Leadership: Ancient Examples For Modern Times
Nebuchadnezzar the king to all the peoples, nations, and populations of all languages who live in all the earth: “May your peace be great! I am pleased to declare the signs and miracles that the Most High God has done for me.”
“How great are His signs
And how mighty are His miracles!
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And His dominion is from generation to generation…”
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just; and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
Daniel 4:1-3, 35, 37 (NASB)
The King, Who lived and died to serve others, is the best example of leadership. But earlier, God gave us three others.
Each lived in an idolatrous culture, as much of America is today.
Each represented God with distinction, therein changing hearts, rulers, and nations.
Consider Joseph, the dreaming great-grandson of Abraham:
Mired in jealousy, his older brothers sold him to slave traders bound for Egypt. Nevertheless, his talent was noticed. Eventually, Joseph became the governor of Earth's mightiest nation: a position that would save God's people. When he reunited with his brothers, Joseph said: 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives' (Genesis 50:20).*
Consider Esther, a Jew in Persia, raised by her cousin:
In Persia, Jews faced discrimination, but young Esther was a world-class beauty. Like it or not, the stunner was drafted in an unusual beauty contest. Her outstanding behavior won the heart of a king and the lives of her people. When her husband was tricked into signing a death warrant for all the nation’s Jews, Esther risked everything to plead their cause. She said, 'If I perish, I perish' (Esther 4:16).**
Consider Daniel, a Jewish teen taken to Babylon:
Following Israel's crushing defeat by world-leading King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel and three friends adapted like champs, but never sold out their godly values. In purity, prayer, and devotion, they stayed faithful to God and rose to fame. Daniel served as advisor to four kings, three of whom would come to serve and revere 'The God of Daniel' (Daniel 6:26).***
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
As is your habit, consider Christ first. Next, think of Joseph, Esther, and Daniel: God-lovers in idolatrous places. Each respected the customs of the land, but remembered that their first love was God.
God put them in powerful positions to save His people and to change the world. He wants to do the same for each of you. Embrace these examples… and continue!
Leadership: Ancient Examples (Part 12)
* What we should learn from the story of Joseph: What is the story of Joseph and his brothers? | GotQuestions.org
** What we should learn from the story of Esther: Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
*** What we should learn from the story of Daniel: Who was Daniel in the Bible? | 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!