Sacrifice Unto Refreshing

I have been ministering recently from the book of Nehemiah where the Holy Spirit reveals several deep spiritual truths.  Nehemiah was an apostolic forerunner….a governmental leader who set things in order spiritually, organizationally, and relationally in Jerusalem. A kingdom principle revealed in Nehemiah’s story is that he sacrificed his rights for a greater good.  He gave up the right to acquire land and eat choice food allotted for governors. If you read Neh. 5:14-18 you will find that Nehemiah made this sacrifice ‘because the demands were heavy on the people’.  Even though he had such rights as governor he did not exercise those rights. He sacrificed them.

To sacrifice is to give up, to slay, to make holy; in this context one sacrifices for a greater good; figuratively one dies to self so fresh kingdom life comes forth beyond self. Leadership often includes sacrifice of your rights so that a kingdom purpose is fulfilled.  This kingdom principle is found throughout the Word of God. For example, Jesus said He did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mk. 10:45)

Nehemiah’s apostolic ministry differed dramatically from his governmental predecessors who had consumed the best food, amassed land and placed additional burdens on the people. Nehemiah sacrificed to bring forth a unique spiritual refreshing and social stability for his nation. Following Nehemiah’s leadership there is no historical account of God’s people going into exile and slavery for the 450 years leading up the birth of Christ! Nehemiah died to his ‘rights’, set things in order in Jerusalem, and refreshing came to the people who occupied the land for the next 450 years!!!! The sacrifice of one man led to new life for the entire nation. 

Consider you own ministry.  Do you desire refreshing for your ministry; for the people? What will you sacrifice for the greater good? What right will you give up so kingdom life may spring up forth?  It is a kingdom principle.  Sacrifice and watch refreshing come forth.   

Did you like this post? Check out, The Call to Leadership Costs, another leadership post by Harvey Wittmier.