The Bible can be profitably studied at several levels. It is a primary source
for historical information and religious worldview but also for personal faith
and devotion. But my reading last year dramatically highlighted what I already
knew, that the Bible is also an absolutely outstanding study on leadership.
From Abraham to Moses, from Saul to David, from Isaiah to Nehemiah, and
from Peter to Paul, the Bible depicts a vast spectrum of leaders in an
intriguing array of leadership situations. Keys to leadership success are
obvious to those with eyes to see, as are warnings about what can happen when
leaders get off track. More than anything else, the Bible shows the potential
of leaders who are willing to listen to God and assume a shepherding role over
the people of God. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself promotes the concept of
Servant Leadership (a concept which, unfortunately, has often been sorely
neglected by Christians in positions of power).
Some verses in the Bible, ones that might easily be skimmed over, take
on significant meaning when viewed from a leadership perspective. For instance,
this morning I read about Moses and the children of Israel at Kadesh Barnea.
Moses asked the king of Edom for permission to pass peacefully through his
land. But the Edomites refused.
“Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his territory; so
Israel turned away from him (Numbers 20:21).”
Leadership lesson here? There are times when you have to fight but there
are also times when it’s best to simply turn away and find another way to
achieve your God-given objective.
It’s only a minor point compared to the many other leadership lessons in
Scripture but it could easily be the difference between success and disaster. In
any case, it serves as a good example of pragmatic biblical wisdom in
leadership matters.
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