LIGHT OF VISION TO BUILD (2)

“COME and LET US BUILD the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach” – Nehemiah 2:17b

Nehemiah received the LIGHT of VISION to BUILD and re-build the broken walls of Jerusalem: “Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. COME and LET US BUILD the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” And I told them of the hand of my God which had been upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “LET US RISE UP and BUILD.” Then they set their hands to this good work” (Neh.2:17-18). The burden and passion of this king’s cupbearer, was so evident, even the king noticed it; but God turned it into an opportunity for Divine Favour and Help (Neh.2:1-4).

Nehemiah’s Burden birthed a Vision that translated into a Mission. Strategic Vision based on a realistic assessment must translate into unalloyed Commitment, despite intimidating oppositions. Some leaders have a semblance of vision but lack the ability to implement. Such mere ‘visionaries” rarely accomplish anything of lasting significance. Others exert plenty of sincere effort but no strategic vision, and don’t really get anywhere. Leadership requires the right blend of Vision and Execution. Nehemiah was both a man of prayer and a man of action. Everything that he did was birthed in prayer, followed by action. He traversed three key steps on the Journey from Vision to Implementation:

Careful Inspection: Nehemiah built the Strategic Vision based on a realistic assessment. Having been sent and supplied by King Artaxerxes on this divinely appointed mission, he arrived Jerusalem after a difficult three-month journey, and promptly established an Operational Base or Mission Headquarter to rest, reflect, pray, and prepare. He silently enlisted the help of few key allies and advisors, who knew the situation and could properly brief him, were willing to work hard, and in whom he could confide. Moreover, he exercised discretion by not telling everyone the vision prematurely. Animals would make noise; so, only Nehemiah was mounted on this reconnaissance trip (vv.11-12). Based on realistic assessment that prioritized Investigation and Inspection, he embarked on a secret, selective, and demanding mission (vv.13-16).

Cooperative Inspiration: Nehemiah obtained a buy-in from the troops to commit to the work based on confidence in God’s Favour. He was honest about how bad things were and the need to face up to reality. He identified with the people and motivated them with a God-glorifying goal: “that we may no longer be a reproach” (v.17). His testimony of “the hand of the Lord” further motivated commitment (v.18).

Combating Intimidation: Nehemiah displayed boldness by daring to overcome inevitable intimidation – ridicule and false accusations of rebellion – fuelling commitment to do the work (vv.19-20).

God’s Light of Vision is available for us to build and re-build the broken-down walls around and in us, meant for our all-round protection.