It is an honor to have you as a member of our subscription service! Share today. #10 NEHEMIAH | Rebuking the Priests.Dr. Stephen Phinney: Nehemiah's greatest struggle came not from the enemies outside the gates but from within the Hebrew camp itself - by those who claimed to be leaders.
Don’t Tell Me What to Do!During Nehemiah's time, some priests exhibited resistance and defiance towards the directives given for the restoration of Jerusalem and the spiritual reformation of the Jewish people.Despite Nehemiah's dedicated efforts to lead and implement necessary reforms, these priests clung to their own ways, refusing to acknowledge the authority and guidance that aimed to renew their covenant with God. Their reluctance to be instructed hindered the collective progress of the Jewish community and underscored the challenges Nehemiah was ordered to do - by God. This resistance was emblematic of a broader struggle within the hearts of the spiritual leaders, where personal agendas often conflicted with God's mandates and the nation's spiritual well-being. Nehemiah's perseverance, however, remained unwavering as he sought to overcome these obstacles and restore faithfulness among the people.
Listen to the podcast version: Nehemiah's greatest struggle came not from the enemies outside the gates but from within the Hebrew camp itself - by those who claimed to be leaders. Despite the external threats posed by neighboring adversaries, it was the internal strife, opposition, and resistance among his own people that proved to be the most challenging.The leadership's apathy, corruption, and division created significant obstacles to the rebuilding efforts and the restoration of faith. Nehemiah's perseverance and leadership were constantly tested as he navigated the complexities of internal Jewish politics, selfish agendas, and some reluctance to embrace Nehemiah’s authority. Yet, through his unwavering dedication and commitment to God's vision, Nehemiah managed to overcome these internal challenges, uniting the people and achieving the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and renewing their covenant with God. His story serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership often requires addressing the anti-authority modalities and healing the divisions within, even more so than confronting external foes. Nehemiah understood that the true strength of his mission lay in the unity and alignment of his leaders with his vision. He recognized that without this internal cohesion and shared purpose, the external enemies poised to destroy God's people would find a way to succeed. Nehemiah's steadfast leadership emphasized the crucial importance of unity among the men in power positions within the walls. Only a unified front could effectively withstand the threats and challenges posed by adversaries outside the gates. This unwavering commitment to internal unity was essential in ensuring God's people's safety, prosperity, and spiritual renewal. CHRISTIAN LEADERS ARE THE WORST AMONG USI have been a leadership consultant for leaders within the secular and church ranks for many years. It's disheartening to acknowledge that most “Christian leaders” struggle with submitting to governing authority despite the Biblical call to do so. (Romans 13:1-2) Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. This resistance can undermine their credibility and the message they preach, creating a disconnect between their teachings and actions. As I write this, many leaders will agree and support Paul's admonition, but if you attempt to direct them with directive authority one-on-one, watch out. Rebellion will surface. This is exactly what Nehemiah was up against!By failing to respect and adhere to lawful authority, particularly men of God, these leaders risk setting a poor example for their followers, potentially leading to confusion and disillusionment within their ministries. Christian leaders must embody the principles of humility, respect, and obedience to lawful authority, as these values are integral to their faith and witness. If a leader does not honor existing authority, he is held in a position of being judged by God. Men today have it backward. Many Christian men think that unless authority figures are righteous or comfortable authorities, they have the right to resist. Really? Do they not realize that all authorities are servants for HIS good? (Romans 13:3) For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Authority figures are divinely appointed servants entrusted with the responsibility of delivering God’s consequences to those who do not honor ALL authority established by God (Romans 13:1). They act as instruments of God's will, delivering consequences to those who resist His authoritative structure from Heaven - God, to Yeshua, to the Holy Spirit, and then onto earthly authorities. By enforcing the laws of God and man and maintaining discipline, these leaders help to preserve God’s flow of authority, ensuring that righteousness ultimately prevails, and that humanity remains aligned with God’s principles of Creation. Their role is crucial in guiding individuals towards a path of obedience and reverence, ultimately building a harmonious wall between God’s people and the enemy of God. Don’t do as your average Christian leader does!It's unfortunate that many Christian leaders today struggle with honoring authority both within the church and in broader society. This inconsistency will undermine their credibility and what Paul reveals in chapter thirteen of Romans. When leaders fail to respect and adhere to established authority, they set a poor example for their families, congregations, and followers, leading to confusion, disillusionment, and a chaotic church society. Upholding the principles of honor, respect, and obedience to lawful authority is a witness for Christian leaders to display God’s Creational design, maintain their integrity, and effectively guide those they are called to lead. Don’t count all your suffering as righteous!Much of the suffering that Christians experience is not always a direct result of righteousness, which we call persecution, but often a consequence of rebelling against established authority. When believers disregard or disobey God's laws and guidance with those in authority, they inadvertently invite hardship and disciplinary actions upon themselves by God (Romans 13:2). This rebellion can lead to personal, social, and spiritual turmoil, detracting from their testimony and witness. Embracing a posture of respect and obedience to lawful authority is essential for fostering peace and avoiding unnecessary suffering, aligning their lives more closely with the teachings of Christ. However, stupid is as stupid does! After 40+ years of advising leaders, I can count on two hands those that appropriate the above admonition. Sadly, most agree with the Scriptures in Romans while stepping back from being told what to do - resulting in going back to the vomit that has caused their tumorous circumstances. (Proverbs 26:11) Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.Honestly, my experience is that the lion’s share of Christian leaders today has mastered the art of eating vomit - for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Is that too harsh for you? Walk in my shoes. After many years of studying the principles of Biblical leadership, literally focusing my doctorate on these principles, I have found few that adhere to the design of God’s established authority. Nehemiah faced a daunting challenge as he encountered a city full of men who were primarily focused on their own interests, neglecting the ordinances of God's authoritative structure - literally selling their daughters to the enemy for profit.This self-centered behavior and refusal to adhere to divine commandments created significant obstacles to God’s mission through Nehemiah: rebuilding Jerusalem and restoring spiritual integrity. The pervasive disregard for God's laws and the lack of unity among the people threatened the very foundation of their spiritual community. Yet, through his unwavering faith in God, his devotion to his king, and determined leadership, Nehemiah sought to realign their hearts and minds with God's vision, emphasizing the importance of collective obedience and the necessity of upholding divine authority to achieve true restoration and prosperity. Do I hear a faint amen? Or is that my hopeful mind hearing voices again? The End Times Chronicles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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