The first rule of leadership, according to Max De Pree, is to describe reality. “You see the trouble we are in.” Nehemiah does just that. He addresses the Jews, priests, nobles, and officials in Jerusalem in 444 B.C.  The capital city of Israel was in ruin and the people of God in disgrace. God had used the Babylonians as his hammer of judgment on Jerusalem in 587 B.C. Though some exiled Jews had returned 70 years later to rebuild the temple, and their circumstances looked good, the people refused to turn away from the very sins God had judged their fathers for in the days of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel.

The second rule of leadership is vision. “Come let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.” Nehemiah’s vision began as a concern. When he had originally heard of this disgrace, he “sat down and wept…mourned and fasted and prayed” (Nehemiah 1:4). Notice that his concern did not necessarily require immediate action. He chose to wait. He knew God’s vision in his heart needed to mature. He knew the leaders had to mature in their preparation for God’s vision. He knew God was at work behind the scenes preparing the way. He had experienced the “gracious hand of my God.”

Cape Town is the oldest and second largest city in South Africa. While it is the economic hub of the region and boasts of its remarkable scenic spots like Table Mountain and Clifton Beach, the reality for many is challenging. The electricity grid has been mismanaged for years: critical infrastructure repairs have not occurred and rolling blackouts for 2-6 hours a day are common. The government’s primary power provider, Eskom, has failed to supply dependable electricity to the city. Another reality is crime. Cape Town is the murder capital of the country. Some estimate that 100,000 people belong to over 100 gangs. The prison system is overcrowded and ill-equipped.

The “good work” Nehemiah inspired his generation to is similar to the “good work” of many Christians in Cape Town today. We can thank God for South African believers as well as missionaries from churches like Park Street engaged in “good works.” Alberto and Joanna Parada and Andrew and Anne May are inspiring examples of those who have responded to the realities of Cape Town through ministries to prisoners and low-income families. Like Nehemiah, they have described reality, seen a vision, and are actively involved in rebuilding lives in ruin.