Law 13 of the 48 Laws of Power states: "When asking for help, appeal to people’s self-interest, never to their mercy or gratitude." It suggests that when seeking support, it is more effective to align your request with the other person's desires or benefit rather than appealing to their emotions or moral obligations.
In the Bible, Nehemiah best represents this principle in action. Here’s why:
Nehemiah’s Appeal to King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:1-8)
Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes and wanted to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He knew that to gain the king’s support, he needed to approach him strategically.
Strategic Timing: Nehemiah waited for the right moment to present his case, ensuring the king was in a favorable mood (Nehemiah 2:1-2). This reflects the importance of preparation and timing when making an appeal.
Appeal to Self-Interest: Nehemiah made the request by presenting it in a way that aligned with the king’s political interests. Rebuilding Jerusalem would stabilize the region under the king's rule and protect his empire's borders. Nehemiah didn’t beg for mercy; instead, he framed the project as mutually beneficial.
Use of Respect and Flattery: Nehemiah honored the king by addressing him with respect and acknowledging his authority. This approach catered to the king’s ego and sense of importance (Nehemiah 2:3).
Providing Clear Solutions: Nehemiah didn’t just present a problem; he brought solutions. He asked for specific resources—letters for safe passage and timber from the royal forest—and assured the king of his ability to execute the plan (Nehemiah 2:7-8).
Why Nehemiah Exemplifies Law 13
Nehemiah’s success lay in his ability to present his request in a way that appealed to King Artaxerxes’ self-interest, demonstrating how his plan would benefit the king’s kingdom and legacy. By doing this, he avoided relying on pity or goodwill and instead secured the king’s full support.
Other Examples in the Bible
Joseph (Genesis 41): Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and proposed a plan to save Egypt from famine, emphasizing how this would solidify Pharaoh's power and prevent disaster. His appeal to Pharaoh’s self-interest led to his rise to prominence.
Esther (Esther 7): Esther carefully appealed to King Xerxes' self-interest by framing her request to save her people as a threat to the king’s own safety and reign. She revealed that Haman’s plot endangered her life, which would also affect the king personally.
These biblical figures demonstrate how aligning requests with others' self-interest often leads to success.
Sermon Title: "The Power of Strategic Influence: Building God’s Kingdom with Wisdom"
Introduction: The Parable of the Wise Merchant
There once was a merchant who wanted to trade in a distant city known for its riches and opportunities. To make the journey, he needed the support of a powerful lord whose lands lay between him and his destination. Instead of begging for passage or appealing to mercy, the merchant approached the lord with a strategic offer. He promised a share of the profits from his trade, ensuring that the lord would benefit from his success. The lord, seeing the value of the merchant’s plan, provided protection, resources, and even sent escorts to ensure the merchant’s safe journey.
This parable illustrates the principle of appealing to self-interest rather than relying on mercy or gratitude. In the kingdom of God, we are called to act with wisdom and strategy—not to manipulate, but to align our work with the mission and interests of those in authority. Today, we’ll look at the life of Nehemiah and how his strategic influence allowed him to fulfill God’s purpose in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls.
Main Text: Nehemiah 2:1-8 (KJV)
"And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.""Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,""And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?""Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.""And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.""And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.""Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;""And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me."
Point 1: Nehemiah’s Strategic Wisdom and God’s Favor
Nehemiah, as a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, held a position of trust but not one of power. When he saw the devastation of Jerusalem, his heart was burdened to act. Yet, Nehemiah didn’t rush to the king with tears or pleas. Instead, he approached the situation with strategic wisdom, showing us that God often uses our intelligence and planning to accomplish His will.
When Nehemiah presented his request, he appealed to the king’s interests. Rebuilding Jerusalem wasn’t just about restoring his homeland; it was a strategic move to stabilize a region within the king’s empire. By presenting a solution rather than a problem, Nehemiah demonstrated respect for the king’s authority and positioned his request as mutually beneficial.
Cross-Reference: Proverbs 3:3-4 (KJV)
"Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man."
Nehemiah’s success wasn’t just due to his planning—it was rooted in God’s favor. Proverbs teaches us that when we walk in mercy and truth, we gain favor with both God and man. Nehemiah lived this out by showing integrity, humility, and wisdom, which earned the king’s trust and God’s blessing.
Point 2: The Power of Clear Vision and Bold Faith
Nehemiah didn’t simply ask for permission to return to Jerusalem; he had a clear vision of what was needed. He requested letters for safe passage and timber for construction, demonstrating both faith in God and confidence in his mission.
This teaches us that faith and preparation go hand in hand. Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven (Nehemiah 2:4), but he also prepared a practical plan. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26), and Nehemiah’s story reminds us that God often works through the plans we lay before Him in prayer.
Cross-Reference: Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV)
"And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it."
God honors clarity of vision. Nehemiah’s detailed request shows us the importance of making our plans plain—not only for ourselves but also for those who partner with us in God’s work. Habakkuk’s instruction to write the vision aligns with Nehemiah’s approach: clarity inspires action.
Point 3: Aligning Earthly Authority with Heavenly Purpose
Nehemiah’s appeal to the king wasn’t manipulative; it was aligned with God’s divine purpose. By presenting his request in a way that resonated with the king’s interests, Nehemiah secured the resources necessary to rebuild Jerusalem. This demonstrates that God can use earthly authority to accomplish heavenly purposes when we act with wisdom and integrity.
Cross-Reference: Romans 13:1 (KJV)
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
Nehemiah’s story illustrates this truth. Though Artaxerxes was a pagan king, God used him to further His divine plan. When we submit to earthly authority with respect and wisdom, God can move through those in power to accomplish His will.
Conclusion: Christ, the Ultimate Example of Strategic Influence
Nehemiah’s story points us to Christ, who embodies the ultimate example of strategic influence. When Jesus came to earth, He didn’t impose His will through force or manipulation. Instead, He aligned His mission with the will of the Father and appealed to the hearts of humanity by offering them what they needed most: salvation.
In John 6:38 (KJV), Jesus said:
"For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."
Like Nehemiah, Jesus approached His mission with clarity, purpose, and strategic wisdom. He worked within the systems of His time, engaging with both the lowly and the powerful, always aligning His actions with the Father’s will. At the cross, Christ appealed to humanity’s greatest need—reconciliation with God—offering Himself as the ultimate solution.
Just as Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, Christ rebuilds the broken walls of our lives. His life, death, and resurrection show us that God’s work is accomplished not through manipulation, but through wisdom, humility, and alignment with His divine purpose.
Let us, like Nehemiah, approach the tasks God has placed before us with faith, wisdom, and a clear vision, knowing that His favor will guide us to success.
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