Nehemiah faces another crucible in chapter 13. He has to report back to the king so he entrusts various responsibilities to others. When Nehemiah returns, he finds far-reaching corruption beginning in the house of God. Everything that Nehemiah had worked so hard for stood in jeopardy, and he had to turn things around - again.
As his role changes his attitude does as well. He continues to seek God and pray, but he also takes some pretty aggressive, angry actions as he tries to clean-up all the corruption. Threats, curses, beatings, banishings. He even pulled out people’s hair. Per Jim Collins in his book “Good to Great” great leaders look into the mirror for blame and out the window for credit. Nehemiah does the opposite; losing the edge of greatness he had risen to.
So why does Nehemiah act so out of character?
Granted Nehemiah made a HUGE mistake in appointing Eliashib as a leader and we can learn a lot of from his experience… But Nehemiah is the only one responsible for his own reactions and actions.
One speculation is that Nehemiah burned out and became distressed feeling like all of his work had been in vain. Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Like things were hopeless? Like efforts were futile and it didn’t matter how hard you tried?
I hate to admit it, but I’ve felt this way. It sounds so - I don’t know … “unspiritual” - given that I’m a missionary, but I’m also human. Ministry is hard work! Sometimes prayers aren’t answered the way we expect. Sick people die instead of being healed. For every person saved and every student reached, there are tens of thousands more to go. And sometimes one grievous mistake can undo 5, 10, or more years of hard work.
Perhaps Nehemiah was in over his head in terms of competency. Perhaps he needed to learn more about selecting and training leaders. Perhaps his faith weakened and he lost sight of God’s presence and calling. Feelings of futility are a red flag that tells us we’re burning out and need to take immediate action to restore ourselves and our relationship with God.
I’ve often heard it said that character is what squeezes out of us when we’re pressed. In Nehemiah’s case it became some pretty yucky stuff. His words haunt us at the end. “Remember me with favor, o my God.” It’s like he knows he’s far off track and in need of favor, even mercy, grace and forgiveness.
What can we learn from Nehemiah’s example about heeding the warning signs and staying on track? I know I’m learning a lot.
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