Got Passion?

I am spending this beautiful, sunshiny day with my nose in the Bible. I really desire nothing else. There are many activities going on everywhere but I have little interest in any of them. Life gets busy but this weekend my wife and I intentionally chose to relax. We will go to church tomorrow and then visit our grandson and his parents, but that is it for this 3 day weekend. How refreshing and much needed.

I am reading and studying the book of Nehemiah. I love the book and I can so identify with the man. Apart from Jesus he may have inspired and taught me more than any other man in the Bible. I relate to him so easily. I believe he might be misunderstood in many ways (pretty sure I am too) and I believe some of his strengths and weaknesses are similar to some of mine. (I say that in true humility)

Nehemiah had a rough edge. He was obviously a very passionate, upfront kind of guy who liked to do it more so than to be it. He was most happy when he was focusing all his energy into a project. When people are very focused and very passionate and leading a charge they are often found scary or intimidating. Especially when their zeal or passion leads them to speak or act in a way that is excessively bold. I believe a man of any other way would not have been able to accomplish the task that God had set in Nehemiah's heart. What many see as a flaw I see as a strength. I like bold leaders. No soft mamsy-pamsy stuff! Passion is what drove Jesus to the cross for me. Therefore, I am driven by my passion for what he did for me. In chapter 13 verses 21 and 25, Nehemiah's passion turns to anger, but I believe it to be righteous anger. When Nehemiah says he will lay hands on you he wasn't talking about praying! He is full of passion for one thing. He only sees one thing, he is swallowed up in one thing, he cares for one thing, he lives for one thing and that one thing is to please God. It doesn't matter if he lives or dies- if he has health or sickness- if he is rich or he is poor- if he pleases men or offends them- if he is thought wise or foolish- if he gets honor or shame- for all that he doesn't care. He burns for one thing and that is to please God and to further his glory. I now prepare to set myself on fire so others can watch me burn with that same fire that consumed Nehemiah.

I will gladly follow men like Nehemiah or Gregory Peck. This is my kind of leadership. God's church could use a few good men like this I believe.