This week in our study of the Gospel of John, we looked at John 13 – the Master Servant. We had the privilege of having Bishop Steve Wood teach on this text today — you can catch up with his teaching here.
As we look at the Master Servant in this chapter, we see not only a perfect example of love but also leadership. Today I want to share with you this entry from my Drawing Near to God devotional about godly leadership, and how we must serve others and work together in order to be the leaders God has called us to be:
I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do.
Nehemiah 7:2
Godly leaders lead by example. Nehemiah modeled integrity and fear of the Lord and won the respect of the people. He also knew that more godly leadership was needed to complete the rebuilding of God’s city and His people, and he chose Hananiah because he was a man of integrity and feared the Lord. Nehemiah was unselfish and humble, not needing or seeking to be the only leader, but realizing that more leadership was needed. In the following chapter of Nehemiah, he once again seeks out a leader to come alongside him to revive the people spiritually. Godly leaders realize their limitations and seek to work with other leaders to accomplish God’s purposes.
The greatest example of leadership is in Jesus Christ, who described leadership as being a servant, saying, You call me “Teacher” and Lord, and rightly so for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. (John 13:13-14)
Paul understood our need for one another as we work together to serve and to fulfill God’s call on our lives. He encouraged the church to be aware of the different gifts in the body of Christ and to work together using the gifts for the glory of God: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. (I Corinthians 12:4-6)
Nehemiah had reached the point in the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem where he needed to bring on other leaders to help, and he chose a man with integrity who feared God. As we work together in the body of Christ, we must be mindful that we need each other to accomplish God’s work. When we learn to appreciate the spiritual gifts in others and are not envious or competitive, God’s kingdom is advanced and His will is done.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you that I am part of the body of Christ. Help me encourage and appreciate the gifts of others and for us together to use our gifts for Your glory. -In Jesus’ name, Amen
