Summary: Following the leader is okay as long as you are following the right leader.

The Heart Of A True Leader

Nehemiah 1:1-11

I. Introduction

Some men are "born" leaders and some men are "made" leaders. But few men are "true" leaders. Nehemiah was a true leader. As we look at the characteristics of Nehemiah that made him a true leader, let’s compare them to the True Leader, Jesus Christ.

II. A True Leader . . .

A. Responds to the Needs of Others (v. 4)

-- Jesus responded to the needs of others. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, saved the lost. Example: Mt. 9:36

B. Realizes the Need to Pray (v. 4)

-- Jesus realized His need to pray and spent much agony in the garden in prayer before He was crucified. (John 17).

C. Recognizes the Character of God (v. 5)

-- Jesus recognized the Character of God. He was the first to instruct us to approach God as

"Our Father." (Mt. 6:9)

D. Relates to the People He Leads (v. 6)

-- Jesus related to the people He led by become a man. (John 1:14; Eph. 2:8)

E. Remembers to Ask God’s Blessing (vs. 8 - 11)

-- Jesus remembered to ask God’s blessings. (John 12:27)

III. Conclusion

We do not have to be "born" leaders or "made" leaders as long as we follow the "true" leader -- Jesus.