The Reward of Greatness: What God Gives to His Faithful Servants

In a world that rewards ambition and accolades, God honors something very different—faithful service. The life of Nehemiah shows us that greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t about rising to fame but about rising to the challenge of faith. Through prayer, perseverance, and purpose, Nehemiah not only rebuilt a wall but also revived a nation. And God rewarded him—not with riches, but with greater opportunities to glorify His name.

Greatness Starts with Obedience

Jesus said, "Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:4). Striving to be great in God’s eyes means striving to be like Christ. Nehemiah began his journey as a humble cupbearer in a foreign court. But through consistent obedience and prayer, he became a vessel of restoration for God’s people.

What made Nehemiah great?

• A strong prayer life

• A willingness to act when God opened the door

• Perseverance through difficulty

• Sensitivity to the needs of others

• A focus on finishing what he started

Nehemiah didn’t measure success by how easy the task was, but by whether he remained faithful to God throughout it.

God’s Reward: Greater Kingdom Service

The reward for Nehemiah’s faithful service wasn’t retirement or rest—it was more responsibility. After building the wall, God gave him the work of rebuilding the people themselves. His mission expanded from bricks and mortar to hearts and souls.

God often works the same way today. Faithfulness in “small” things—such as prayer, personal conduct, and Bible study—leads to “larger” opportunities for influence, including leadership, teaching, or evangelism. As Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10).

Four Ways Nehemiah Restored the People

After the wall was completed, Nehemiah focused on reviving the spiritual health of God’s people. His restoration followed a four-step pattern that still applies today:

1. Restoring Order

Nehemiah reorganized society based on God’s plan. Families were returned to their ancestral cities. Priests were appointed. Resources were gathered. Chaos gave way to structure. (Nehemiah 7:4–5)

Today’s application: Helping people reorder their lives—through counseling, crisis support, and benevolence—is part of spiritual restoration.

2. Restoring Teaching

Ezra stood before the people and read the Law of God. The people listened attentively, wept in repentance, and began to understand God’s will. (Nehemiah 8:1–9)

Today’s application: Once stability is restored, people must be taught God’s Word. Without knowledge, revival is shallow. God’s Word brings lasting change.

3. Restoring Conduct

The people fasted, confessed sin, separated from worldly influences, and made public commitments to obedience. (Nehemiah 9:1–3)

Today’s application: True restoration includes a change in lifestyle. Pure conduct flows from a heart changed by God's truth.

4. Restoring Worship

With hearts renewed, the people dedicated the wall with joy, thanksgiving, and reverent worship. The Levites and priests purified themselves and led the people in praise. (Nehemiah 12:27–30)

Today’s application: Acceptable worship follows when lives are in order. God doesn’t want ritual—He wants devotion.

The Goal: Restore People to God

All Christian service should point to one goal: bringing people back into a right relationship with God. Whether we’re greeting guests, delivering meals, teaching, or leading worship, every act of service helps restore souls to their Creator.

• Restore order – Meet physical or emotional needs

• Teach God’s Word – Feed the soul with truth

• Encourage purity – Model and promote godly living

• Build fellowship – Help others become part of the church family

Nehemiah did not stop once the work was complete. After returning to the Persian court, he received word that the people had fallen back into old sins. He didn’t complain or quit—he returned and restored again. That’s the spirit of a true servant.

No Days Off

Great servants of God understand there’s no spiritual retirement. As long as there is a soul to save, a saint to strengthen, or a sinner to reach, there’s work to do. Nehemiah reminds us that greatness in God’s eyes is not defined by a single act, but by a life of continued faithfulness—even when others grow weary.

So, what is the reward of greatness? More chances to serve. More opportunities to glorify God. More joy in seeing others walk in truth.

Let’s be like Nehemiah—faithful in the little, so that God can trust us with much.