Adversity Demands Rebuilding

By Author: Johnson Philip
Total Articles: 90
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Ezra, Nehemiah, and Zerubbabel stand tall as heroes after the people of God went into slavery and dispersion. Experts in spiritual leadership frequently look back to them even two and a half millennia after they lived. That is because their leadership and life was based upon certain abiding principles that remain unchanged with times and seasons.

Nehemiah was the Cup Bearer of Artaxerxes, a very powerful and prominent Emperor of his times. A 'Cup Bearer' might look like a mere domestic servant in today's society, but that is a totally false impression. On the contrary, this was the most responsible position as far as the Emperor's life was concerned. Many were the enemies of such a powerful king, and attempts at assassination for a forceful takeover of the throne were common. Since the Emperor was always surrounded by powerful and skilled warriors, killing him with swords or daggers was close to impossible. Thus food and drink was the only route left.

Since food and drinks are a necessary part of life, and since many poisonous materials can easily be mixed with them without any alteration in taste, poisoning ...
... was one of the best alternatives for assassination. Only a totally loyal baker and cup bearer could ensure safety. The Emperor's life was literally in their hands. Thus Nehemiah enjoyed total confidence of the King, and with such confidence came intimacy with the Emperor and unparalleled authority derived from that proximity. Yet we notice that his heart with in Jerusalem, and not in Persia. Consequently, when his brother Hanani came, instead of boasting about his own position, Nehemiah questioned him about the people of God. "I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem", Neh. 1:2.

Obviously, the response was not all that encouraging. "And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire", Neh 1:3. Nehemiah could have expressed his sorrow, and told them that he was praying for them. He could also have told them that he would 'speak' to the Emperor about this. And with that he could have left the matter there. He was in such a powerful position that the others could not do anything even if he failed to move his little finger for the people of God. However, instead of shrugging the shoulders, or instead of saying these things were inevitable, he get into the act. We see him doing several things, and each one of these is essential for those in positions of spiritual leadership. For it it here they demonstrate excellence through adversity. We see him doing the following things:

First of all, "And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven", Neh 1:4. Rarely do adult men weep, specially when they hear about a group of people. It is an act simply not acceptable in most human societies, and all available historical evidence suggests that the Persian society was no different. Yet, Nehemiah did not try to suppress his grief. He was so deeply pained that the weeping and mourning continued for days, and he also abstained from food. Then he begins confession. Instead of finding fault with others, he confesses his own role in the sins and inequities of the people of God.

True spiritual leaders are full of commitment, however they show their commitment and capability in a special way when adversity strikes. What they do is not to find fault with others, but self-examination with humility. They recognize that as humans all of us are part of the problem. We are guilty, at least by omission if not by commission. And this spirit of humility opens the door for God to work further in the lives of the leaders, promoting them to do things deemed impossible thus far.

When the Emperor asked him the cause for his sorrow he became terrified. Any mood change on the part of people close to the ruler could immediately have caused suspicion, and this could have in turn led to their death. For emotional disturbance could be because they were indulging in doubtful activities which could endanger the ruler's life. Yet, after an initial shock at the Emperor's question he recovers his composure and speaks boldly about the problem.

A large number of people aspire to become leaders. More so in the spiritual world where competition is less and chances many. Yet a large number of them become cowards. They find it impossible to take a stand on issues that matter. However, to become a man God uses, one needs to be a person who speaks for God. And that is the second principle. In the case of Nehemiah we notice that in spite of his terror, he indulges in no excuse. Rather, he comes to the point and that also forcefully. And God saw to it that Nehemiah became the most powerful and influential spiritual leader of his generation, in spite of adversity sufficient to threaten his life.

Each action leads to more steps. The third action we note is "And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it", Neh 2:5. He was ready to take action and he asks permission to do so. It was a costly decision. He would have to leave his comfortable position in the palace and be away in a deserted land for an unknown period of time.

All leaders know they will have to pay a price. Some are willing, most are not. Some serve the people, others serve themselves by keeping the position. It is this minority that builds up the people of God, but then they pay a cost which is often terrible in terms of human comfort. Nehemiah recognized this, and he was willing to pay it.

The fourth principle is seen when we read "So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.
And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon", Neh 2:12, 13. The pitch dark of the night was definitely not a time to roam about in an ancient city, specially that it was deserted from all sides. Danger was lurking just around the corner, wherever he went. Yet he did go.

A dedicated Christian will have to burn midnight oil, take risks that others would not, and venture to directions which others dare not. People are terrified of uncertainties, but a leader is not. And the result is all history now. Jerusalem was built, and it was built in spite of all adversity.

Summary

Adversity shapes people in many ways. Some become worse, others become indifferent. A few rise to the occasion and build up. They rise to great heights, and in that process they become a blessing for multitudes. Circumstances do not break or make people. It is one's response to circumstances that makes or breaks what one is. Adversity is the time when great leaders have a way to respond that makes them stand taller than their contemporaries.
Dr. Johnson C. Philip is a scientist and an acknowledged blogging guru having a worldwide following.