Recruiting Citizens For Jerusalem
Nehemiah 11:1-3 NKJV
[1] Now the leaders of the people dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine-tenths were to dwell in other cities. [2] And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. [3] These are the heads of the province who dwelt in Jerusalem. (But in the cities of Judah everyone dwelt in his own possession in their cities—Israelites, priests, Levites, Nethinim, and descendants of Solomon’s servants.)
It would be possible to read this and just pass over it. We must get the picture so we understand the problem. David Guzik helps us here." It wasn’t enough to see the city walls rebuilt and the spiritual renewal of the people of Jerusalem; now they concerned themselves with getting more people into the city." It was a beautiful space for a city, but it had been abandoned for decades. According to Brittannicca, the period must have been between forty eight to seventy years. The prophecy of Jeremiah said seventy years(Jer.29:10). Whatever the time was, it was enough for there to have been a lot of rot. Despite the two seasons of returns, the city was barely occupied.
Now you have an idea of the people's problem. Jerusalem had to be occupied. So they decided to pick the leaders and others by lot to dwell in the city of Jerusalem while the rest of the people occupied their different cities Guzik says, " Leaders must set the pattern by their lives. They had no right to expect the people to live in Jerusalem if they themselves were not living there". That's a very strong word.
Leaders had to model the behavior they wanted to see in others. By leading by example, they built trust, fostered a positive culture, and inspired their colleagues to achieve set goals. This approach is crucial for effective leadership. People want to follow leaders who walk the talk.
Leaders who lead by example can inspire their teams to achieve higher goals and perform better. When team members see their leaders going the extra mile, they are more likely to do the same. Are you willing to pay the price for the extra achievements? That willingness is what stands the leader out beyond others. If you feel this way, its part of the call of leadership. Good morning.
