Daily Devotions
A Godly Leader's Reward
Reading for May 24th: Nehemiah 11-13
Thus I cleansed them from everything foreign, and I established the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work; and I provided for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits.
Remember me, O my God, for good.
Nehemiah 13:30-31
This is how the book of Nehemiah ends. Does not seem like a good ending, but for Nehemiah, this is exactly how it should have ended. He had finished his work. He restored the physical walls and the spiritual walls around Jerusalem. He had done God's will. Now he could receive his reward from God.
All Nehemiah wanted or needed was God's approval. He was surely not always popular. He rebuked the people, was confrontational on occasion, got angry, and even practiced corporal punishment (13:25). He was willing to take unpopular stands for truth and righteousness. But whatever the opinion polls said about Nehemiah, he could lay his head down at night with no worries or regrets because he knew that God was pleased with him.
So to all the elders, deacons, preachers, fathers, mothers, and mentors out there who are feeling unloved right now by those entrusted to your care, I encourage you to read the last words of Nehemiah, "Remember me, O my God, for good." And know that if God approves of your work, that's all that matters.
Father, give our leaders courage to make difficult stands, wisdom to know how and when to rebuke, love to be patient and loving, and perspective so they might realize that you are the only One they should seek to please.
