When a selfish or foolish person gains a place of leadership,
many suffer tragic results. It should be a self-evident truth. It is common
sense, isn’t it? I have lived long enough to see organizations flourish when
led by those who are willing to invest in long-term goals, when decisions are
made with integrity; and I have seen organizations go to chaos and failure when
bad choices pile up, one after another. Proverbs says "When good people run things, everyone is
glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans. " (Proverbs 29:2,
The Message)
My reading Exodus today took me to the familiar story of the
Israelites crossing of the Red Sea. (14) Most of the time we read it for the obvious
lesson about trusting God in impossible situations, waiting for Him to open a
way forward for us when we are caught between the devil and the sea! And, that
is certainly a powerful truth in that chapter. But, today I saw the plight of
the Egyptian army that ended up dead because of the folly of the Pharaoh.
Moses responded to God’s instructions and, when he exercised
faith, the Red Sea parted. "So the
people of Israel walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on
each side!” After all that had happened, one might think
that Pharaoh would say to himself, “Enough. It’s time to go home.” But, he was foolish, in the grip of his
pride.
The story goes on to say, “Then the Egyptians—all of Pharaoh’s horses,
chariots, and charioteers—followed them across the bottom of the sea. But early
in the morning, the Lord looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of
fire and cloud, and he threw them into confusion. Their chariot wheels began to
come off, making their chariots impossible to drive.” The tragic result of that leader’s folly is
recorded thus- “The water roared back into its usual place,
and the Lord swept the terrified Egyptians into the surging currents. The
waters covered all the chariots and charioteers—the entire army of Pharaoh. Of
all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one
survived.” … And the Israelites could
see the bodies of the Egyptians washed up on the shore." (Exodus
14:22-31, NLT)
Here is a sobering question – how are you leading? Before you tell me you’re not a leader, think
again. Not all of us have an official position of leadership. All
of us are influencing others, all of the time. Are we pointing people in the direction of the
Lord, living in faith, with integrity? Are we selfless or selfish? Are we
consumed with protecting our own interest or promoting the well-being of others?
The standard is not perfection. Were that true none could
lead. God looks for a heart that leans into Him, that loves His ways, that is faithful.
When we fail, and we will, if we are godly we will not try to make ourselves look
good, we will authentically accept responsibility and work to turn it around for God’s glory.
Leadership in Christ’s kingdom is different. James and John,
in youthful enthusiasm, anticipating an earthly Kingdom, went to Jesus to look
for a position of authority and honor. His answer is the word from the Word today.
Think about it. Pray, with me, for a heart that is yielded to God so that we
will lead others to LIFE, not death. "So
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that in this world kings are
tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. But among you it
should be quite different. Whoever wants
to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be
first must be the slave of all. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be
served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”
(Mark 10:42-45, NLT)
_________
(Is He King of your life?)
Our God and firm
foundation
Our Rock the only
solid ground
The nations rise and
fall
Kingdoms once strong
now shaken
We trust forever in
Your name
The name of Jesus
We trust in the name
of Jesus
You are the only King
forever
Almighty God we lift
You higher
You are the only King
forever
Forevermore You are
victorious
Unmatched in all Your
wisdom
In love and justice
You will reign
And ev'ry knee will
bow
We bring our
expectations
Our hope is anchored
in Your name
The name of Jesus
Oh we trust the name
of Jesus
We lift our banner
high
We lift the name of
Jesus
From age to age You
reign
Your kingdom has no
end
Chris Brown | Mack Brock | Steven Furtick | Wade Joye
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Publishing LLC)
Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music
Publishing LLC)
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