TUESDAY January 3, 2017
Nehemiah Introduction
A good name is better than precious ointment… - Ecclesiastes 7:1
Nehemiah had a good name that reflected his leadership abilities. Now, if you lived in this time period and had a Hebrew mindset, you would know his name was very impressive. In Hebrew it literally means comforted of God, which is the similar definition of the Holy Spirit. In the Greek––the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity is the Parakletos––the Comforter, Who comes alongside the believer to comfort and help them; especially when they go through times of trial or persecution (John 14:16-17).
Seriously, Nehemiahs––those who comfort others are needed in the Church today. This is what leaders are supposed to do; they are to bring comfort to the body of Christ. So whether you are a teacher, evangelist, musician, or janitor you want to become a comforter like Nehemiah.
Nehemiah was a lay man and a business man––interesting. As we begin to study the book of Nehemiah, I believe with all my heart that God is going to take us through business school. Why? Because the principles we are going to receive in these thirteen chapters are not secular, they are biblical principles on how to run the church, take care of the people and lead them––so neat.
The book of Nehemiah is about principles in which God’s people can learn great leadership skills. God desires to build men and women of good character to be leaders. As we go through the book of Nehemiah together this year, it would be good to get a journal and see how the Lord will speak to you personally. You can begin by asking yourself this important question, “Do I have a good name in my church and more importantly, outside the church?
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
loving favor rather than silver and gold.
~Proverbs 22:1~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
