Beginnings: Your New Leader
No one ever spoke like this Man!
John 7:46 (ESV)
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed…
Matthew 7:28 (NIV)
Q: In the history of mankind on Earth, in all religions, in every culture, in all leaders who were, are, or will be, even in the vast scope of media, who’s ever heard of a King like Jesus, Who died on a Cross and rose from the dead?
A: No one, nowhere, no way. Jesus was, is, and will forever be... COMPLETELY NEW!
Q: Aren't leaders rich, and in posh positions?
A: 'Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a Man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a Cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every name' (Philippians 2:7-9).
Q: Didn’t His disciples want to be leaders?
A: 'Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” ' (Mark 9:35).
Q. As actors, models, and talent for Christ: Must you humble yourselves to be God’s stars?
A. By the Lord’s Hand, YES! 'Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you' (James 4:10). NOTE: Recall Paul’s evangelistic advice: ‘I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some’ (1 Corinthians 9:22).* Therein, toward media VIPs, show the confidence you need to book roles.
Q. Are there other ways to become a star?
A: Tragically, yes. Consider the offer made to Jesus: 'Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours” ' (Luke 4:5-7).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
The exaltation of evil within the fields of entertainment ISN’T new. The exaltation of celebrities parading fancy lifestyles ISN’T new…
But the soft entrance of humility among stars is fresh, new, and needed. Christ didn't fall for the enemy's line, and neither should you!
Therefore, note the ways your Leader WAS new. If you follow His lead, you can’t go wrong.**
Beginnings: Your New Leader (Part 9)
* Excellent, detailed short article on how Paul made himself courteous and relevant to ALL cultural groups, in order to represent Jesus well. What does it mean to become all things to all people (1 Corinthians 9:22)? | GotQuestions.org
** Excellent, detailed short article on how Jesus was, is, and will always be TOTALLY NEW and UNIQUE. How is Jesus Christ unique? | GotQuestions.org
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!