Chapter 8 of the book of Nehemiah centers around the reading of the law by Ezra. While Nehemiah was the political leader of the time, it was Ezra that was the religious leader. The divided leadership signaled to the conquering king that the people were not going to rebel.
Nehemiah was a religious layman. He was a great leader, but his "calling" centered around doing the secular work needed to fulfill the will of God. These types of people are needed within the church and often facilitate growth through their faithful ministry. The church is made up of many personalities, skill levels and talents. It is the responsibility of the pastor to get each of these people moving behind the same vision. There is an anointing in unity. Psalms 133 states...
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
The vision casted by the leaders in Jerusalem was once again introducing the Word of God to the people. The Bible states...
2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
As a leader, it is my responsibility to introduce people to the Word and help them in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:16...
...woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
As a leader, there is no compromise. The Word must be taught in its unadulterated version with the promise to see lives changed at the altars of our churches. People are looking for what we have. Pentecostalism is growing and this is the time to stand up and declare the Word as Ezra did so many years ago.
