The Leadership ChallengeSample

Challenge 23

NEHEMIAH: EXECUTING THE TASK AHEAD

READ: Nehemiah 2:1–10

Nehemiah has a clear plan of execution from the beginning. Not only does he know where he is going (Jerusalem) and what he is going to do (rebuild the walls), he also knows exactly what materials and time he will need. Some materials, such as the large stones from the original wall, are still present. Some materials can be procured locally. But timber will not be available as it does not grow near Jerusalem and was destroyed when Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians. Nehemiah requests letters to requisition the needed timber from Asaph, the man in charge of the king’s forest, and other letters to allow him to pass through the occupied lands on his way to Jerusalem. We begin to see the wisdom of such preparation in verse 10. Rebuilding the walls is politically sensitive. Nehemiah demonstrates that effective execution depends on a solid foundation of planning.

Why is Nehemiah afraid in verse 2 (you may need to consult a commentary or study Bible notes)? What else do you learn about Nehemiah’s character in the text? Have you had to make a big request from someone who has significant power over your future? What did you do to prepare?