John – The Power of a Relationship
A Relationship that Loves
“James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, ‘Sons of Thunder’” (Mark 3:17).
Ever know someone who gave their friends a nickname? Some people enjoy giving others a name that describes some attribute or similarity. I knew of one college student whose middle name was Chevon. She became known in her college years as “Chevy.” Often names given in fun become lifetime handles.
Jesus gave a few monikers to some of His disciples. Simon was renamed Peter while James and John were nicknamed “Boanerges” or “Sons of Thunder.” John is often viewed as the peaceful loving disciple that wrote of love and always sought to stay close to Jesus. Apparently, he was not always such a loving individual. Much of our opinion of John is shaped by his later writing and his devotion to the Lord. What we often do not see is the man Jesus called from the fishing boat to “come, follow me.”
There was much more to learn. These men called from various vocations would change much over the three years of mentorship, shaped by shared experiences with Jesus, the Messiah. Relationships take time. John had to learn to love. He made the transition from tough to tenderness. John’s temperament changed from one who would “call down fire from heaven” (Luke 9:51-56) to an inseparable friend staying close to Jesus, even “leaning on Jesus’ bosom” (John 13:23).
Jesus does not call us just to be robotic followers. He does not mass produce disciples with mindless allegiance; rather He calls us into a dynamic relationship. He treats us all as special individuals. Each of us is a unique design. His plan for your life is “one of a kind.” He is not interested in blind followers but intelligent, passionate, and devoted disciples, developing and deciding day by day to grow in our relationship with Him.
A leader-disciple must learn to love. We often forget what we were before the Lord found us in our sin, saved us, and called us to be disciples. Or we excuse our lack of maturity and failure to change saying,
John is the disciple that repeatedly reminds us to love one another to demonstrate our discipleship! The other disciples may have heard it but only John records it in his Gospel. John had a relationship that learned to love!
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35).
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #4
Peter – The Power of Submission
Authority and Submission
The teenager rebels against parental authority and longs for the day when he is no longer told what to do. As soon as he is of age he goes to the local Army recruiting office and signs up for a tour of duty. Finally, he is on his own, doing his own thing!
The irony of that situation is humorous. Everyone knows that when you join the military your life is not your own. You will be told when to get up, when to go to bed, and what you will do with every waking moment, at least through basic training. Authority is never to be questioned. You learn to take orders without hesitation. If in the military one doesn’t learn how to be under authority there are other lessons in life that will teach you the technique!
We seldom seek employment just for the fun of it. There are usually financial requirements that drive one to take a job. House rent or mortgage, car payments, food, clothing, and everything else we want to acquire requires money. In employment there is always someone who is the “boss.” Someone gives the orders and holds you accountable to accomplish your tasks. We either learn to submit to those in authority or constantly find ourselves seeking other employment!
The Apostle Peter learned so much about authority and submission through the mentoring of Jesus that he seems like a different man in the book of Acts. He speaks with authority for all the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. He speaks with power to the lame man at the Beautiful Gate and commands him to rise and walk, healed of his life-long handicap. Peter’s shadow is sufficient to inspire faith and produce healing of sick people in Acts chapter five. Such authority and power were only possible through the lessons of submission that he had learned.
Peter is not above correction or making mistakes even after he is used in powerful ministry in the book of Acts. He shows his weakness in prejudice against the Gentiles (Acts 10) and his preference for Jewish fellowship in Antioch (Galatians 2). So even then he must learn the act of submission to continue to exercise power through authority. He acknowledges that he must not consider the Gentiles unclean if God has cleansed them and obeys the call to preach to the Gentiles of Cornelius’ household. He apparently received the rebuke from Paul concerning his hypocrisy in refusing to eat with the Gentiles when his Jewish friends came to town. One of the things that made Peter great was his ability to accept correction and submit to God’s authority. (See 1 Peter 2:13-16.)
The more authority we are given, the more we find the need to submit to other authorities. You will never outgrow the need for submission. True power in leadership only comes through submission to authority.
Authority and Submission
The teenager rebels against parental authority and longs for the day when he is no longer told what to do. As soon as he is of age he goes to the local Army recruiting office and signs up for a tour of duty. Finally, he is on his own, doing his own thing!
The irony of that situation is humorous. Everyone knows that when you join the military your life is not your own. You will be told when to get up, when to go to bed, and what you will do with every waking moment, at least through basic training. Authority is never to be questioned. You learn to take orders without hesitation. If in the military one doesn’t learn how to be under authority there are other lessons in life that will teach you the technique!
We seldom seek employment just for the fun of it. There are usually financial requirements that drive one to take a job. House rent or mortgage, car payments, food, clothing, and everything else we want to acquire requires money. In employment there is always someone who is the “boss.” Someone gives the orders and holds you accountable to accomplish your tasks. We either learn to submit to those in authority or constantly find ourselves seeking other employment!
The Apostle Peter learned so much about authority and submission through the mentoring of Jesus that he seems like a different man in the book of Acts. He speaks with authority for all the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. He speaks with power to the lame man at the Beautiful Gate and commands him to rise and walk, healed of his life-long handicap. Peter’s shadow is sufficient to inspire faith and produce healing of sick people in Acts chapter five. Such authority and power were only possible through the lessons of submission that he had learned.
Peter is not above correction or making mistakes even after he is used in powerful ministry in the book of Acts. He shows his weakness in prejudice against the Gentiles (Acts 10) and his preference for Jewish fellowship in Antioch (Galatians 2). So even then he must learn the act of submission to continue to exercise power through authority. He acknowledges that he must not consider the Gentiles unclean if God has cleansed them and obeys the call to preach to the Gentiles of Cornelius’ household. He apparently received the rebuke from Paul concerning his hypocrisy in refusing to eat with the Gentiles when his Jewish friends came to town. One of the things that made Peter great was his ability to accept correction and submit to God’s authority. (See 1 Peter 2:13-16.)
The more authority we are given, the more we find the need to submit to other authorities. You will never outgrow the need for submission. True power in leadership only comes through submission to authority.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #3
Peter – The Power of Submission
Leading by Loving, Shepherding by Feeding
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).
In one of the last times Jesus was with the disciples before His ascension he prepared a breakfast of fish and bread by the lake. After they had dined, Jesus asked Peter a question three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter responded positively and Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” Many sermons and speculations have tried to address the importance of the questions and the answers provided in this setting. The overarching theme of the scene is, “If you love the Master, you will take care of His sheep.”
Through these repeated questions and instructions Peter got the message. If you love Jesus you will transfer that love to those God places you in authority over. Peter will gain a high profile position in the beginning of the church. He will be the spokesman at Pentecost and have great influence in the early church meetings. The emphasis that Jesus made in that last meeting stayed with him throughout the rest of his ministry. When it came time for Peter to write to the church elders, he addressed them with the same admonition, “Shepherd the flock. Take care of the sheep.” He advised them to serve as overseers, to do so willingly and not be motivated by greed. He cautioned them not to lord over those entrusted to them, but to be examples to the flock.
Peter had learned submission and he taught it to those he mentored, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble’” (1 Peter 5:5). To be a leader, an elder, a father, one must learn the act of submission. When we learn to love God, we will love one another, and care for those in our charge.
True authority in leadership does not come with the exercise of power, or with the fearful obedience of the subjects, but through loving others, caring for their needs, and making sure they are well fed. Paul understood the principle and gave similar instructions to the elders in Ephesus, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).
Christ loves the church. They are His sheep and they belong to Him. Whatever our leadership roles, may we never forget that the people we lead are highly loved and valued by God. Someday we will answer to Him concerning how we have taken care of what belongs to Him!
Leading by Loving, Shepherding by Feeding
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).
In one of the last times Jesus was with the disciples before His ascension he prepared a breakfast of fish and bread by the lake. After they had dined, Jesus asked Peter a question three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter responded positively and Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” Many sermons and speculations have tried to address the importance of the questions and the answers provided in this setting. The overarching theme of the scene is, “If you love the Master, you will take care of His sheep.”
Through these repeated questions and instructions Peter got the message. If you love Jesus you will transfer that love to those God places you in authority over. Peter will gain a high profile position in the beginning of the church. He will be the spokesman at Pentecost and have great influence in the early church meetings. The emphasis that Jesus made in that last meeting stayed with him throughout the rest of his ministry. When it came time for Peter to write to the church elders, he addressed them with the same admonition, “Shepherd the flock. Take care of the sheep.” He advised them to serve as overseers, to do so willingly and not be motivated by greed. He cautioned them not to lord over those entrusted to them, but to be examples to the flock.
Peter had learned submission and he taught it to those he mentored, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble’” (1 Peter 5:5). To be a leader, an elder, a father, one must learn the act of submission. When we learn to love God, we will love one another, and care for those in our charge.
True authority in leadership does not come with the exercise of power, or with the fearful obedience of the subjects, but through loving others, caring for their needs, and making sure they are well fed. Paul understood the principle and gave similar instructions to the elders in Ephesus, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).
Christ loves the church. They are His sheep and they belong to Him. Whatever our leadership roles, may we never forget that the people we lead are highly loved and valued by God. Someday we will answer to Him concerning how we have taken care of what belongs to Him!
Friday, June 8, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #2
Peter – The Power of Submission
When the Rooster Crows
Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble." Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times" (Matthew 26:33-34).
In the company of believing peers and in the safety of common faith it is easy to stand for convictions and swear allegiance. When faith is in the majority and no one is present to confront your testimony you can be as emphatic as you want to be about your steadfastness and determination to stand in the face of adversity. It is when you stand alone in the den of wolves you may cower in fear. When the majority takes a position that leaves you isolated it is more difficult to remain resolute.
When in the presence of Jesus and in the company of fellow disciples Peter emphatically bragged that he would never stumble. Even if all the rest failed Peter was determined that he alone would remain firm in his loyalty and unswerving in his faith. Jesus cautioned him and predicted that indeed he would deny the Lord that very night. Not just once would he deny, but three times he would declare himself to be a stranger to the man from Galilee. Additionally, Jesus gave him a sign that would take place after this denial, the rooster would crow after Peter denied the Lord the third time.
Little did the disciples realize the fear and trepidation that would fill their hearts this night as soldiers bearing torches and swords would converge on the garden prayer meeting to arrest Jesus and take Him to a late night trial. Before this event they were strong in faith. When Jesus was with them it was easy to pledge their loyalty. But when He was taken and all hope seemed lost the disciples fled in fear.
There’s no cause to brag of our steadfast devotion if we have never faced persecution. We truly do not know how we would respond given the same set of circumstances others faced. But even in our own witness there may have been times when it was easier to remain quiet than to speak up for our convictions and stand up for our faith. When someone is criticizing Christians or making fun of the Pentecostal experience it is easier to remain in the background and ignore them than to confront them and declare your convictions.
As we seek to blend in to the crowd and bend with the wind and wave of opposition, keep one ear tuned in for uncommon sounds. Maybe it won’t be a rooster, but something will call out your failure and reveal your lack of conviction. When our failures are crowed from the rooftops how will we respond? Will we, like Peter, find a place of repentance and restoration? Or will we, like Judas, be defeated by our defeat and fail to learn from our failures?
When the rooster crows just remember; He didn’t call us to leave us. He didn’t tell us we would fail to forsake us in our pain. He didn’t predict our defeat to leave us without hope. He loves us even when we fail and cares for us even if we curse Him. There is restoration and redemption and a new day of promise after the rooster crows!
When the Rooster Crows
Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble." Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times" (Matthew 26:33-34).
In the company of believing peers and in the safety of common faith it is easy to stand for convictions and swear allegiance. When faith is in the majority and no one is present to confront your testimony you can be as emphatic as you want to be about your steadfastness and determination to stand in the face of adversity. It is when you stand alone in the den of wolves you may cower in fear. When the majority takes a position that leaves you isolated it is more difficult to remain resolute.
When in the presence of Jesus and in the company of fellow disciples Peter emphatically bragged that he would never stumble. Even if all the rest failed Peter was determined that he alone would remain firm in his loyalty and unswerving in his faith. Jesus cautioned him and predicted that indeed he would deny the Lord that very night. Not just once would he deny, but three times he would declare himself to be a stranger to the man from Galilee. Additionally, Jesus gave him a sign that would take place after this denial, the rooster would crow after Peter denied the Lord the third time.
Little did the disciples realize the fear and trepidation that would fill their hearts this night as soldiers bearing torches and swords would converge on the garden prayer meeting to arrest Jesus and take Him to a late night trial. Before this event they were strong in faith. When Jesus was with them it was easy to pledge their loyalty. But when He was taken and all hope seemed lost the disciples fled in fear.
There’s no cause to brag of our steadfast devotion if we have never faced persecution. We truly do not know how we would respond given the same set of circumstances others faced. But even in our own witness there may have been times when it was easier to remain quiet than to speak up for our convictions and stand up for our faith. When someone is criticizing Christians or making fun of the Pentecostal experience it is easier to remain in the background and ignore them than to confront them and declare your convictions.
As we seek to blend in to the crowd and bend with the wind and wave of opposition, keep one ear tuned in for uncommon sounds. Maybe it won’t be a rooster, but something will call out your failure and reveal your lack of conviction. When our failures are crowed from the rooftops how will we respond? Will we, like Peter, find a place of repentance and restoration? Or will we, like Judas, be defeated by our defeat and fail to learn from our failures?
When the rooster crows just remember; He didn’t call us to leave us. He didn’t tell us we would fail to forsake us in our pain. He didn’t predict our defeat to leave us without hope. He loves us even when we fail and cares for us even if we curse Him. There is restoration and redemption and a new day of promise after the rooster crows!
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Leadership through Discipleship #1
Peter – The Power of Submission
Among the disciples, Peter is probably the most outstanding and outspoken of the disciples. He appears to be impetuous in his actions and quick to offer his opinions. From the Biblical record he appears to have a classic leadership temperament. However, before he can be a powerful leader he must learn the act of submission.
Jesus sees his natural abilities. He also sees his innate weaknesses. Jesus calls Peter based not on who he is but who he can become. The Lord sees the pent up potential in prospective disciples and challenges the followers to realize and release the power within through the process of change. From the first meeting of Jesus and Simon there was an intentional training program prepared for this would-be disciple. “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas,” was the challenge Jesus presented. Until this encounter he was Simon. Jesus implied that he would become a rock, a solid leader in the emerging church.
There is evidence of both growth and failures throughout the life of Peter after this occasion. He was commended and corrected. He was congratulated and cautioned. When Jesus questioned His disciples concerning His true identity it was Peter who suddenly confessed, “You are the Christ!” Jesus commended him and gave him the keys of authority in a newly defined community of believers saying, “On this rock I will build my church!” (Matthew 16:15-19).
Perhaps Peter was feeling arrogant or overconfident in his newly granted position of leadership. In just a few verses Jesus revealed His plan to suffer and die in Jerusalem and to rise again in three days, Peter rebuked Jesus and said, “This shall not happen to You!” The responding condemnation was quick and pointed. Jesus said, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God.” Peter had to learn that true authority is always subject to direction from God.
You can never be your own authority. In order to lead you must continue to follow. You must always be submitted to another. The principle of leadership Jesus taught Peter was submission. He learned it and he taught it. (See 2 Peter 5:1-6.) This is the fulfillment of the commission, disciples go and teach and make disciples. That is the secret to effective leadership and the secret to the irresistible growth of the Gospel of Christ.
Among the disciples, Peter is probably the most outstanding and outspoken of the disciples. He appears to be impetuous in his actions and quick to offer his opinions. From the Biblical record he appears to have a classic leadership temperament. However, before he can be a powerful leader he must learn the act of submission.
Jesus sees his natural abilities. He also sees his innate weaknesses. Jesus calls Peter based not on who he is but who he can become. The Lord sees the pent up potential in prospective disciples and challenges the followers to realize and release the power within through the process of change. From the first meeting of Jesus and Simon there was an intentional training program prepared for this would-be disciple. “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas,” was the challenge Jesus presented. Until this encounter he was Simon. Jesus implied that he would become a rock, a solid leader in the emerging church.
There is evidence of both growth and failures throughout the life of Peter after this occasion. He was commended and corrected. He was congratulated and cautioned. When Jesus questioned His disciples concerning His true identity it was Peter who suddenly confessed, “You are the Christ!” Jesus commended him and gave him the keys of authority in a newly defined community of believers saying, “On this rock I will build my church!” (Matthew 16:15-19).
Perhaps Peter was feeling arrogant or overconfident in his newly granted position of leadership. In just a few verses Jesus revealed His plan to suffer and die in Jerusalem and to rise again in three days, Peter rebuked Jesus and said, “This shall not happen to You!” The responding condemnation was quick and pointed. Jesus said, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God.” Peter had to learn that true authority is always subject to direction from God.
You can never be your own authority. In order to lead you must continue to follow. You must always be submitted to another. The principle of leadership Jesus taught Peter was submission. He learned it and he taught it. (See 2 Peter 5:1-6.) This is the fulfillment of the commission, disciples go and teach and make disciples. That is the secret to effective leadership and the secret to the irresistible growth of the Gospel of Christ.
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