Devotional
Guide
Following: the School for Leadership
Luke
7:8 - 9
Monday
February 6
Numbers 27:19 -20; 1 Kings 19:19 - 21
The Bible contains many examples of leaders who were first
of all good followers. Some of these were trained in an intentional
apprenticeship.
Joshua followed faithfully at Moses' side from the time of
the Exodus and throughout the entire wilderness experience, until he was
officially ordained in a public ceremony as Moses' successor. Consequently there was an orderly leadership
transition when Moses died; the people enthusiastically accepted Joshua's
leadership.
Think
About It: Elisha served as an apprentice to Elijah. What was the
significance of Elijah casting his mantle upon Elisha? How did this help Elijah
in his prophetic ministry? How have I experienced intentional apprenticeship,
either as a follower or a leader? How has it helped me?
Prayer:
Thank God for leaders who prepare successors to assume their responsibilities.
Tuesday
February 7
Genesis 39:22; Exodus 2:16 - 3:7
Some Leaders were trained by following in humble
circumstances.
Joseph became second in command of all Egypt but first served
as a slave and prisoner. He did not despise his increasingly humble status, but
served diligently where God put him.
Think
About It: Consider the story of Moses, who went from being a ruler in
the palace to following the flocks of his father-in-law in the wilderness. What
did Moses learn during his forty years of service to Jethro? Who did Moses meet
in the wilderness? Am I willing to serve where the Lord puts me? Am I willing
to be a follower in humble circumstances?
Prayer:
Lord, help to "bloom where I am planted."
Wednesday
February 8
1 Samuel 20:30 - 33; 24:6; 2 Samuel 5:1 - 3
Some leaders were trained by having to follow extremely
adverse leadership. David - Israel's greatest king - faithfully served Saul,
even though Saul kept trying to kill him.
David acknowledged God-ordained authority even though Saul was in the
wrong. David left it in God's hands to remove Saul.
Think
About It: What was the ultimate result of David's attitude towards
Saul (2 Samuel 5:1 - 3)? What might have happened had David taken Saul's life
instead of waiting for God to take Saul?
What lessons did David learn about leadership from serving and following
Saul? Am I willing to learn from bad as well as from good circumstances?
Prayer: For the grace and wisdom to see the benefits
even in very adverse circumstances.
Thursday
February 9
2 Samuel 12:1 - 13; 2 Chronicles 36:12
Great leaders not only exercised authority, they continued
to be followers through their submission to God-ordained authority. David exemplified
this by submitting to the truth proclaimed by the prophet Nathan. Many later
kings failed to follow the Lord's direction as proclaimed by the prophets.
Think
About It: What was the immediate result of David's submission to the
authority of God's word through Nathan?
What was the result of other kings' failure to follow God's word as
given in the Law and by the prophets? Am I following the direction of
God-ordained authority?
Prayer:
That I be found faithful in my submission to the authority of God's Word and to
God-ordained authority.
Friday
February 10
1 Corinthians 5:3 - 5; Acts 14:24 - 27; 15:4; 21:23, 26
Paul, who boldly exercised spiritual authority, nevertheless
followed God-ordained authority. He reported to the elders in Antioch and
Jerusalem. He submitted to the authority of the elders of the Jerusalem church
(Acts 21:23, 26), though doing so involved great risk and led to his arrest and
long imprisonment.
Think
About It: What was the source of Paul's authority (Galatians 1:1)? In
light of that, why was it important for Paul to report to the church in Antioch
and Jerusalem? What authorities am I obligated to follow? Am I discharging my
obligations to those authorities?
Prayer: For a submissive spirit.
Saturday
February 11
Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22
Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to whom all power
and authority is given in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 1:22). His
authority is supreme, yet even Jesus followed leadership and submitted to
God-ordained authority.
Think
About It: What God-ordained authorities did Jesus follow and submit to
in each of the following passages: 1) Luke 2:51; 2) Matthew 17:24 - 27; 3)
Matthew 22:17 - 31; 4) Matthew 4:1; 5)
John 12:49. How does all this apply to me?
Prayer:
That, strengthened by
the Holy Spirit, I might follow Jesus example in being a follower of
God-ordained authority.
Sunday
February 12
Luke 7:1 - 10
The Centurion defined his authority in terms of his place in
the chain-of-command, and was commended by Jesus for his faith. The centurion
understood that he was under authority; those who served him recognized that
when he ordered them to come and go, he also was obligated to a higher
authority to see they performed their tasks.
His orders carried the authority of Caesar; he recognized in Jesus one
whose orders carried the authority of His Heavenly Father.
Think
About It: Jesus defined knowing your place in the chain-of-command as
an issue of faith. What must I believe in order to submit to authority
(Proverbs 21:1)? Why is Sarah a powerful
example of this kind of faith and submission (1 Peter 3:5 - 6)? Do I believe
that God can protect me from the misfeasance, malfeasance, and nonfeasance of those
whom I am obligated to follow?
Prayer:
Lord strengthen my faith in You; protect me as I follow the leadership You have
ordained for me.