Friday, January16, 2026
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 CSB
Live Like You Are A Leader – Because You Are
In Nehemiah 3 we find Nehemiah and the Israelites hard at work. We see a model of what it looks like when the family of God pitches in and words together under the guidance of a strong leader.
The first people mentioned in Chapter 3 are Eliashib and his fellow priests. I love how The Message translation says it in verse 1: The high priest Eliashib and his fellow priests were up and at it: They went to work on the Sheep Gate; they repaired it and hung its doors, continuing on as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel. The CSB translation talks about how they dedicated everything they did along the way: The high priest Eliashib and his fellow priests began rebuilding the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building the wall to the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel, they dedicated it. They were excited and inspired by the leadership of Nehemiah, and ready to work. They were mindful of dedicating everything to God who gets all the glory for rebuilding the ruins.
The high priest was already a leader in that community. He got to work right alongside his fellow priests, leading as a godly leader should, all for the glory of God. They started with the Sheep Gate which was located in the northeast corner of the temple. The name is thought to have come from the fact that it was close to the temple and used for bringing in sheep and other animals for sacrifices. Rebuilding the Sheep Gate would help the people of Israel to be closer to returning to their past ways of worship – the most important place to start!
So many people were working together, in close proximity with each other, it was imperative they have the same goals, complimentary to each other. The wall needed to be strong and well made for defending the city. Nehemiah’s effective leadership skills came straight from God and is an example of godly leadership for us today. He gave them all responsibility and held them accountable. He organized the jobs that needed to be done according to priority. He started with the spiritual aspect of the work and dedicating everything to God. He incorporated the high and low of the community and got them to work together.
God is pleased when his people work together in unity and for his glory. As his children we should have the same vision – to build up the Kingdom of God. We can let ourselves and our selfish ambitions get in the way if we are not careful. Satan loves that. He thrives on creating disunity in the body of Christ and a building project can create the perfect environment for people to believe their way is the best way. But Nehemiah successfully kept the bond tight as he led them through to the end and they all saw the fruits of their unified labor. When believers work together in unity, but with each offering their unique gifts, the work of God gets done in a glorious way.
If you are a leader, others are looking hard at you and they follow your example. Eliashib was the first mentioned, and the rest of the chapter is filled with the names of more than 50 others that followed his example. Even if you are not in a “leadership” role, you are always influencing someone around you. Work like a leader. Give of yourself like a leader. Live like a leader for the Kingdom of God.
Are you avoiding God’s call on you to lead?
Are you afraid to step out in faith and lead where you know you should because you feel inadequate?
Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the King living in a posh palace and overnight God turned him into the manager of a construction site. Those don’t really match up but God instantly equipped him to fulfill his calling on his life, and he does the same for us. He gives us everything we need to do the work he calls us to do.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
