Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare

Matthew 4:1-11

4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ² He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. ³ The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” ⁴ But he answered, “It is written,

‘One does not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, ⁶ saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,

‘He will command his angels concerning you,’

and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,

so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

⁷ Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”

⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; ⁹ and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,

‘Worship the Lord your God,

and serve only him.’ ”

¹¹ Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

THE ENEMY

We have an enemy, the devil, whose primary purposes are to rob, kill, destroy, devour and deceive.  He and his demonic forces are seeking people whom they can molesta and oppress.  It is a fact in the Christian life and as believers we are admonished to be aware of his schemes.

The devil is no respecter of persons.  He had the audacity to tempt Jesus and he will also attack and tempt each one of us.  As we look at the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness we can see some of the tactics and strategies he used to try to cause Jesus to sin and he will use them to tempt us as well. One aspect of the temptation of Jesus is that it was much more intense than what we will probably ever experience.  Jesus was tempted just as we are because he walked on the earth as a man yet did not sin.  He understands what we face when we are tempted.

Heb 4:15  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

FASTING AND PRAYER

In preparation for the temptation of the devil, Jesus spent 40 days in prayer and fasting.  During this time we really do not know what Jesus was doing but we do know that when we fast with right motives we are expressing a greater hunger for God and he meets with us in a special way. Fasting when coupled with prayer is a powerful form of spiritual warfare. I want to talk on fasting before we look at the temptations of Jesus.

Fasting was and still is a spiritual discipline.  There are many examples of when a fast was practiced by individuals or corporately.

EXAMPLES OF FASTING

Nehemiah fasted after hearing the report of the condition of Jerusalem and sought God’s guidance regarding what he should do. Neh. 1.4

He called the people to fast to lead them into repentance and confession of sin. Neh. 91-3

Daniel fasted and prayed to seek God and confessed the sins of Israel. Dan. 9.3,20

The King of Nineveh called the nation to fast and repent.  Jonah 3.8

Anna fasted a prayed for 44 years while serving in the temple. Luke 2.37

The church in Antioch fasted and prayed and God spoke to them about sending Paul and Barnabas out on the missionary journey.  Acts 13.2

BENEFITS OF FASTING

Fasting when combined with prayer and the word is an act of spiritual warfare.  During this time we can set our hearts on seeking God and receiving instructions from him.  

Isaiah 58 gives specific benefits of fasting.

If we fast like this the darkness in our life will become light:  vs 8,10

If we follow this fasting there will be physical strengthening. Vs 8, 11

If we follow this fasting God will be in front of us and behind us and in the midst of us with righteousness and glory.  Vs 8, 9

 If we follow this fasting, God promises to guide us continually. Vs 11

 If we follow this fasting, He will satisfy your soul. Vs 11

 If we follow this fasting, God will make you a watered garden with springs that do not fail.

 Finally, if we follow this fasting, that is, if we give ourselves to the poor, God will restore the ruins of his city—and his people.  Vs 12

Fasting should be a regular discipline in the life of a believer. It can take on different forms but the idea is to seek the Lord and have a greater desire to draw near to him than our desire to meet physical needs.  People with medical conditions need to seek advice from their doctor before they fast from food.

STAGES OF FASTING

There are 5 stages of fasting that most people experience depending on the length of the fast. (Curezone.org)

Stage 1 (Day 1-2)  The heart slows and blood pressure is reduced. Glycogen is pulled from the muscle causing some weakness. The first wave of cleansing is usually the worst.

Headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, glazed eyes and a heavily coated tongue are signs of the first stage of cleansing. Hunger can be the most intense in this period.

Stage 2 (Day 3-7) The desire to eat will disappear. Lack of hunger may last 40-60 days.

The body embraces the fast and the digestive system is able to take a much-needed rest, focusing all of its energies on cleansing organs and the lungs are in the process of being repaired. Periodically, the lymphatic system expels mucoid matter through the nose or throat. The volume excreted of this yellow-colored mucus can be shocking. The sinuses go through periods of being clogged, then will totally clear. The breath is still foul and the tongue coated. Within the intestine, the colon is being repaired and impacted feces on the intestinal wall start to loosen.

Stage 3 (Day 8-15) On the latter part of an extended fast, you can experience enhanced energy, clear-mindedness and feel better than you have felt since childhood, On the downside, old injuries may become irritated and painful. This is a result of the body’s increased ability to heal during fasting. During fasting, the body’s healing process is at optimum efficiency. The muscles may become tight and sore due to toxin irritation. The legs can be the worst affected as toxins accumulate in the legs. Cankers are common in this stage due to the excessive bacteria in the mouth.

Stage 4 (Day 16-30) The body is completely adapted to the fasting process. There is more energy and clarity of mind. Cleansing periods can be short with many days of feeling good in between. There are days when the tongue is pink and the breath is fresh. After day 20, the mind is affected with heightened clarity and emotional balance. Memory and concentration improve.

Stage 5 (Day 30-?)

·         The Breath, which during all or most of the fast has been offensive, becomes sweet and clean.

·         The Tongue becomes clean. The thick coating which remained on it throughout most of the fast vanishes.

·         The Temperature, which may have been sub-normal or above normal, returns to exactly normal, where it remains.

·         The Pulse becomes normal in time and rhythm.

·         The Skin reactions and other reactions become normal.

·         The Bad Taste in the mouth ceases.

·         Salivary Secretion becomes normal.

·         The Eyes become bright and eye sight improves.

·         The Excreta loses its odor. The Urine becomes light.

The primary indication that the fast is to be broken is the return of hunger; all the other indications are secondary

After 40 days of fasting Jesus was at the point of hunger returning and the fast needed to be broken. 

Brother Hun recounted in his book, “Heavenly Man” while in prison fasted for over 75 days which was a miracle, most people would be dead by this time.

ENDING A FAST

A final note regarding breaking a fast is that it must be done slowly with small amounts of food, preferably fruits and juices. If you gorge yourself immediately you will experience stomach pains.

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS

The scriptures state that at the end of 40 days of fasting the devil came to tempt Jesus. This was an opportune time for the devil to tempt him.  He seems to know when we are at our weakest point or when we leave an opening for him to attack.  Peter recognized this strategy when he advised the believers to be sober and alert to the work of the devil.

The first temptation Jesus faced was an appeal to his physical hunger for the purpose of tempting him to use his position as the Son of God for his own needs and act independent of his father.  Jesus did not have to prove anything to the devil, his identity was not based on what he could do or ask his father to do for him.  Meeting his own physical need for food, which was a legitimate need after 40 days of fasting had to be subjected to obedience to his father.  Jesus knew there was more to life than meeting physical needs.  His relationship with his father and his obedience to the will of his father was the most important thing for him.  He later stated to his disciples

Joh 4:34  Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.

Jesus always sought to do the will of his father.  He did what his father revealed to him to do.  Converting stones into bread was not on the agenda of his father so he quickly rebuked the devil by quoting the scripture verse.  “Man shall not live by bread alone.”  The devil tries to use fleshly, physical needs to draw us away from obedience to God.

It is easy for us to want to meet our own needs in our own way without consulting or depending upon God.  We often act of our own initiative and do what we think is best without consulting the Lord. The flesh is impulsive, it wants what it wants now.  Walking in the Spirit allows us to wait upon the Lord and seek Him before we make the mistake of responding in the flesh and giving in to the suggestions of the devil.

 I have been reading a book given to me called, “God Guides.”  It contains short stories of Mary Geegh a missionary to India and her experiences of waiting on God to speak to give answers and guidance for many different situations.  When people came to her with problems her standard answer was to pray and wait on God to give the answer.  When God gave the answer the response was immediate obedience to his directive.  She has many fascinating stories of non-Christians receiving answers from God as they learned to wait in silence before him and expect him to speak.

Story of Raj and Bee

Raj and Bee were distant cousins and their parents arranged their marriage, one that Raj did not want as he wanted to marry his closer cousin, Kae.  Their marriage was very unhappy and finally Bee left to go live with her mother.  One day Raj came to see Mary and told of his miserable life.  He wanted to leave his job and move to another area.  Mary asked him if this was God’s plan and his reply was, “I don’t know but it is my plan.”  Mary gave her standard response which was to ask God, write down what he said and then do it.  Raj spent Christmas Day in silence and at the end of the day he received the thought of bringing his wife back home.  The next day he took the train to go to get his wife. Meanwhile his wife Bee had received a letter from Kae asking for forgiveness for her hatred toward her.  On Christmas Day Bee was in prayer seeking God’s guidance and was instructed to “Go home to your husband at once.”  She obeyed and left the next day on the train.  When she got to the junction to change trains, she found she would have to wait a few hours.  As she was waiting, there came her husband into the waiting room!  He approached her and asked where she was going to which she replied, “I’m coming home, where are you going?”  He replied, “I’m coming to get you.”  Their marriage was restored and the plans of the devil were defeated. 

The devil is a destroyer and if he can get us to act on our own will and not listen to the instruction of our Father he can defeat us.  Jesus knew he could not act on his own, he needed to be obedient to his father above all physical needs or needs to prove his true identity.  He was secure in who he was, he did not need to do something to convince anyone of who he was.  The key is to hear what God has to say and then be obedient to what he tells us to do.

The second temptation involved presumption and misuse of the scriptures. 

Definition of Presumption:

1.  An act or instance of taking something to be true or adopting a particular attitude toward something, esp. at the start of a chain of argument or action. An attitude adopted in law or as a matter of policy toward an action or proposal in the absence of acceptable reasons to the contrary.

2. Behavior perceived as arrogant, disrespectful, and transgressing the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.

Since Jesus used the scriptures in his first response, the devil tried to use them as well to coerce him into throwing himself down from the pinnacle of the temple to see if the promise of the scriptures would be true.  If he truly was the Son of God, he should expect the angels to protect him when he jumped off the temple.  The spectacle of jumping from the pinnacle and being rescued by the angels would surely convince the people that he was a very special person.  People would give immediate attention to him and he would be venerated among the people if he carried out this plan.  This was the thought of the devil, to get Jesus to presume that his father would save him from death and elevate him in the eyes of the people who witnessed this act or heard the report of it.  The temptation was presented as a short cut to fame and recognition among the people.

Jesus did not give in to the temptation.  The devil did not force him to act or push him off the pinnacle. The devil has limited power, he cannot make us do anything.   If Jesus would have followed the advice of the devil it would have been his choice.  Temptations will be presented in our lives but we are the ones who make the decision to give in to the temptation.  The sin of presumption is often the result of wrong interpretation of the scriptures.  We read a verse and take it out of context to make an application to our life based on presumptions and not on truth.  We presume that God will bail us out of a situation that we chose for ourselves.  It may be a bad financial decision, or relationship that is forbidden, speaking damaging and condemning words to others with the thought that they will forgive you, appointing yourself to a position of importance presuming that it is obvious that you are the most qualified and deserving,

Jesus knew that his action of throwing himself from the pinnacle would be testing God, putting God in a situation that he did not sanction but was expected to respond in Jesus’ favor.  We can make our own plans and then expect God to bless them.  If he was not part of the planning, it is presumptuous to think that he will bless the plan.  We may have what we think is a great idea but if it is not God’s idea we will not be successful.  Failed plans are often the result of presumption on our part. 

The third temptation Satan desired worship from Jesus in exchange for power and authority.  Did Satan even have the power over the kingdoms that he could give them to Jesus?  Some would say no because the earth is the Lord’s while others would state that in the fall of Adam and Eve, Satan gained control. 

1Jn 5:19  We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

The main issue involves violating the first of the ten commandments God gave Israel. 

Exo 20:3  "You shall have no other gods before me.

By giving Satan worship Jesus would be placing himself under Satan and the reality of ruling over the kingdoms would be a lie because Satan would rule over Jesus.  The temptation was an appeal to have power and control over others.  This is a temptation that is common in every era.  People like power, authority and control.  It feeds their pride and makes them feel superior to others. 

Satan is also known as Lucifer and his role before being cast out of heaven was leading the angels in worship of God.  It is no wonder that he desired to be worshipped.  What greater way to spite God than to have his Son worship Satan.  Worship is a form of spiritual warfare and it is hated by Satan.  Worship in the spirit and in truth drives the demonic forces away.  It changes the spiritual atmosphere and invites the presence of God.

Psa 149:6-9  Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the LORD!

You become what you worship. Substituting anything but God for our worship diminishes who we are and what we will become.  Worship is not just praise and songs but it is a complete devotion of one’s life to God.

Jesus did not come to establish an earthly kingdom to have power and control over people.  He came to destroy the works of the evil one through his death and resurrection.

1Jn 3:8  Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

 Jesus knew his purpose, his allegiance to his Father and was obedience to him even unto his death on the cross.  This was the only way the Kingdom of God would be established among all of mankind.  There were no short cuts to gaining victory over Satan.

In our walk with God we will be faced with temptations that come from our own desires that draw us away from God.

Jas 1:14  But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

We choose whom we will obey.

OVERCOMING THE ENEMY

Practice the spiritual discipline of fasting and prayer.  It will draw you near to God and produce many spiritual benefits that will prepare you in overcoming the devil’s attacks.

Be alert to the schemes of the devil and do not give him an opportunity.   Eph 4:27  and give no opportunity to the devil.

Be secure in your identity.  You belong to Christ, you are bought with a price.  Christ is in you.  You do not have to submit to the devil.

Be grounded in the Word of God and use it properly.  Don’t be presumptuous or proud and make bad decisions.

If you are not sure what to do, go to God in prayer and be instant in you obedience. Don’t act impulsively.

Worship with your whole heart.

The devil has been defeated and the greater One lives within us. 

1 John 4.4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

As Paul expressed, 2Co 2:14  But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

We may falter and fail but God will pick us up and put us back on the pathway if we are willing to confess and repent. God is more interested in restoring us and putting us back in the battle than having us wallow in our wounds and allow the enemy to constantly condemn us. 

Leadership lessons from the life of Paul

Paul was the greatest leader of the early church.  His life of service to the Lord is an example for us to follow.  Once he was called into ministry from the Damascus road experience, there was no turning back.  It was full speed ahead for him when he was released into ministry.  Immediately after his conversion experience Paul’s zeal for God and his love for his fellow Jews was apparent in his attempt to preach the gospel and share his experience with others.  Paul was not warmly received initially because of his former reputation.  To spare his life and provide him with additional training by the Lord he was sent back to his home in Tarsus for a time.  God had a special calling on Paul’s life and he needed to be prepared for the great mission God had for him.  God’s calling and his timing are important aspects of every leader’s life.  Sometimes it takes years of preparation for a called person to be equipped for the ministry God has for them.  Many people like Paul initially did, want to jump into ministry before they are prepared and the results can be disappointing or even disastrous.  In God’s timing, he will release those he has called to his work.

Paul was greatly aided in his ministry calling by Barnabas an often overlooked leader in the early church.  Barnabas was a wealthy land owner from Cyprus who generously gave to help meet the needs of the early church.  He was one of the early leaders of the church whose very name means “son of encouragement.”  It is said that everyone needs a Barnabas in their life, one who comes along side to encourage and develop the disciple into a mature believer.  Barnabas made the effort to go to Tarsus to find Paul to bring him into the ministry of the first missionary journey launched from the church in Antioch that had become the center of Christianity.  Paul and Barnabas worked together, they complemented each other and Paul grew in his leadership calling.  Eventually there was a split in the leadership as they prepared to go on the second missionary journey.  John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, became a point of contention between Paul and Barnabas. Paul did not want him to come along as he had abandoned them on the first missionary journey for reasons unknown to us.  Barnabas felt otherwise and decided it was better to separate and take John Mark with him.  Paul chose Silas as his ministry partner and in the end the ministry multiplied.

Paul met Timothy on his journey and invited him to be a part of the team.  Leaders are always on the lookout for men and women who have the potential to become leaders and they freely invest their lives into them to provide the training and experiences needed.  Paul and Timothy became very close and it is very evident in Paul’s final letter in 2 Timothy.  Timothy was like a son to Paul and he had great responsibilities as the leader of the church in Ephesus.  In the second letter Paul wrote he gives 7 traits of a leader that he modeled in his life and wanted Timothy to do the same.  Paul uses 7 different images to explain what a leader should be like.

1. Teacher

2 Tim 2:2 – “…and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Paul spent time teaching Timothy, training him to be able to carry out the work of being a pastor.  Paul’s life was an example that Timothy could model but Paul also spent time teaching and instructing Timothy.  Leaders need to invest time in those being raised up in leadership positions.  Much of training is learned through trial and error if someone is not there to teach and train.  This can be a very painful and discouraging time that could be avoided if proper training took place.  Paul was Timothy’s mentor in ministry.  We all need someone like Paul to help us grow and avoid ministry traps that happen due to lack of training and experience.  Timothy was facing some difficult situations in the church and Paul gave specific advice to help him make decisions and institute policies that would help him be a better leader. Paul encouraged Timothy to find quality and capable people to teach and train them in the ministry. Leaders have to reproduce themselves in others for the ministry to continue but also to enable the leader to focus on other aspects of the ministry by delegating ministry to others.  Moses learned the value of delegation but it could only be done by properly training people to take over the work he was doing.

2. Soldier

2 Tim 2:3-4 – “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”

I am familiar with the life of a soldier having served in the army for 2 years.  Once you raise your right hand and pledge your obedience to the military for your term of service your life is no longer your own.  The transition from civil to soldier was very abrupt and intimidating.  The drill sergeants made it very clear that you were now a soldier and you had to obey whatever they asked you to do. Failure to obey was immediately punished.  The training day began at 5 a.m. and lasted into the evening. Your day was planned for you, there was no democratic rule in any decision.  Your identity was now a soldier, a lean, mean killing machine is what we were told. 

Paul knew the price of leadership, that it required 100% devotion to do it successfully.  There was too much work to do to try to take on anything else.  It would diminish Timothy’s effectiveness as a leader. The soldier symbolizes one who is focused and dedicated to the mission he is called to perform.  Nothing can distract them from making this their priority.  Soldiers are asked to make sacrifices and they willingly accept the suffering that goes with the calling.  The physical suffering of enduring the hardships are part of the job.  Long days, harsh living conditions, separation from family, food that may not be all that great, physical pain from injuries and wounds are all part of being a soldier.

Paul knew what suffering for Christ meant.  He had a track record of hardships that would make most people look for another occupation or calling.  Paul endured the hardships and encouraged Timothy to do the same.  It is not an easy calling and suffering comes with the calling.

A soldier has to be willing to lay down his life for the mission.  The call and the commitment cannot be compromised for personal preferences.  As soldiers of Christ, leaders take up the cross, a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice they may be called to make.

3. Athlete

2 Tim 2:5 – “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”

The Olympics are now taking place in Russia and it is exciting to see these athletes who have dedicated years of training have their day to display their talents.  The image Paul had in mind was that of a professional athlete not one who participated part time or for recreation.  They like the soldier were completely dedicated to intensive training.  

Leaders are called to lead lives of discipline and self-control in every area of their lives. Oswald Sander stated, “Before we conquer the world, we must first conquer the self.” Sanders

 Life belongs to those who are disciplined in every area: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.  The athlete must say no to things that will be a detriment to their performance.  A leader must say no to temptations that will lead to moral failure, say no to laziness in their spiritual disciplines of study, prayer, fasting, witnessing, worship and fellowship, say no to thoughts of pride and attitudes of arrogance or favoritism, say no to misuse of ministry funds and say no to anything that would give the appearance of evil.  A leader must be a person like an athlete who is highly disciplined and committed to following the directives of the Word to govern his conduct.

For the Olympic athletes winning a medal is a highlight of their life and they dream of one day being on the stand to have it placed around their neck.  The years of discipline will be rewarded only if the athlete competes according to the rules of the game.  I played baseball a lot growing up and loved the game.  We did not have performance enhancing drugs that have plagued many players today who secretly used them but later were discovered.  Their accomplishments are now tainted with skepticism and anger by those who played by the rules.  Leaders cannot circumvent the laws God has established for personal conduct and ministry.  He expects complete compliance and rewards those who follow his ways.

4. Farmer

2 Tim 2:6 – “It is the hard working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.”

In Paul’s day farming was very hard work.  Today it is not the same with all the machines that are available.  A farmer worked with limited tools and if they were prosperous had animals to help them.  It was back breaking labor plowing the fields and planting the seeds, cultivating and caring for the crops to keep them from being overrun by weeds, insects and animals.  Harvest time was done by hand. 

Ministry is hard work and if a leader wants to be successful it will require all of his effort.  One of my Bible school teachers said if you can find anything else to do besides ministry do it.  He was not discouraging people from the ministry but making it clear that the cost was great and the work was going to be hard.

Ministry is hard work but it is also rewarding.  The farmer receives the fruit of their labor. For Paul the lives of the believers whom Christ had transformed was his reward.  For John it was seeing his disciples walk in the truth that brought him fulfillment. The farmer must have patience waiting for the crop to mature.  Leaders have to wait at times for years before they see the fruit of their labor in the transformation of the lives they have sown their lives and the Word of God.

 Leaders are not in the ministry for the money, at least true godly leaders, but they are in it in obedience to the calling and the opportunity to be used by God to bring about change in the lives of others.  Paul labored to see Christ be formed in the believers and it brought him great joy to learn of their faith and love.  The rewards are intangible but also eternal.

5. Worker

2 Tim 2:15-17 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene.”

The word translated “approved” has a deeper meaning in Greek.  It means to have stood the test and is purified and fit for service.  William Barclay comments on these 3 aspects.

“For instance, it describes gold or silver which has been purified and cleansed of all alloy in the fire… is the word used for a stone which has been cut and tested and is fit to be fitted into its place in a building.  A stone with a flaw in it was marked with a capital A, which stands for the Greek word adokimastos, which means tested and found wanting.  So Timothy was to be purified and tested that he might be a fit weapon for the work of Christ, and therefore a workman who had no need to be ashamed.”

A leader must be skilled in handling the Word of God.  It takes work to study and prepare for the ministry of sharing the Word. Lack of knowledge of the word as the prophet Hosea stated destroys lives.  Dedicating time to study and know the Word deeply should be the mark of a leader. 

Derek Prince was a great teacher of God’s word stated that you can tell the depth of love a disciple has for the Lord by the depth of love one has for the study and practice of the Word of God. Love for Jesus is measured by our love for the Word, they are inseparable.

Smith Wigglesworth was a man God greatly used in a ministry of incredible miracles.  He was a plumber before he was saved later in life.  He determined after his salvation to only read the Bible or at least spend almost all of his time of study in the Word of God.  He felt that he had wasted so many years of his life not knowing the Word of God that he wanted to redeem the time he had remaining.  His knowledge of the word increased his faith to believe God for great things in his ministry.  Leaders know the Word and share the Word rather than get caught up in conversations that are fruitless. Leaders take advantage of opportunities to share the Word whenever the situation presents itself.

6. Vessel

2 Tim 2:20-22 – “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”

A leader is God’s vessel in whom he has placed a calling and a vision for the work he desires to accomplish.  The leaders has knowledge, experience and passion for the mission and this must be passed on to others.  A leader is not a container that simply stores great things but is one who pours out his life to share the things God has placed in their lives.  Leaders impart passion for the work of the ministry.  They are excited about what God has called them to do and readily invite others to be a part of the work. 

They are careful about what gets put in the vessel and do not allow anything that will contaminate or bring dishonor to their lives or their ministry.  The leader as God’s vessel is set apart for his service and his desire is to be used by God for every good work.  He constantly wants to be used for greater works in the Kingdom and keeps himself pure that God will be able at any time to move him into other works of ministry.

Paul was constantly pouring out his life for the believers.  He always wanted to leave a deposit of spiritual blessing wherever he went.  Leaders leave people feeling refreshed, encouraged and comforted.

7. Servant

2 Tim 2:23-26 – “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”

Servant leadership is the model Jesus gave his disciples.  He came to serve the will of his father and train the disciples to continue the ministry he began.  Being a servant or a slave of others requires humility.  Servants do the tasks that others do not want or like to do.  They do it out of love for God and the people they serve.  Nothing is beneath them. They do not look for rewards, special privileges, places of honor, recognition or titles.  They simply want to serve the needs of others and in doing so are fulfilled.  The greatest in God’s Kingdom is the one who is servant of all.  Jesus modeled this by washing the disciples’ feet and even those of Judas whom he knew would betray him that very night.  If you knew someone was setting you up to die would you be willing to wash their feet?

A servant is concerned about the success of others. He focuses his energy on helping them fulfill their calling and realize the potential God has placed in them.

A servant is known for their kindness to others.  They go out of their way to make people feel welcomed, valued, love and important.  The look for ways to make someone else’s life easier.  They have eyes that are trained to see what needs to be done and do it without drawing attention to themselves. 

Leaders are servants of those they lead which is paradoxical to leadership in the world where people seek to control others for their own benefit.  Our identity as a leader must reflect that of a servant.

 Paul’s idea of a true leader was a:

Leader who was a capable teacher who could reproduce other leaders.

Leader who was like a soldier, completely dedicated to their calling and willing to make sacrifices.

Leader who was like an athlete, dedicated but also disciplined to follow God’s guidelines.

Leader like a farmer who worked hard and patiently waited for the fruit of their labor to be realized in the transformed lives of those they lead.

Leader who is like a worker that diligently and skillfully studies the Word of God to be used by God to impart it to others.

Leader who like a vessel, purified and ready for any good work God calls him to do.

Leader who is like a servant who serves with kindness and finds joy in serving the needs of those they lead to see them fulfill their calling and potential in God’s Kingdom.

Leadership Lessons from the life of Moses

Moses had the tremendous task of leading the nation of Israel out of their 430 years of Egyptian bondage to the Promised Land.  Moses was set apart from his birth for this task when his life was miraculously spared by the Princess in Pharaoh’s house who found him in a specially made basket floating in the river.  Some have joked that Moses was a “basket case” from the beginning and there were a couple incidents in his life that may have confirmed this label. 

Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s palace, given a fine education and lived a life that was very different from his fellow Israelites who were slaves.  Yet Moses never lost touch with his people and as he grew older the oppression that he observed stirred him to take action.  In his anger he killed an Egyptian who was abusing one of his fellow Israelites.  Though his actions were wrong, we see something in the heart of Moses that I believe God placed there and that was his desire to see his people set free from the horrible treatment of the Egyptians.  His plan to be an individual sniper was short sighted and ill planned and caused him to flee for his life.  His 40 years in the lap of luxury were over and he found himself in the desert far removed from the life he had known as well as the people he wanted to help.  Moses must have felt like a complete failure, that his life was pretty much over and did not have much hope of ever returning to his people.

But God had not forgotten Moses, he still had a plan for his life to fulfill the desire he had to deliver his people.  The mistakes of our past may delay some things from happening but it does not mean that they never will be accomplished in our lives.  Moses is a great example of one who had a desire to do something great but attempted it in the wrong way.  He spend 40 years living with his father-in-law Jethro and his wife.  He raised a family and lived a normal life in a foreign country until the day he had a divine encounter that changed everything.

Spiritual Leaders are called by God not self-appointed

God had a calling on Moses’ life to lead his people out of captivity.  Spiritual Leadership begins with God’s calling not man’s desire to be lording over people.  God is the one who appoints spiritual leaders.  Moses the murderer was the man God wanted, a strange choice it would seem for many but not for God.  God knew Moses’ failures but also his potential that Moses did not even understand.  Moses did not feel qualified to be the leader.

Exo 3:11  But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?"

Often God calls people into leadership to address a specific need or situation.  It was not something they were seeking but God was seeking them and saw their potential. Some may question his choice and those he chooses often feel overwhelmed by the calling.

“Once Saint Francis of Assisi was confronted by a brother who asked him repeatedly, ‘Why you? Why you?  Francis responded, in today’s terms ‘Why me what?’  ‘Why does everyone want to see you? Hear you? Obey you? You are not so handsome, nor learned, nor from a noble family.  Yet the world seems to want to follow you, ‘the brother said.

Then Francis raised his eyes to heaven, knelt in praise to God, and turned to his interrogator:

‘You want to know?  It is because the eyes of the Most High have willed it so.  He continually watches the good and the wicked, and as His most holy eyes have not found among sinners any smaller man, nor any more insufficient and sinful, therefore He has chosen me to accomplish the marvelous work which God has undertaken; He chose me because He could find none more worthless and He wished to confound the nobility and grandeur, the strength, the beauty and the learning of this world.’

Oswald Sanders: Spiritual Leadership

Someone said God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called.”  This is true in some ways but God also naturally gifts people to serve in a leadership role.

Spiritual Leaders depend upon God

Moses had doubts about his ability to lead but God gave him the assurance that he could do it because he was going to be with him.  Spiritual leadership is marked by dependence upon God.  The task God had called him to do was not achievable on his own wisdom or plans.  Leaders in God’s kingdom have to constantly depend upon God to be with them, to go before them to lead the way. The way to successful spiritual leadership is found in submission to God.  God is in charge and leaders must always let him lead.  The task of the leader is to be in a position of hearing God’s voice, seeking his plans and following his counsel.  Throughout the ordeal with Pharaoh Moses followed this.  He heard God’s voice and understood the plan God had given to him and followed his advice.  Moses’ plan was to simply carry out God’s plan. After leaving Egypt Moses continually sought God’s counsel and advice.   Provision for a million plus people of food and water is a mind boggling task.  It is estimated that they needed 100,000,000 gallons of water each week.  Moses had to depend upon God as did all the people.  It was a training ground for everyone to see if they would trust him to provide for them.  When you have a million people living in harsh conditions there is bound to be numerous conflicts that arise.  Moses had to depend upon God’s wisdom to help settle the disputes justly.

Spiritual leaders face challenges with God’s promises

As God’s appointed leader Moses faced many challenges.  The promises God gave him would be his constant encouragement when things were not happening as fast as he thought or as fast as the people wanted them to happen.  From the initial calling of Moses God gave him specific words to reassure him that the plan would be successful.

The promise of his return to the very location God called him.

Exo 3:12  He said, "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain."

The promise to bring the people out and bring them in to the Promised Land.

Exo. 3.16-17 "I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey."'

The promise of opposition but also of being released.

Exo 3:19-20  But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go.

The promise of favor and provision

Exo 3:21-22  And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty,  but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians."

The call to spiritual leadership is not an easy calling.  It is not for everyone and those who are called will face many challenges that can be very discouraging if one does not keep in mind the promises God has given.  Moses needed this assurance to be able to stand against all the opposition that he would receive from both Pharaoh as well as the Israelites who would lose confidence in Moses when things got worse for them.

The promise of fulfilling the covenant

Later on Moses faced another challenge by the people in captivity.  Pharaoh was not complying with Moses’ request to let the people go.  He decided to make life worse for them and this made the people question whether Moses’ was doing any good.  Their confidence in him in the public opinion polls was down to zero. 

"The LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us."

Exo 5:22-23  Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, "O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all."

This bothered Moses and he brought his concern to the Lord.  God again reassured him of the covenant he had made with the Patriarchs would be fulfilled and he promised that Pharaoh would drive them out of Egypt after God’s judgments on them were rendered.  Further God confirmed that he was LORD and he was in control.

Exo 6:1  But the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land." God spoke to Moses and said to him, "I am the LORD.

Spiritual leaders must be people of great faith in God.  Moses had to have faith that the promised God had given to him would be fulfilled.  The Israelites did not have the faith that Moses had, they constantly doubted and murmured about their circumstances.  Moses held fast to the promises God had given him and used them to overcome the negative feedback he was given by the people and encouraged them to trust God to be faithful to his promises.

Spiritual leaders cannot hide behind excuses.

Moses angered God when he tried to excuse himself from being God’s spokesman. 

Exo 4:10  But Moses said to the LORD, "Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue."

The perceived speech impediment was not an issue for God but what was the issue was his faith in God’s ability to work through his limitations. 

Exo 4:12  Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.

God conceded Moses’ request to have his brother Aaron be the spokesman but his preference was to have Moses be his mouthpiece.  Eventually Moses was the spokesperson that God wanted him to be and in hindsight Moses realized that his excuse was not valid and that he missed out on something God wanted him to experience.  Excuses are often the result of lack of faith in God’s ability to work in the situation.  Our lack of faith not our lack of ability will limit God. Just as God promised Moses that he would be his teacher, he will do the same for us in the areas that we feel inadequate or unprepared.  Spiritual leaders do not let perceived weaknesses become excuses for not responding in faith in God’s ability.

Spiritual leaders provide encouragement to people facing adversity.

When Pharaoh finally released the Israelites to leave their country, it did not take long for him to change his mind and pursue them.  This caused great fear among the Israelites and they complained to Moses about the death trap they were in.  Moses heard their cry but responded in a way to give them encouragement.

Exo 14:13-14  And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."

By this time Moses was 100% confident that God was going to save and deliver them.  The circumstances did not look good but God’s promises were going to be fulfilled and Moses placed his confidence in the Lord.

There would be many more adverse circumstances that the Israelites would face on the journey to the Promised Land.  Their murmurings and complaints were numerous but each time Moses would encourage them that God was going to see them through and perform miracles for them.  He never sided with them and joined the complaint department.  He looked to God for the answers and continually encouraged the people.

A leader has to rise above the circumstances and not let the complaints drag him into a mindset of negative thoughts.  The seemingly darkest hours are the moments when true leaders must take a stand and declare God’s promises to encourage the people. The leader who cowers will lose the confidence of his people but the leader who leads in front of the adversity will inspire his people to follow.

A story is told of George Washington’s leadership during the French-Indian War in the U.S.A. Washington was fighting with the British troops and they were being slaughter because they were using warfare rules that the Indians did not know or care to follow.  The British style was to line up in rows and take aim at the enemy who agreed to the same warfare rule. The Indians used guerilla warfare, hiding behind trees and rocks.  Washington’s men quickly adapted their strategy to minimize their loses.  Washington was on his horse riding back and forth in the battle, exposed to enemy fire to encourage his soldiers.  The Indian chief later recounted that he told his braves to fire at the leaders, and they did but none of the bullets entered Washington’s body.  He had holes in his jacket and had 2 horses shot out from under him but rode away unscathed.  Washington was a great example of courage and encouragement to his men.

Spiritual leaders develop an intimate relationship with God. 

When Moses met God, he did not really know God.  He would become Israel’s first spiritual leader of the newly formed nation.  When he met God he had to ask Him how he should identify him to the Israelites. Moses’ relationship with God was in its infant stages and he had much to learn. Yet over time Moses came to know God’s character and nature. He eventually was called the man who knew God face to face. Moses spent time with God on Mount Sinai, two 40 day visits being taught by God.  The laws he was given to teach the people helped him understand God’s holiness, justice, mercy and his love.  When Moses came down from the mountain he was a changed man.  His face radiated the presence of God such that he had to cover it for the sake of the people.  Moses sought God for wisdom in deciding cases that were brought before him.  He reached the point in his life that the presence of God became more important to him than life itself.

Exo 33:11-17  Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. Moses said to the LORD, "See, you say to me, 'Bring up this people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.' Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people." And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." And he said to him, "If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?" And the LORD said to Moses, "This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name."

Moses’ relationship with God was one of intimacy.  God knew him by name and gave him favor.  Spiritual leaders must spend time with God.  If they are too busy then they are too busy and must make decisions to prioritize their lives to give time to be with God.  Without his presence in our lives we have little to offer those who are serving under our leadership.  If our spiritual tank is running on empty we will quickly burn out and not be of value to the people we serve.  A daily connection and a continual connection to the Lord are needed to keep us filled to help us give to others.  Moses experienced burn out when he was taking on too much work deciding cases between people.  His father-in-law saved the day by giving him advice how to delegate the work to other capable leaders. Overworking can be a real problem in ministry.  There is always something you could be doing.  There has to be a disconnect from our work so that we can be refreshed in the presence of the Lord. It seems to be a greater challenge today with all of the communication devices that beckon us 24 hours a day.  As convenient and helpful as they are, they can also be a great distraction and hindrance from setting aside time to be in God’s presence.  The spirituality of the leader has a great influence in the lives of those under their leadership. Paul like Moses set the example for the churches under his leadership and boldly told them to follow him as he followed after Christ.

 A spiritual leader must be an intercessor for his people.

Moses interceded for his people on several occasions. When Amalek was at war against Israel, Moses stood at the top of the hill and raised the rod of God over the battlefield.  He was interceding for his people asking for God’s intervention and power to be displayed to overcome the enemy.  Moses was fulfilling a priestly role as he interceded for the people.(Exodus 17:8-15)

When Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain where he was spending time with God, the people decided to make their own god, a golden calf. (Exodus 32) This caused God reached a point where he was willing to wipe out the nation of Israel and start over.  Their hard hearts, stiff necks and at times empty heads reached the tipping point with God. 

Exo 32:10  Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you."

In spite of all the hassles these people gave Moses, he rose to their defense and interceded for them that God would not destroy them.  Moses was bonded to his people and he pleaded with God to not wipe them out. God knew that Moses would intercede for the people or he would not have asked Moses to “let me go.” He appealed to God’s character and reputation among the other nations who would conclude that God had brought them out to kill them.  Moses reminded God of his covenant with the patriarchs that he promised to fulfill.

The prayer life of a leader for his/her personal life, ministry and the people he or she serves has to become a regular part of daily life.  The definitive feature of every spiritual leader is that they are people of prayer.

"Our prayer must not be self-centered. It must arise not only because we feel our own need as a burden we must lay upon God, but also because we are so bound up in love for our fellow men that we feel their need as acutely as our own. To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them." John Calvin

Lessons in Leadership: Joseph

There are over 300 definitions of leadership but the one I find most helpful is by J.R. Clinton:“a leader is a person with God given capacity and with a God-given responsibility to influence a specific group of God’s people toward God’s purposes for the group."

Christian Leadership is needed to be able to inspire and influence people toward achieving a God given goal.  All of us are called to be leaders in some area of our lives. Some are in more prominent positions, move visible to the public and they tend to get most of the attention.  But as believers in Christ we are called to lead people to him, to set an example, to inspire people and influence them to pursue the things that will be pleasing to God.  The life of Joseph provides many valuable lessons on leadership.

Joseph’s family and his past did not determine his future.

Joseph was born into a family that had was divinely called and separated from other families.  His grandparents Isaac and Rebekah and his great grandparents Abraham and Sarah had tremendous experiences with God that were orally passed on to their children and grandchildren.  There was a godly heritage that influenced Joseph to be a follower of God.  But there was also problems in the family, dysfunctional in many ways that could have destroyed Joseph or led him in a direction that would have led to his demise.

“Consider all the “negatives” in his background: Joseph was the child of Jacob, a polygamist who had four wives that rivaled each other; Joseph had ten stepbrothers born to three very competitive mothers; he and his younger brother shared the same mother, and Joseph’s grandfather Laban tricked Jacob into marrying Leah, who was not Jacob’s first choice. Additional negatives include two other mothers in the home who were surrogate moms, Joseph lost his mother when he was young, and Joseph’s father favored him because he was the son of his old age and the first child from Jacob’s first love. But that only brought Joseph bitterness and hatred from his brothers. Despite such a background that today would have yielded an alcoholic, a drug addict, a psychotic, or a narcissistic personality disorder, Joseph rose to remarkable heights in leadership.” Pollard

Joseph did not let his family or his past determine his future.  He made a decision to not let the negative factors become his identity.  None of us have been raised in perfect families.  We all come from families that have issues, degrees of dysfunction and imperfections.  Joseph did not let these negative factors become the guiding forces in his life.  He chose to follow after God.  God is not hindered by our past nor is he restricted in any way from taking us out of negative junk to use us for his divine purposes.  Our past does not have to determine our future!

Joseph’s life was guided by a God given dream.

Joseph was only 17 when he had the dream of the sheaves bowing down to him and later the stars bowing to him.  This was a huge dream that he did not fully understand until years later.  Yet this dream was etched in his mind in spite of his brothers and his father throwing a wet blanket on him to snuff out the dream.  To be a leader one has to have a dream or a vision inspired by God of something worth achieving.  Without a vision there is no need for leadership because you are not going anywhere, there is no destination or goal to work toward.  Many are content to be a manager, one who keeps the boat floating but a leader is the one who drives the boat toward its destination. Throughout Joseph’s life this dream was in his thoughts.  He knew God had called him to a very important leadership role even though the specifics of it were not clear.  As he continued to serve God, the dream became more of a reality as he was given opportunities of leadership in Potiphar’s house, in the prison and in the palace of Pharaoh.

Joseph’s leadership abilities developed over time.

When Joseph had his dream, it became readily apparent that he did not have the leadership skills to see it come to fruition.  He boasted of his dream to his brothers and alienated himself from them to the point that they wanted to kill him.  But over time and through some difficult circumstances leadership skills were apparent.  Joseph's leadership skills and abilities were noticed by Potiphar and Pharaoh.  When he was given opportunities to use these skills, develop them and refine them, he took advantage of them.  He could have sulked over the injustice of being sold as a slave,  thrown in prison for a crime he did not commit but he chose otherwise.  When the opportunity was presented he took it and developed his leadership skills.  By the time he was 30 years old, having spent 13 years in a variety of circumstances that gave him opportunities, he was ready to be placed in a very high position of authority in Egypt.  God develops our leadership abilities through many different situations and circumstances as well as the people he places in our lives. Potiphar, the prison warden, and Pharaoh were men God used to develop Joseph into a leader.  He submitted to them, learned from them, honored them and was promoted by them.  God is always working with us to train us and prepare us for greater responsibilities in his kingdom.  As we prove faithful in the tasks he has given us now, he will provide greater positions of influence and leadership in our lives.  Paul cautioned Timothy to not place new believers in certain leadership roles in the church.  He saw the danger of both unpreparedness and pride being potentially destructive to a young believer placed in an important leadership role.  God has a prepared place for a prepared person.  In his timing, he places us where he wants us to be and in a place where we will be successful.  Leadership is a learned skill and we must always be growing in this area by taking advantage of the open doors God provides for us.

Joseph was governed by his values.

Joseph’s values did not change as he rose in leadership.  We see in the life of Joseph core values that were never compromised or changed based on the circumstances. 

Joseph demonstrated moral rectitude when Potiphar’s desperate housewife tried to seduce him.  He had the moral judgment to make a quick decision to not give in to seduction.  He knew that the results of an affair would lead to disaster and probably his death.  But more than the consequences personally, he had great respect for Potiphar and the thought of betraying him through an affair was unconscionable to him.  Even more important to him was the offense it would bring to God.  Joseph’s morals were not going to be compromised.  When confronted with the seduction he fled.  He knew trouble when he saw it and immediately took action to get out of the situation.  Moral failure is a primary cause of failure in leadership.  We are all aware of pastors and leaders in the church who have lost their position because of a moral failure.  Offending others and more importantly offending God should keep us from falling into sexual sins.  When we lack respect for others and place our fulfillment of needs or desires in an illicit manner as a priority, we will lose the opportunity to be in spiritual leadership.

Joseph was also a man of integrity.  He proved himself faithful to do what was asked of him in Potiphar’s house where he was entrusted with managing it.  His integrity placed him in charge of the prisoners in jail and years later Pharaoh could entrust the rule of the vast country of Egypt and its inhabitants to Joseph.  No one ever had to wonder if Joseph would be true to his word and carry out what was asked of him.  He was not one to compromise, accept bribes, lie, cheat or steal because he was a man of integrity.  What he expected others to do as he did. A leader must have integrity to gain the confidence of those under his or her leadership.  Promises must be fulfilled and honored even at the expense of the leader.  Delta airlines made a mistake on their Web site and advertised fares at incredibly low prices.  Consumers were quick to snap up the deals.  The leadership decided to honor the fares rather than go back on their word. They lost thousands of dollars but maintained their integrity which is priceless.

Joseph was a man of compassion.  When his fellow prisoners had dreams, he showed compassion and care for them by interpreting the dreams for them.  He could have ignored them and not sought God’s help in the interpretation of their dreams but he chose otherwise. When Pharaoh was troubled by his dream, he eagerly sought God for the interpretation to help him.  He could have let anger or resentment for having to spend years in prison be a grudge against the leadership of Egypt.  His compassion toward Pharaoh caused him to respond favorably to help him. When his brothers came to him to get help from the famine, he treated them with compassion.  His love for his family was still there even after 15 years of separation.  He was concerned for the welfare of his father and his younger brother.  He gave his brothers plenty of food to take back to their father and the rest of the family.  He honored them and treated them well by feeding them in his home.  When he finally revealed his true identity to his brothers he wept on their necks and hugged them. 

This compassionate act toward his brothers came as a result of another of his core values which was forgiveness.  Joseph had every reason to be angry and bitter toward his brothers.  He could have harbored a grudge against them and made life very difficult for them when they came seeking help.  Joseph had forgiven his brothers along with others who had made his life difficult.  After Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers became fearful that he would now seek revenge.  They thought his previous acts of compassion and kindness toward them was motivated to please his father.  Now that Jacob was dead, they feared the real Joseph would surface, one full of hatred and anger and resentment.  They did not know the real Joseph but assumed he was play acting.  They were proved wrong when Joseph reassured them that he had truly forgiven them and only had good things for them.  Forgiveness frees us to be loving and kind toward our offenders.  Forgiveness frees the offender from worry of retaliation and revenge.  Joseph modeled compassion and forgiveness as a leader. Genesis 41:51 points to the healing of memories. Joseph’s first child was born while he was in Egypt. He named him Manasseh— meaning “God caused me to forget all my suffering.” The second indicator that Joseph resolved his traumatic experiences comes in verse 52 where he named his second son Ephraim—“God made me fruitful.”

Joseph was a skillful planner and executed the plan. 

When Pharaoh had the dream of the fat and lean cows Joseph gave the accurate interpretation of it using the gift God had given him.  This impressed Pharaoh such that he placed him in charge of the operation to preserve the nation from starvation.  Joseph contrived a plan to save the excess harvest and store it for the coming years of famine.  He built storage areas where the harvest would be safe and secure.  When the famine hit, he had a plan for distribution and replanting to ensure future harvests after the famine ended.  He also made Pharaoh very wealthy by instituting his plan of payment by the people for the grain and giving him 20% of the harvest after the famine ended.  In order to be successful in planning one has to understand the current situation and be able to accurately analyze and predict what the future will hold.  Good planning skills save time and money and keep one moving toward the achievement of the goal. Good planning involves know what resources you have and their condition. The leader must also know his people, their skills and competencies. Those who are not able to be a part of the vision need to be released for their own benefit as well as the benefit of the group. The leader must know what resources are needed to move forward: finances, personnel, materials, training and education.  A friend of mine has a business that he started many years ago.  It did well for a time and was growing but 4 years ago was experiencing trouble and was 3 months from declaring bankruptcy.  He knew he was in over his head and needed help.  He hired a consultant who analyzed his company and made recommendations for changes.  The changes required focusing their people and resources on the things they did well and dropping the things that were not profitable or were a part of the refined vision.  Some personnel were released and this was not an easy decision but it was critical to the survival of the company.  The end result is the company is now more profitable than every and has more employees as well.  When you know what needs to be done you have have a plan for getting what you need.  Jesus said that a wise builder always counts the cost before starting the project.  Those who fail to accurately do this will fail and become a joke to those who see the failure.  It is a principle of leadership that is critical to the success of the vision. 

The example of McDonald's strategic planning to open restaurants in Russia speaks of the importance of vision and strategic planning.

To pursue its endeavors in emerging markets, McDonald’s stalled its growth in developed nations and leaped in Russia which had emerged as a major economic force in the world.
It was George Cohen, head of McDonald’s Canada, who started an almost impossible dream of introducing a McDonald’s hamburger in Russia. It took 12 years of efforts and finally in April 1988, he convinced the officials of Moscow that McDonald’s can be set up in Russian culture. After 14 years of intense negotiations; McDonald’s finally entered into the Soviet Union on January 31, 1990. This flagship store located in Moscow’s Pushkin Square, was the world’s largest McDonald’s boasting of 28 cash registers and seating capacity for around 700 customers. The first day of McDonald’s in Russia broke the record for inaugural sales in McDonald’s history serving more than 30,000 customers on the first day itself. 
The Pushkin Square McDonald’s is the world’s busiest McDonald’s restaurant serving more than 20,000 customers daily. As the fast food market in Russia is growing rapidly, McDonald’s is trying to expand its presence throughout the country. 

 Source: Business Today 

Joseph had Endurance

The unexpected twists and turns in Joseph’s life—from the pit, to the prison, to the palace—are undergirded with one constant: endurance. While the first 30 years of Joseph’s life are significant for their pain and their pinnacles, Joseph lived for 110 years. This means that Joseph loved faithfully while prospering, for 80 years after his deliverance from prison (Gen 50.22) Leaders are called to take the high road for the long haul.

Leadership endurance can best be seen in the face of adversity. Leadership is hard work! (1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 2:3). Leaders often face discouragement, rejection, ridicule, resentment,  misrepresentation, and a host of other challenges. However, Joseph’s history demonstrates that rejection of the dreamer did not kill his dream. Some leaders have trouble recovering from rejection, but not Joseph.   His character and vision resulted in fortitude. Modern leadership shows that the  hardy survivors of adversity, like Joseph, persisted despite internal or external challenges to  their companies. R. H. Macy failed in retailing seven times before the success of his New York  store. After Henry Ford II fired Lee Iacocca, Iacocca could have remained despondent, but  instead he accepted the challenge of leading the bankrupt Chrysler Corporation. Iacocca’s  remarkable leadership of the Chrysler Corporation took it beyond bankruptcy to financial 
success. Bill Boeing’s first airplane failed so badly that he had to enter the furniture business to keep the business afloat.  Endurance requires hardiness to face challenges to become stronger. 

Source: Alex Mekonnens

Godly leadership is in demand today.  There is a great work yet to be done to bring in the final harvest of souls.  It will take men and women called of God into leadership positions to  influence the body of Christ to complete the work of reaching the nations, making disciples who will continue to advance the gospel and mature the believers.  Joseph's life demonstrated godly leadership to achieve God's goal of preserving Israel as well as Egypt so that his plan of salvation could be continued.