In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. (Nehemiah 2:1, ESV)
Leaders go first. If you are not going first, you are not a leader. You are a follower. Leaders lead and followers follow.
It is hard to be a leader and expect others to do something you are not willing to do yourself. But it is also hard to go first. There is a greater risk when you go first because you are not sure what will happen. There is the unknown.
When Nehemiah learns about the walls broken down in Jerusalem and the sad state of affairs, he sets his heart to take action. He prays and fasts over the decision.
When the time comes for him to take action, he goes to the king. He appears sad in the presence of the king. Recognize the great risk that Nehemiah was taking. He was not to speak to the king unless asked to speak. He appears sad before the king to catch the kings attention and to get the king to entertain what he wanted to share. But the risk is that the king could look unfavorably upon Nehemiah’s sad disposition. If the king were to look unfavorably upon Nehemiah, he could give orders to have him executed. Nehemiah takes his life in his hands.
Nothing worth doing is ever easy. At the minimum, it will be inconvenient. At the extreme, it could mean losing all. At the same time, the Apostle Paul would tell us that there is nothing that compares to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus. Whatever we might gain in this world could never compare (see Philippians 3:7-9). So when we take a risk for the kingdom, we can recognize it is really no risk at all. We can rest secure in Christ.
Maybe God is calling you to take a risk for something greater. Do you have the courage? Will you go where he leads?
Reflection
- What risk have you taken for the Kingdom? What gave you the courage to take that risk?
- What risk may you be sensing God is leading you to take?
Prayer
Lord, I am sometimes timid and scared. I am afraid to take risks for your kingdom and my welfare. Give me courage and faith to live boldly for you and others. Give me the strength to commit to causes worth committing. Help me to do what needs to be done. Help me to aim for the greater things worth living. Amen.
Steve Roth says
Thank you, Phil