Beth Grider 
Christian leaders face many struggles and obstacles. Yet, the Old Testament is filled with examples of inspirational biblical leadership. Recently, leaders at a local Christian school were challenged to stand in the truth of God’s Word in the midst of great opposition, which consisted of media, social media influencers, and even a few former students. How do Christian leaders gain the strength to lead through difficult situations? They follow the example of inspirational biblical leaders by recognizing who is in control. God is sovereign and He has all authority.[1] They must also depend on God for their strength. Isaiah 40:10 says “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”[2] And they must understand that they are accountable to God for how they lead And they must understand that they are accountable to God for how they lead.[3]
Jesus said that those who follow Him will be opposed. We should expect and be prepared because opposition will come. Many leaders in the Old Testament successfully persevered in the face of opposition. Great leaders continue working, serving, and obeying God, even when they are being opposed. Several of the prophets, such as Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Habakkuk served the people as “watchmen” who waited and listened to God and warned people to repent both publicly and nationally, in the face of and coming disaster.[4] They served God regardless of the personal cost and they put the well-being of those they ministered to above their own comfort.[5] Christian leaders today, should wait and listen to God. They should teach the truth and encourage people to repent of personal and national sin.
In the Old Testament, Nehemiah is an example of an inspirational leader who was greatly opposed by powerful people. In Nehemiah 4, Sanballat, Tobiah the Arabs, the Ammonites and the Ashdodites were angry that the wall was being repaired and they conspired to oppose the work. They attempt to intimidate Nehemiah with ridicule.[6] In Nehemiah 6, they attempt to distract and slander Nehemiah, by circulating a letter accusing him or royal pretensions.[7] Yamauchi states, “To all of these attempts Nehemiah responded with prayer (Neh. 4:4), with redoubled efforts (4:6), with vigilance (4:9), with a song (4:10), and with trust in God (4:14).[8] Nehemiah does not fall for their tactics and the wall is built in record time.[9] Though, he was threatened by men, he was favored by God. Nehemiah recognized that God’s work was so important that he could not be bothered by distractions.[10] Like Nehemiah, those who lead should prioritize God’s work and walk faithfully in His favor and plan. During times of opposition, a Christian leader should respond with prayer and continued trust in God and His plans.
Another Old Testament leader who was called to important work was Esther. The opposition was fierce, as Haman arranged to eliminate the Jewish people. Esther’s life was on the line, but she couldn’t go before the king without being summoned. Mordecai’s famous words gave Esther the courage to lead. “Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, liberation and rescue will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14). According to Reid, “Her rise comes directly as a result of Mordecai’s words of warning and challenge.”[11] Esther is hesitant, but resolute as she determines to fast and also asks Mordecai to have the people fast for her. Esther went before the king and she won favor. While a reluctant leader, Esther persevered through opposition. Esther inspires leaders to seek God through prayer and fasting. We must also recognize the opportunities we have to influence change. God’s people will be opposed. We should depend on God to give us the courage to lead, even when being opposed.
Opposition to today’s Christian leader is continuously lurking. Therefore, leaders must be ready to persevere, even when opposed. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). The godly leader will experience spiritual, physical and emotional struggles and he or she is opposed by the enemies of God. Nehemiah and Esther recognized the enemy and are examples of Old Testament leaders who humbled themselves and drew strength from God through prayer and fasting. Depending on God’s strength will allow a leader to persevere through opposition.
Christian leaders, must determine how to deal with opposition and learn how to best respond in order to persevere. The school that was opposed has many godly leaders who relied on God’s strength, and His Word as their defense. They continued with daily school activities and did not waver from the truth of God’s Word. We must also persevere with the truth of God’s Word, when opposed. Christian leaders follow God and serve Him, at all costs. They don’t back down when they are opposed or when things get tough. They keep the focus on God and trust Him even in the midst of opposition.
If you’re a leader, pray to be a leader like Nehemiah or Esther, who were strengthened by God and led even when opposed. Also, pray for others who lead in your church. Pray that they will continue serving and obeying God even in the midst of opposition.
Prayer…
Father God, You are holy and Sovereign. Your plans are good and loving. Father, help me to lead in the face of opposition. Strengthen me with Your righteous, right hand. I seek to do Your will. When the work You have planned for me is opposed, help me to seek You, pray, and double my efforts. Father, open my eyes to my ability to make a difference and give me the strength to exercise justice and righteousness in Your name. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Check out part one of Inspirational Biblical Leaders in the Old Testament here: https://encouragingtruth.com/inspirational-biblical-leadership-in-the-old-testament/
[1] David Pettus, “A Concept Study:Leadership in the Old Testament Hebrew.” In Biblical Leadership: Theology for the Everyday Leader, ed. by Benjamin K. Forrest and Chet Roden, (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2017, 39).
[2] Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New American Standard (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995).
[3] David Pettus, “A Concept Study: Leadership in Old Testament Hebrew.” In Biblical Leadership: Theology for the Everyday Leader, 39.
[4] Gary Yates, “A Call for Faithful Servants: Leadership in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel,” In Biblical Leadership: Theology for the Everyday Leader, ed. by: Benjamin K. Forrest and Chet Roden, (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2017), 196.
[5] Ibid., 184.
[6] Edwin M Yamauchi, “A Model Leader: Leadership in Nehemiah.” In Biblical Leadership: Theology for the Everyday Leader, ed. by: Benjamin K. Forrest and Chet Roden, (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2017) 273.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Mark Allen and Dickson Ngama. “By Whose Authority?: Leadership in Ezra-Nehemiah,” In Biblical Leadership: Theology for the Everyday Leader, ed. by: Benjamin K. Forrest and Chet Roden, (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2017), 257.
[10] Ibid.
[11]Debra Reid, “Leading God’s People Through Difficult Times: Leadership in Esther.” In Biblical Leadership: Theology for the Everyday Leader, ed. by: Benjamin K. Forrest and Chet Roden, (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2017), 281.
