9/11/13- The Leader who Serves

17 Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. 18 Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.

Thoughts: Nehemiah played the role of the governor well, but he refused to be paid for it.  Nehemiah was well off as the cupbearer for the king.  It was a highly paid position,and Nehemiah used his own savings to pay for his way as governor.  He was showing sympathy and concern for his people.  He did not want to be a burden on them.  
    A real leader serves more than seek to have the people serve.  I am reminded of Mark 10:45- "For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."  Nehemiah deserved payment, but he cared more about the calling and work he was doing than his own reputation.  I disagreed with so much of what Jimmy Carter did policy-wise as president.  But he did seek to serve the people more than be served. He sought to save money in travelling, and was very conscious to not be a burden.  It has been thirty years, but I still remember and admire that about President Carter as well as his great work for Habitat for Humanity.  Service to others can even cover over bad policy decisions.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to serve you and your people rather than seeking my own good.  

Jimmy Carter walking to his own inauguration to show sympathy and service to the people.