Leadership are considerate to the needs of those around them

True leaders care more about the people entrusted to them than the dream they aspire to realize.

In this short video introduction De Waal Esterhuizen shares on how leaders should increasingly be aware of the needs of others as you work in a group.  This is part of the Leadership Growth Series of 2016 (https://youtu.be/9bV7AYmR6aY)

Scripture

1 Peter 5:1-4

1  The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2  Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3  nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4  and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Observation and reflection questions

1. To whom was this exhortation addressed? (v1)
2. List all the titles he gives to the church leaders in this portion of Scripture. (v1, 2, 3)
3. What do we learn from the role of these leaders as revealed by these titles?
4. What is the core command/ exhortation in this portion of Scripture? (v2)
5. What (or Who) is the standard of “good shepherding” (v4)
6. What is the promise of “good shepherding”? (v4)
7. What does Peter say about how not to lead? (v2-3) Put this in your own words.
8. What does this phrase “shepherd the flock” mean? Unpack this phrase.

Application questions and prayer

Throughout the Bible leaders are referred to as “shepherds” because of the patient, intimate care which God calls for. Moses, David and Amos were only allowed to lead God’s people after being shepherds for some time. Jesus bears the titles Good Shepherd and Great (Superior) Shepherd.  All these imply that godly leadership lead with patient, caring and loving concern of the abilities, limitations and needs of each individual person.

1. Take three people you are responsible for in your responsibility as leader. Do the following for each of these three people today:
2. Briefly list the dreams, hopes and aspirations he/she holds dear to their heart. Do you know of any promises from God?
3. What are the fears he / she faces currently?
4. What burden is heavy on his/her heart?
5. What is his/her greatest obstacle now?
6. What is his/her greatest joy at the moment?
7. Pray to God for each of these three people according to your notes today from your heart.
8. Look at your list. Send an encouraging voice note to each of these members today, telling them you prayed for them. Let them know you care and that God cares about them.

 

 

 

The Love of God 2 – everlasting

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on God’s eternal love for you and your neigbour.

Scripture

Jeremiah 31:1-7

1  “At that time, declares the LORD, I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they shall be my people.”

2  Thus says the LORD: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, 3  the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. 4  Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers. 5  Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant and shall enjoy the fruit. 6  For there shall be a day when watchmen will call in the hill country of Ephraim: ‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God.'”

7  For thus says the LORD: “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’

Observation

Context: The prophet Jeremiah promises the restoration of Israel (the northern tribes) after their destruction by the Assyrians and exile from their land.  

1. Verse two is a rich verse with much information. Find other synonyms that describe what these phrases mean in this context:
   1. “survived the sword”
   2. “found grace in the wilderness”
   3. “when Israel sought for rest”
2. Verses four to six speaks of the restoration of Israel. In contemporary language describe the promised restoration.
3. Concerning verse 3
4. Why does the prophet say the Lord will respond to unfaithful Israel’s pleas? (verse 3)
5. In the immediate context, what does the beautiful phrase “I have loved your with an everlasting love” refer to?

Personal reflection and prayer

Even in their destruction and exile the Lord has been gracious to Israel, faithfully preserving a remnant and eagerly waiting their pleas for help.  Truly, His love is everlasting!

1. Do you sometimes feel that the Lord will grow impatient with you? Why?  Tell the Lord that.
2. Have you ever felt that the Lord has given up on you? Why?  Tell the Lord how you feel.
3. Take a few moments and mediate on verse three by mulling it phrase by phrase, memorizing it, praying it.
   1. In which ways have the Lord shown his love for you during hardships?
   2. In which ways have the Lord shown his love for you in spite of your unfaithfulness?
4. Do you know a friend or family member that is far from the Lord at present?
   1. The Lord is gracious, patient, faithful – pray for that friend or family member now.
   2. Is there a message of encouragement you can give to him or her?

Knowing Jesus 4

The Aim of this Biblical Study is to grow in the knowledge of the humanity of Jesus Christ.

Scripture

Hebrews 4:14-5:1-9

14  Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  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. 16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1  For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.  2  He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3  Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.

4  And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5  So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”…

7  In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.  8  Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9  And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.

Observations

1. What are the names and titles attributed to Jesus in this passage? What do each mean or imply about the person and ministry of Jesus?
2. Read through the passage above and mark every phrase that highlights the humanity of Jesus.
3. According to this passage, what are the qualifications of a high priest? How does Jesus fulfill it?

Application and prayer

1. If you were a struggling addict, or someone constantly resisting sexual temptations, or a tired mother battling to keep her rage intact with a rebellious three-year old, but you want to please God from your heart – which parts of this passage would be comforting to you? Why?
2. Write your three biggest character weaknesses / habitual sins (pray and think before you write). In which way can the man, Jesus relate to your struggle?
3. Now in prayer approach Jesus your High Priest boldly and pray for mercy for forgiveness, as well as grace to overcome these fleshly weaknesses. (Be sincere – pray for a while with passion from your heart).
4. Now pray for someone close to you who struggle to overcome some fleshly weakness, and afterwards send them an encouraging message – or even better – visit them personally and encourage them in Christ.

Note: Image “Approach the Throne of Grace as a Child” found at https://wolfspain.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/10-04-11-approach_throne_child.jpg