A man who listened

Nehemiah is revered by many as a model Christian leader. He was cupbearer to the Persian emperor, Artaxerxes. For a member of the Jewish minority to hold such a post was a feat in itself. Despite his heritage, his strength of character shone through earning him a position of trust and prestige.

Clearly Nehemiah was a man of compassion and this is demonstrated in his reaction when he heard about how the remaining Jews were being treated in Jerusalem. He was moved to fast and pray and it became apparent that God's calling on Nehemiah's life was part of the solution. In identifying with his fellow Jews, he confessed his own failure and theirs to follow God. His vision that followed was a direct result of prayer and the way Nehemiah shares that vision with others is contagious. Having caught the dream, together they make it into a reality and rebuild Jerusalem's walls.

Even when times are tough, Nehemiah still held it together in the face of adversity. When his people turned to him in fear and despair, he reminded them of God's promises and gave them the reassurance and encouragement to go on.