illinijag
Called to Serve
A good leader pursues wisdom and accommodates the needs of those who follow. He leads not to a selfish end nor to the desires of those to whom he has been given charge; he leads to the will of a perfect God. Only true wisdom, which is God, can assure success of both journey and destination; and only to a leader, who will lead according to His will.
Proverbs 4:11-12.
* I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
* When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
It is often said “a good leader is hard to find†such prophecy is self-fulfilling when little efforts, by finders, are placed on the critical criteria required to meet the task. Most give way to outward presentation and/or the desire to fill a position, which is often to the detriment of those whom are asked to follow. To be derelict in this duty is to put much at risk with unknown consequences to pay. To be derelict in selecting qualified Church leaders would put at risk that which Jesus had to pay.
Although, no human selection made by humans offers a guarantee of success, it is wise to used Biblical principles:
Acts 6:3. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
1 Timothy 5:22. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
Without Biblical principles, we begin to build on a bad foundation, assuring that the outcome is at risk.
This week's lesson is again from the book of Joshua. For those who follow the International Sunday School Lesson Plan (aka: The Standard Sunday School Lesson), this Sunday's lesson (January 18, 2009) comes from Joshua 3:1-13.
Joshua, having been one of the two-of-twelve spies who faithfully believed in the power of God (Numbers 13 & 14) and a faithful follower of Moses, had come into his own leadership position. Following one that may have been the greatest human leader, Joshua had big shoes to fill. However, Joshua knew that neither his shoes nor those of Moses had any power; therefore his statue among men would be determined by the power of God.
Psalms 56:4. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
This lesson began on the east side of the Jordan River as the Nation of Israel are poised to take possession of that which was promised; for the time has now come, where that which was once hope, is now to be realized.
Joshua and his people rose early in the morning to journey from Shittim to the Jordan River. That which is important is better done now than later, at dawn rather than at dust, and early before there is noon; for often that which resides between now and later are obstacles that only delays required action.
After their Journey, the host was given instructions that contained less in details of direction and tactics, than whom and what they must follow. This trek would not lead by a cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21), but by the spiritual presence of God as residence of the Ark of the Covenant. Israel’s victory to obtain the land of promise would be won not by the sword, but by the almighty power of God. Israel’s responsibility would be to look to the Ark of the Covenant for guidance and to follow the Ark at a minimum distance. Such served both to give reverence to the holiness of God and to make sure the host lose not the sight of the Ark; so all would see that which to follow. None knew the path that would be taken and those who followed did only by Faith.
Proverbs 3:6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Joshua gives final instructions for all to sanctify themselves in preparation for what would happen tomorrow. When instructions are giving and obedience is maintained, good results will surely follow. Subsequent instructions by Joshua and the acts of God that followed solidified Joshua’s position as leader and afforded him the same respect formerly given to Moses. Although they walked after the movement of the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord their God, they did not have dual leadership; for when they were lead by Joshua, Joshua was being lead by God. When we lead or follow we must first determine in either, is such following the will of God.
1 Corinthians 11:1. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:3. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
When God leads and the faithful follows, all that he has promised are theirs to behold. Such faith was with the priest that carried the Ark of the Lord, who feet touched the waters of the Jordan and caused the water to stand still. Those small steps of faith open the gateway to Israel’s Promised Land; our faith in Christ as our Lord and Savior is our gateway to a prosperous life with Him in eternity.
If you are not a typical Sunday School attendee, Go and surprise the teacher. If your Church does not follow the Standard Sunday School Lesson and you are not aware of the topic of discussion, take on the attitude of "positive anticipation". I am sure you will like it; there is nothing like reading and discussing God's Word.
FYI: Sunday School is not just for Kids, it is also for the Humble (those who seek wisdom to lead or follow) at heart.
Good Day and God Bless
Proverbs 4:11-12.
* I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
* When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
It is often said “a good leader is hard to find†such prophecy is self-fulfilling when little efforts, by finders, are placed on the critical criteria required to meet the task. Most give way to outward presentation and/or the desire to fill a position, which is often to the detriment of those whom are asked to follow. To be derelict in this duty is to put much at risk with unknown consequences to pay. To be derelict in selecting qualified Church leaders would put at risk that which Jesus had to pay.
Although, no human selection made by humans offers a guarantee of success, it is wise to used Biblical principles:
Acts 6:3. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
1 Timothy 5:22. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
Without Biblical principles, we begin to build on a bad foundation, assuring that the outcome is at risk.
This week's lesson is again from the book of Joshua. For those who follow the International Sunday School Lesson Plan (aka: The Standard Sunday School Lesson), this Sunday's lesson (January 18, 2009) comes from Joshua 3:1-13.
Joshua, having been one of the two-of-twelve spies who faithfully believed in the power of God (Numbers 13 & 14) and a faithful follower of Moses, had come into his own leadership position. Following one that may have been the greatest human leader, Joshua had big shoes to fill. However, Joshua knew that neither his shoes nor those of Moses had any power; therefore his statue among men would be determined by the power of God.
Psalms 56:4. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
This lesson began on the east side of the Jordan River as the Nation of Israel are poised to take possession of that which was promised; for the time has now come, where that which was once hope, is now to be realized.
Joshua and his people rose early in the morning to journey from Shittim to the Jordan River. That which is important is better done now than later, at dawn rather than at dust, and early before there is noon; for often that which resides between now and later are obstacles that only delays required action.
After their Journey, the host was given instructions that contained less in details of direction and tactics, than whom and what they must follow. This trek would not lead by a cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21), but by the spiritual presence of God as residence of the Ark of the Covenant. Israel’s victory to obtain the land of promise would be won not by the sword, but by the almighty power of God. Israel’s responsibility would be to look to the Ark of the Covenant for guidance and to follow the Ark at a minimum distance. Such served both to give reverence to the holiness of God and to make sure the host lose not the sight of the Ark; so all would see that which to follow. None knew the path that would be taken and those who followed did only by Faith.
Proverbs 3:6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Joshua gives final instructions for all to sanctify themselves in preparation for what would happen tomorrow. When instructions are giving and obedience is maintained, good results will surely follow. Subsequent instructions by Joshua and the acts of God that followed solidified Joshua’s position as leader and afforded him the same respect formerly given to Moses. Although they walked after the movement of the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord their God, they did not have dual leadership; for when they were lead by Joshua, Joshua was being lead by God. When we lead or follow we must first determine in either, is such following the will of God.
1 Corinthians 11:1. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:3. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
When God leads and the faithful follows, all that he has promised are theirs to behold. Such faith was with the priest that carried the Ark of the Lord, who feet touched the waters of the Jordan and caused the water to stand still. Those small steps of faith open the gateway to Israel’s Promised Land; our faith in Christ as our Lord and Savior is our gateway to a prosperous life with Him in eternity.
If you are not a typical Sunday School attendee, Go and surprise the teacher. If your Church does not follow the Standard Sunday School Lesson and you are not aware of the topic of discussion, take on the attitude of "positive anticipation". I am sure you will like it; there is nothing like reading and discussing God's Word.
FYI: Sunday School is not just for Kids, it is also for the Humble (those who seek wisdom to lead or follow) at heart.
Good Day and God Bless
