Why the leader and led relationship has to be of mutual benefit to work

The importance of the relationship between a leader and those he may lead is vital. It cannot be overlooked and must not be taken for granted. Whether or not we are speaking about a pastor and the congregation, a king and his subjects, or a Premier and the people, the issue of relationship will be tested.  

Indeed, the relationship between a leader and those being led is most wonderful when it is actually of mutual benefit. That is, when both the leader and the people are blessed. 

Nehemiah 2:1-3  And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. 

2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? This is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, 

3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

In the text, the walls of Judah were torn down; they were destroyed. It is important to stress that the walls were not simply in disrepair. They were destroyed. Hence, the city of Jerusalem was in a state of death. There was seemingly no hope. 

Yet, because the news had got to Nehemiah and caused him grief, Nehemiah sought God as to what to do about the situation. Yes, even though Nehemiah himself was in a comfortable place, a place of relative ease, he took upon himself the sorrow of his people. At a time of misery, Nehemiah was strategically placed to be able to help his people. 

In fact, Nehemiah worked in a very trusted place of service unto the King. Nehemiah daily went before the king to serve as the king’s cupbearer. On that particular day, Nehemiah served the king, and the king noticed that Nehemiah looked sad. 

This is a great point to take note of. The king over the land cared for those who cared for him. 

The king did not merely desire to be served by his servant; he also desired to meet the needs of his servant. The king and Nehemiah were in relationship.

Leaders take note

All leaders should take note of the relationship between the king and Nehemiah. Even though Nehemiah was a servant, he mattered to the king. The king noticed that Nehemiah was sad and inquired as to why Nehemiah was so downcast.  

Here it is!  God used the relationship between the king and his subject to bring about a blessing for many.

The king wanted to know what was going on. Nehemiah told him, and then the king offered to assist in the matter that concerned Nehemiah’s heart. Nehemiah did not have to specifically suggest to the king what to do. 

No, the leader knew what his faithful servant needed to have his need met. 

Leaders should not simply seek to be in relationship with their subjects when it is time for what they want. No, a leader continuously cares for the needs of his people. The moment a leader loses touch with his people, he has just ceased being an effective leader. 

Just as Nehemiah freely approached the king for help, the Christian must likewise freely approach God for help. God is our help! 

God looks upon our countenance, sees what we are going through, and God will supply our needs. 

Just as Nehemiah sought to rebuild the broken and torn-down places, God will restore those broken places in your life. 

You must simply give God your all and come before Him broken and knowing that He will meet your need. 

Just as the King was in place for Nehemiah, God Almighty is in place for you. Respice finem.