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READ #SEW14 Devotional Day 7: A Lesson On Succession – Nehemiah 7

A Lesson on Succession.

Reading: Nehemiah 7

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‘After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, the musicians and the Levites were appointed. I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do.’
Nehemiah 7:1-2

Nehemiah was a wise leader who thought beyond his tenure. It is believed that Nehemiah planned to return to the Persian courts to resume his position as the King’s cupbearer. He appointed officers to watch over Jerusalem in his absence –  men of integrity like Hanani, the one who brought him news about the state of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 1:2); and Hananiah, a man of integrity who feared God more than most men (Neh. 7:2).

Our work as leaders is not completed until we are able to train and appoint worthy successors. Therefore we must equip, train, and teach those who follow our message and ministry. So that when the Lord assigns us to other duties, the work of God will not suffer.

Jesus did not leave without empowering his disciples with knowledge, signs and wonders. He made sure that they were sufficiently able to carry on the work of reconciling men to God. Paul also commanded Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 to commit his teachings to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others.

Quite often, leaders seek out able men who are not faithful, and these men turn their back on the ministry. Instead we should seek out faithful men and make them able through training and teaching.

May God give us discernment to identify faithful and committed men to make them able for the work of ministry.

Prayer Focus:
Father, I thank You for finding me worthy to serve in the ministry; give me grace to be a man / woman of integrity. Help me to fear You, and continuously use me for Your work in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Ike Amadi of @thelafamily