Good morning. Here is our end of year news with a teaching at the end. Hope you enjoy it. Mount of Olives Mission Moriel Missions SA PO BOX 793 Swellendam 6740, Western Cape, South Africa Email: moriel.david@gmail Cell: 0823739297 Web site morielmissions.org.za/ Facebook: https://facebook/MorielMissions End of year 2014 News Dear Friends and Family What an eventful year that finishes with yet more changes. In fact I will begin with an important change that affects the running of Moriel here in South Africa. From January 2015 I will not be the administrator for Moriel SA. That task will be in the capable hands of David Nathan who’s church ‘Bread of Life’ is situated near OT airport in Gauteng. The reason for this stems from my son Chris leaving South Africa. Chris was my techy and right hand man who took responsibility for DVD replication and posting orders and sending out invoices etc. He was also valuable helping organise Jacobs visits. Obviously this has left a huge gap to be filled and I am pleased to say this will be filled by David Nathan. David can be contacted for books, DVDs and things concerning Jacobs visits on the following. Email [email protected] Cell: 0844706995 I will be at the above contact details for anything regarding Ebyown, Mission, my own speaking engagements and Mission school. David will I expect be contacting you outlining his own involvement. I would like to thank those who have assisted me over the years and pray that you can encourage our brother as he takes on the task ahead. Ebyown We are looking forward to the visit this week of Tom Mousely who visits us from Tongham Free Church in the UK. I have known Tom during my visits to Tongham and he a lovely young man who loves the Lord. Tom will team up with Abre and Jo to take on some of the building projects. He will be leaving us in late January. Paulina has taken delivery of her new wheelchair. She is so pleased with it and has been racing around the house. Thank you for donating and giving her some decent wheels. We also took delivery of a new generator. The old one just fell apart but it had been a good servant since we moved onto the farm. Again thank you for your gift of money to purchase it. Joanne and Dave Drinkwater visited for three weeks and joined in with life at the mission. It was a little bit of a shock I think with the basic toilets and having to watch electricity, water and internet all the time but I think it was also great fun for them and we miss them very much. Some of the childrens health issues have been a bit up and down and we seemed to spend a good deal of time at the DRs with one thing or another. I was laid out with Bronchitus and had the misfortune of losing my right big toe nail for the second time this year. Good job I have neuropathy because it looked painful. Several other breakdown happened as well with the car needing new brakes and the tractor had a puncture, but God is good and provided for us. The children are involved with the run up to Christmas, making decorations and doing projects related to the celebration. Lyn has been busy using the season as a teaching theme and the children are really enjoying it. The children other training has continued during the year with N’tombi and her horse lessons, Prudence and her puddings and Jo being released to do farm work, although his passion for painting just grows. With this in mind we are sending him for half day art lessons from late January so that he can learn different techniques and find a style that suits him. THANK YOU for all your support during the year and for helping is put food on the table and sponsoring projects and equipment. We really do value your prayers and partnership as we move ahead into 2015. Please feel free to partner with us and remember with the favourable exchange rates a little in the UK can mean a lot hear. Every blessing for 2015 Itinerary I will be speaking in the UK for the four weekends of Feb 21-22, 28-1st March, March 7th and 8th and 14th and 15th. I will also be speaking in Australia and Maybe New Zealand in May If you would like me to share at your church then please email me. Contacts You can contact me directly or you may contact the following people. South Africa, David Royle moriel.david@gmail UK Joanne Drinkwater jo.drink@ntlworld USA David Lister morieldavid@yahoo Australia and New Zealand, Marg Godwin [email protected] SERVANT LEADERSHIP By David Royle Matthew 20 17 As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the way He said to them, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be [l]delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up.” 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to [m]Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him.21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She *said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.” 22 But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They *said to Him, “We are able.” 23 He *said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” 24 And hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His [n]life a ransom for many.” Before we look at our text I want to give a little background as to why I have chosen to bring the subject of servant leadership to the forefront of our minds. God has been speaking to me for a couple of years on this issue of leadership particularly in the body of Christ. It affects all of us in some way. We are called to lead but we are also in the process of being led. This may be leading your family, maybe a Sunday school class. It could be as a leader of a church or house cell. As believers I believe in the workplace too we need to lead, especially leading others to Christ. But leadership is in crisis. I came to this revelation when I asked myself “Am I being adequately led?” Also the corresponding question came to mind “Am I a competent leader of others?” To be frank I didn’t like the conclusions I was coming too, not only in my own personal situation but also what I saw being promoted within the body of Christ. A cursory glance at the book shelves will tell you what the world thinks of leadership styles. In the secular world we have a whole plethora of self improvement and management materials. • 7 keys to success type manuals. • How to release your potential in man management. • The three levels of leadership and how to develop your leadership presence, knowhow and skill. I am sure there are lots to learn from these books but then looking at ‘Christian resourses’ what do we see? • God is my CEO. • Finding your leadership style, a guide for ministers. • Leadership Excellence: The Seven Sides of Leadership for the 21st Century. Now don’t get me wrong there are some books I would recommend but they are more the exception rather than the rule and take second place to today’s popular writers and speakers on the book shop shelves. What is written and therefore what is often experienced within the body of Christ has more to do with corperate management rather that how the Body of Christ functions. Why is this? Could it be that the reason the body is often badly led is that “The people love it so?” That we actually love it this way? Maybe a cursory look at bad biblical examples of bad leadership will give us an indicator as to what has gone so dreadfully wrong”. We will focus primarily of Jeremiah: Jeremiah 5 23 ‘But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; They have turned aside and departed. 24 ‘They do not say in their heart, “Let us now fear the LORD our God, Who gives rain in its season, Both the autumn rain and the spring rain, Who keeps for us The appointed weeks of the harvest.” 25 ‘Your iniquities have turned these away, And your sins have withheld good from you. 26 ‘For wicked men are found among My people, They watch like fowlers [h]lying in wait; They set a trap, They catch men. 27 ‘Like a cage full of birds, So their houses are full of deceit; Therefore they have become great and rich. 28 ‘They are fat, they are sleek, They also [i]excel in deeds of wickedness; They do not plead the cause, The cause of the [j]orphan, that they may prosper; And they do not [k]defend the rights of the poor. 29 ‘Shall I not punish [l]these people?’ declares the LORD, ‘On a nation such as this Shall I not avenge Myself?’ 30 “An appalling and horrible thing Has happened in the land: 31 The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule [m]on their own authority; And My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it? You see whenever Israel suffered under the hands of bad leaders it was as a punishment from God, as was this case. They never honoured God, they never thanked him, they didn’t fear the Lord anymore, the people had abdicated their responsibility as His chosen nation, they abdicated it to False prophets and heavy shepherds after becoming fat and sleek and in the midst of this they neglected the orphan and the poor. To this God says shall I not punish these people? Shall I not avenge myself? And so they were handed over, to be lied too, to be oppressed by heavy clergy. When you turn away from God who’s heart is Holy and pure and infinitely graceful you voluntarily hand yourself over to man who’s heart is described as follows in Jeremiah 17:9 9 “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? 10 “I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the [a]mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the [b]results of his deeds. Is this what we see today? We not only get the leadership we deserve but sometimes we get the leadership we ask for. Beware abdicating from our responsibilities of worship and service to God in Spirit and truth and seek Him for who He is. In the early church in 2Peter2 he warns us of what will happen. 2 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.2 Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. You see when unbiblical patterns are deferred too, the fruit can be so rotten. People become commodities. Things, merchandise, objects to be exploited and used for personal gain. When the church becomes a corporation instead of a living body, when a shepherd becomes a CEO rather than a godly leader we become so much less than what God intended. But in our celebrity, Guru inspired, purpose driven church the people love it so. After all isn’t it easier for the pew warmer to just attend, pay his contribution and hand over all the thinking and the doing and the fellowshipping to a few able and willing people? Be careful what you ask for. We have here both an eschatological issue and a missiological issue. We see the missiological issue all around us in Africa, I call it the Induna mindset. Where a street wise, badly educated individual with no chance of a secular career decides to become a pastor because it elevates his status in the community. Central African countries are full of them. We ran a conference in Tanzania, did some bible training. The 30 or so ‘pastors; asked if they could make reports from their churches. What came next was a shopping list of needs ranging from salaries to 4x4 vehicles. Musical instruments, church buildings and land were on wish lists. We listened. I know it can be hard in rural Africa. The meeting was at a school, we were presenting education certificates to young ladies from 11-17 years old. It was a pleasure. The children asked could they bring their needs. I immediately thought, books, paper maybe a computer. We said what’s your number one need? A brave young lady stood up. “Please sir, can you do anything about us getting raped on the way to school?” The ‘leaders’ focus was on the building up of personal empires but the basic fact was their focus was on the exploitation of vulnerable orphans and widow. They were the pastors income and pension plan. I have seen it, orphans exploited for prostitution, people walking 20kms to church while one ‘pastor’ had a new car and a 4x4 while his congregation often went hungry. On top of the food chain, on top of the pyramid, master of all, served by all. Its common, a man who is only qualified to herd goats is now an Induna. But where do they get it from? Sometimes from their own culture where rank and privilidge are needed to give you a voice, but more often than not from the example they see from the West. What does God say in these cases? Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? Ezekiel 13:3 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! Jeremiah 10:21 The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the LORD; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered. Jeremiah 12:10 Many shepherds will ruin my vineyard and trample down my field; they will turn my pleasant field into a desolate wasteland. So why is this an Eschatological issue too? Matthew 24:1 Jesus came out from the temple and was going away [a]when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. 2 And He said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.” 3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the [b]end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the [c]Christ,’ and will mislead many. 6 You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8 But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. 9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 At that time many will [d]fall away and will [e]betray one another and hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 12 Because lawlessness is increased, [f]most people’s love will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. 14 This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole [g]world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. The key points regarding the end time church are • Presenting a false Chris • They will mislead many • A falling away because of these things • Betraying one another • Hating one another • False prophets rising and misleading • Lawlessness • Love gone cold Eschatologically the lack of sound biblical Church leadership will open the gates to such a falling away, the sheep will be scattered. The evidence is all around us, when leaders do not look forward to the Rapture of the saints, the ‘followers’ who have abdicated their thinking and responsibility to be Bereans themselves to these hirelings will themselves lose their hope of His coming for His people But thats enough of that for the moment. We all know in our hearts that Church leadership starting with ourselves, is far from ideal but the question is; in our ministry, in our part of this community that is the body of Christ. In my home and family how must I lead and how do I want to be led? I am not going to take out a 7 steps manual or a motivational DVD, but straight from the word of God, the Bread of Life itself that proceeds from the mouth of God. What does He say to us? Lets turn back to our passage and reread 17 As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the way He said to them, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be [l]delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up.” 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to [m]Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him.21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She *said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.” 22 But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They *said to Him, “We are able.” 23 He *said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” 24 And hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His [n]life a ransom for many.” First of all, notice the complete context. It begins with Jesus describing how He Himself will be Delivered, Condemned, Mocked, Scourged, Crucified! Before being raised up to Life once again after three days. What is it we are seeing here? The prediction of his sacrifice, ahead of time Jesus is telling them what He must suffer to accomplish his goal of taking the punishment for our sins upon himself fully satisfying Gods justice that should have been given to us, And what was the response He got for the disclosure of this revelation? Ambition and more ambition. Firstly the ambition of a parent “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.” Now don’t get me wrong, I think every parent wants the best for their kids, thats natural if you love them, but that drive, that ambition should always play second to what God the Father wants for your kids. But I think something deeper was happening here with the request. James and John we know. We know of their father Zebedee, but who was their mum? Who was asking for this favour? And not a small favour, they thought the Kingdom would be an Earthly one and to sit at the places next to the King was a place of authority and power and Great importance. Indications I believe, tell us that James and John were the cousins of Jesus and that this was their mum Salome. We find this is the following verses in three different gospels describing what happened at the cross and who the women where that were looking on. Matthew 27:55-56 55 Many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while [a]ministering to Him.56 Among them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. Mark 15:40 40 There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of[a]James the [b]Less and Joses, and Salome. John 19:25 25 Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. So if the Gospels are correct, what we are seeing here is Jesus sister, the mother of James and John, doing some family positioning before the Messiah takes up the throne for His earthly Kingdom. In other words; Nepotism. Nepotism is endemic to the human condition and is seen far and wide within African culture. Researching the problem I found this quote on the South African Institute for security studies website by Johan Burger The word nepotism comes from the Latin word “nephos” which literally means “nephew” and emerged in the Middle Ages when some popes and bishops in the Catholic Church, who, because of their vows, had no children of their own, gave their nephews preferential treatment when appointments were made to the cardinalate. Because of this abuse and the resulting unfair treatment of candidates more deserving of appointment, the Catholic Church formally abolished this practice towards the end of the 17th century. Like nepotism, favouritism refers to individuals being appointed to positions as a result of their personal relationships with those who are able to influence the appointment, rather than considerations of merit. We see it all around us, I took a tour of Robin Island a couple of years ago, listened the the former inmate talk about a guy who used to smuggle Mandelas transcripts out to be published. He Jokeingly said that as a reward he was made Minister of Transport because he could make things move. Its easy to point the finger, people often joke about it, buts its a serious problem world wide and especially within African culture and to be frank we see it in the body of Christ. Ministries shared by family members, the wife becomes a pastor, the son becomes pastor in charge of worship ministry, Granny becomes spiritual councellor, the only family member without a job is the pet dog but their working on that. Nepotism, Lord let my two sons sit on your left and on your right. No wonder the other disciples were ticked off. But then it goes deeper, we have personal ambition, looking at our passage where Jesus turns to James and John. But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They *said to Him, “We are able.” Again there is nothing wrong with someone who have great drive, great vision but when ambition is fixed on your own Ego and is concerned with meeting your own ends then things can go drastically wrong. We see it world wide, men who would push themselves and others to achieve their own ambitious goals and Jesus points this out to the disciples, he says “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It is not this way among you Think about this for a moment. Its worldly and yet how many of us observe and have seen this in the body of Christ? The famous pyramid system with the senior pastor on the top, being served by others to attain his goals and objectives. Dispensing orders and edicts like some kind of Pope. Unfortunately we see this all over the world especially here in Africa with Apostles and Prophets and Bishops and somewhere at the bottom are the people that Jesus identified with the “Hamar Haratz” the people of the land, carrying the burden of what is laughingly called a ministry. But Jesus said “26 It is not this way among you” No Nepotism, no personal ambition. So what did Jesus say? but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His [n]life a ransom for many.” Paul says to Timothy in his first letter chapter 3:1 “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of [a]overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.” In other words the call of leading is a Noble one, there is nothing wrong with the desire, but as with Jesus there is always a cup to drink, it will cost. Leadership is personally expensive, Jesus says two things, you shall be a servant and be a slave. The Greek word for servant is Diakonos, where the term Deacon comes from, the King James has it as Minister, however its meaning literally is one who kicks up dust while running errands. It can mean a waiter at tables, it has the meaning of one who does menial things. Now compare this with the Nepotism and the selfish ambition that Jesus was having to correct. The Greek word for Slave here is Doulos, it carried the idea of being a servant who had willfully chosen to be bound to his master. At this time slavery was common. Being ruled by Rome whose whole commerce depended on a steady flow of slave labor it was obvious there were catagories of slaves. Those who because of war or who were debt ridden were forced into servitude and then there were bond servants who often could go free but instead chose to stay with a master and family they loved voluntarily. When Paul wrote to Timothy he was communicating that being a leader was a Noble thing but that Noble calling would Cost. What would the cost be? 2 [b]An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,3 not addicted to wine [c]or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation [d]incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. In other words, my wants, my needs, my desires, my ambitions, my life will take second place to being a servant. That this must be done willingly, voluntarily as a Bond servant. And Jesus uses Himself as the Prime example of what it means to be a servant. He says 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His [n]life a ransom for many.” Before we look further, Jesus had nothing to do with Nepotism or selfish ambition. If he was ambitious who was he ambitious for? We see this later in Matthew 26 36 Then Jesus *came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and *said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” 39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40 And He *came to the disciples and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter,“So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Who was Jesus serving? His Father in Heaven. If He is our example who must we serve? Him! And through Him one another. Jesus was not about issuing edicts and memos, the Kingdom of God was demonstrated in His life. We see this in Johns Gospel Chapter 13 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, 4 *got up from supper, and *laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. 5 Then He *poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 So He *came to Simon Peter. He *said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him,“What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” 8 Peter *said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter *said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 Jesus *said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord; and [b]you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. Talk about doing the menial task, to strip down and wash the feet of His own disciples, setting an example that they and we should follow. Man this was RADICAL and I tell you the truth it is still RADICAL today. The Apostle Paul hits the nail right on the head when he writes his letter to the Philippians. Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any [a]affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete [b]by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing [c]from [d]selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude [e]in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be [f]grasped, 7 but [g]emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant,and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death [h]on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Lets just pause for thought for one moment and I just want us to make a simple comparison. A comparison between what the world says leadership is and what Scripture says leadership is. After all we are all Bible believing Christians are we not? The world says and because the world has got into the Church • Leadership is about developing you • Leadership means desiring position • Leadership is about using your recourses • Leadership is about ruling with authority • Leadership is about obtaining your goals, achieving your vision • Leadership is about being Lord Scripture says if you desire to lead • Be a servant • Be a slave • Be obedient to Gods will • Empty yourself • Serve one another • Demonstrate God Kingdom through Gods love • Abdicate all personal ambition and exchange it for His ambitions Its a hard comparison because it may mean changing our thinking but even harder is the application on many different levels • As a husband and a Father, as a wife and Mother. We are all called to speak into lives of our families. • As someone involved in ministry, be it helps or technical stuff, looking after the children. How are you leading those under your responsibility and if you have someone you are responsible to, how are you being led? • How about those who have been given a title? Elder. Pastor. Director of missions. How are we leading? What example are we setting? Who do you look too for leadership? I will not presume and so will only speak of what I know and experience, but I have been on my own for such a long time I long to be led in a godly way and so without many earthly fathers in the faith, I must focus strongly on Christ’s example. Jesus said “but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His [n]life a ransom for many.” We all carry one set of baggage or another. We all have a desire to be set free from sin and know forgiveness. There is something in everyone that desires to leave this life having security in knowing that they will spend eternity in Heaven. Well that was His ambition. That was why He came to serve. To give His life as a ransom, not just for many. But for YOU! He didn’t come as He could with legions of Angels. He didn’t come and live in a great Palace with hundreds of servants. No that is what the world wanted. He came to serve, firstly His father because this was His will and Jesus was obedient even to death upon a cross. But secondly as the Ransom that pays for our sin. He came for us.
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 09:01:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015