Nehemiah 9

"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."

{Hebrews 13:17} (NIV1984) 

The book of Nehemiah is a goldmine for leaders trying to find Christian leadership principles. This man was a very successful leader in every way, and yet it seems, by what is written at the end of the book, that he was discouraged at the end of his ministry. Although the people confessed their sins and renewed a covenant with God, they went back to their sinful ways and caused Nehemiah much distress. 

Moses was very distressed by the people he led, and when we read the gospels we see the distress of our Lord. God places men over us. It is the way life works. We have political leaders, we have work leaders, we have family leaders, and we have church leaders. God takes credit for setting up all leaders, even the wicked ones, and all will give an account to Him. But the church leaders, those who are over us in Christ, they must give an account as servants over the household of God. They are servants who are placed in positions of service over God’s children. These children of God were purchased with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus, they have been loved by God before the creation of the world, and in His love He placed leaders over them. God has high expectations for these leaders, and they will answer to Him. This verse reminds us that we are expected to trust God and submit to leadership, and make their work a joy. 

O Father, help us to trust you. Help us to be a blessing to our leaders. Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who gives us the power to change. Amen