders’ presence in Jerusalem symbolized hope and renewal, the Church can create an empowering environment through it’s physical presence and actions. In essence, when leaders embody God’s heart and align their actions with His commandments, they become beacons of hope and inspiration for those they lead.
Horizon Community Church 