The Character of Greatness: Lessons from Nehemiah

In our world, greatness is often defined by fame, fortune, and accomplishment. But when we open the pages of Scripture, we see a very different standard. The kingdom of God honors not the rich and powerful, but the obedient, the humble, and the faithful. One such example is the Old Testament figure Nehemiah—a man who was neither a king, prophet, nor warrior, but a humble cupbearer whose greatness was forged through quiet faith and unwavering prayer.

Greatness in God’s Kingdom

While society exalts those who gain recognition, God honors those who walk in His ways. The difference in criteria is striking. Earthly greatness depends on what you accomplish for yourself. Spiritual greatness flows from what you allow God to accomplish through you. Nehemiah exemplifies this kingdom principle.

Nehemiah was not a general, a prophet, or a priest. He was a servant—a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. His official role included safeguarding the king from food poisoning and offering counsel, but in the eyes of men, he was still a slave. Yet in the eyes of God, Nehemiah was a giant.

A Man of Prayer in a Time of Crisis

When Nehemiah learned of the desolate state of Jerusalem, his heart broke. The people were vulnerable. The temple had been rebuilt, but the city walls lay in ruins. It would have been easy for Nehemiah to dismiss the news as someone else’s problem—but he didn’t. He wept. He fasted. He prayed.

His prayer reveals the character of his greatness:

• Sincerity – Nehemiah’s heart was burdened. He mourned for days, not for personal loss, but for the suffering of his people and the dishonor to God's name.

• Reverence – Despite his grief, Nehemiah approached God with deep respect. His emotions never overpowered his awe for the Almighty.

• Honesty – He did not shift blame. He confessed the sins of his people—including his own family. He saw clearly that the suffering they endured was the result of their disobedience.

• Faith – Nehemiah believed God's promises. He referenced God’s covenant with Israel—that He would restore His people if they turned back to Him (cf. Deuteronomy 30:1–3).

Waiting on God’s Timing

Nehemiah prayed in the month of Chislev (Nov–Dec), but the king did not question him until Nisan (Mar–Apr)—four months later. That’s a long time to wait while your people suffer. But Nehemiah was patient. He trusted God to open the door.

When the moment came, Nehemiah didn’t rush in with a personal agenda. He prayed again—this time silently, in the presence of the king—and then made his request. The result? The king granted everything he needed: safe passage, materials, and full royal support.

God moved the heart of the most powerful man in the world in response to the prayer of a humble servant.

The True Measure of Greatness

Nehemiah’s success did not stem from charisma, strategy, or might. It came from a life aligned with God’s will. He was obedient, serving without seeking praise; he was humble, and he was prayerful. These are the qualities that define spiritual greatness.

As Jesus taught, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister” (Matthew 20:26). Greatness in God’s kingdom is not about being served—it’s about being faithful.

What About Us?

Like Nehemiah, we face situations that are bigger than us—challenges that seem beyond our ability to fix. However, the God of Nehemiah remains God today. He still hears the sincere prayers of His people. And He still moves in powerful ways.

If we want to be great in God’s eyes, we must:

• Obey His Word,

• Serve His kingdom,

• Humble ourselves,

• And pray with sincerity and faith.

"Greater than we could ever accomplish or even imagine on our own"—that’s what God can do through us when we give Him our hearts, our prayers, and our lives.