SERVANT LEADERSHIP

The Lord has been speaking a lot to me about servant leadership.  Perhaps it will resonate with you as well.

What does the bible have to say about being a leader?  Let’s look at three things today.

Humility.  Submitting to God’s order.  And gratitude.

First off, we see Jesus addressing the multitude and his disciples in Matthew 23:11-12 as he exposes the church leadership of the day.  How they put burdens on people that they themselves didn’t even bear.  Instead, the Lord gives a pointed directive of what true leadership should look like.

^“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (NKJV)

There is much woe given to the Pharisees and scribes.  Just read the remaining of Matthew 23.  Jesus is not a fan of pride.

But let’s not just look at the crooked church leadership of the day.  What about Jesus’ own disciples chatting privately on the road during one of their many journeys with him.  Side note:  Jesus always knows what you’re chatting about.  There’s no such thing as talking behind Jesus’ back.

“Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.’” (Luke 9:46-62 NLT)

Or what about James and John, the Sons of Thunder?  Here’s a glimpse into their heart and Jesus’ response in Mark 20:24-28.

“When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NLT)

Sometimes, it is an ugly reality when our hearts are exposed but that is when Jesus can take what is really there and deal with it.  That is, if we will allow him.  Will we allow him to search our hearts today?

Okay.

Let’s quickly look at Jesus.

Holy Spirit gave me a vision of Jesus in the waters of the Jordan a while back. It was just a flash, but I saw the Lord from a distance.  He was a little over waist high, shirtless in the water.  His hair drenched and his eyes looking intent as he waded through the water.  He had just been baptized.  It was an intense vision.

It begs the question, “Why did the One was greatest have to be baptized by the one who great?” It comes down the order that God had set in place.

John the Baptist tried to get Jesus to switch roles. 

Look at John’s confession before Jesus arrived at the Jordan.  John knew who he was in comparison to Christ. 

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”  (Matthew 3:11-12 NKJV)

But what was God’s order?  Jesus knew what the LORD wanted and he submitted to it.

Matthew 3:13-17 (NKJV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

It is beautiful!!!  Can you even imagine being there?  What an affirmation from the Father and what a beautiful picture of servant leadership. Jesus allowed John to fulfill his personal destiny by yielding to the heart of the Father.  Glory to God.  Thank you Jesus.

Lastly, gratitude. 

Gratitude is key to serving the Lord as a leader.  Without gratitude, you will take advantage of people, feel entitled to their loyalty, and have unrealistic expectations.

Honor those who serve with you and express gratitude often.  Not out of a desire to manipulate and keep people near. No. That is evil.  Have genuine love for one another.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

2 Corinthians 4:15 (NLT)

“All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.”

So, Lord.  Today, we present our lives to you. Asking that you would teach us humility to be servant leaders.  To know your order and submit to that.  And to be ones that are so very grateful for the ones you’ve chosen to run our race with us.  May our hearts overflow with gratitude for your love and the love of others around us. Make us like you, Jesus.  Transform us, Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name, amen.

Be blessed in Christ and be a blessing today to others!