Tag: Leadership

The Rock and the Stumbling Block: Lessons from Peter’s Journey

In Matthew 16:13-23, we see one of the most remarkable shifts in a disciple’s relationship with Jesus. It begins with Simon Peter’s stunning confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus blesses Peter and renames him: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (v.18). But just moments later, Peter rebukes Jesus for predicting His suffering and death, and Jesus responds with one of the harshest rebukes in Scripture: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (v.23).

How do we reconcile these two events? How can Peter, in one moment, be called the foundation of the future church, and in the next, be likened to Satan? These contrasting scenes reveal deep truths about Peter’s journey and the tension in our own Christian lives.

When Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah, he is making a profound statement that demonstrates divine revelation. Jesus emphasizes this by saying, “flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (v.17). The name change from Simon to Peter (meaning “rock”) symbolizes stability and strength, qualities that will eventually characterize Peter’s leadership in the early church. Jesus’ promise to build His church on Peter is not simply about the man, but about the confession of faith that Peter makes—that Jesus is the Christ.

This moment is a picture of how God often works in our lives: He reveals truths to us and calls us to things we cannot fully grasp in the moment. Peter’s new name is a sign of the leadership role he will grow into, but it doesn’t mean he is fully formed or without weakness. This is crucial for understanding what follows.

Right after Jesus tells the disciples that He must suffer and die, Peter—likely filled with fear and confusion—takes Him aside and rebukes Him: “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” (v.22). Peter’s reaction, while emotionally understandable, is a rejection of Jesus’ mission. He cannot reconcile the idea of a suffering Messiah with his expectations of a victorious one. But by opposing Jesus’ path to the cross, Peter is unknowingly aligning himself with the same temptation Jesus faced in the wilderness—one that would have Him avoid suffering and take a shortcut to glory.

Jesus’ rebuke of Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” is not a dismissal of Peter as His disciple but a sharp reminder of the danger of thinking from a purely human perspective. Jesus had just called Peter a “rock,” but in this moment, Peter becomes a “stumbling block.” The Greek word here, skandalon, refers to something that causes someone to trip. Peter, in his attempt to protect Jesus from suffering, becomes an obstacle to God’s plan of salvation.

Peter’s journey in this passage reflects the Christian experience in many ways. First, like Peter, we often receive divine revelation about who Jesus is and what He calls us to, but we may not fully understand the cost or the process. Peter wanted the glory of the Kingdom without the suffering of the cross. How often do we desire the benefits of following Jesus without embracing the hardships or sacrifices?

Second, Peter’s misstep shows us that it’s possible to be both called by God and still get things wrong. Jesus didn’t retract His promise to build the church on Peter after the rebuke. This is an important reminder: even when we fail, God’s calling on our lives remains. Jesus didn’t discard Peter for his misunderstanding; instead, He corrected him and continued to disciple him.

Finally, this passage teaches us that following Jesus means having “in mind the concerns of God, not human concerns” (v.23). It’s easy to be like Peter, to try to fit God’s plans into our limited perspective. But discipleship requires us to trust Jesus’ wisdom, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations. Peter thought he was helping Jesus by telling Him to avoid suffering, but in reality, he was working against God’s redemptive plan. Similarly, we might resist hardship in our own lives, not realizing that God often uses trials to shape us and accomplish His purposes.

Just as Peter had to learn that God’s ways are not his ways, we, too, must submit to Jesus’ lead, even when it takes us to uncomfortable or difficult places. The “rock” Peter would become was formed through a process of refinement, a journey of stumbling and restoration that mirrors the Christian walk.

Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt: Keeping Our Eyes on the Prize

Nehemiah faced multiple forms of opposition as he sought to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Sanballat, Tobiah, and others continually tried to disrupt the work through various tactics: intimidation, discouragement, and disinformation. Each of these methods is a classic tactic used to sow fear and confusion, causing people to doubt their mission. But Nehemiah’s focus and reliance on God serve as a powerful example for us today.

First, there was the scare tactic. Sanballat and Tobiah mocked the efforts of the builders. They laughed at them, claiming the wall would crumble if even a fox walked on it (Neh. 4:3). The aim was to undermine their confidence and make them second-guess the importance of their work. It’s not too different from the whispers we might hear today: “What difference will it make?” “Are you sure this is even worth it?” “Maybe you should just stop before you embarrass yourself.” These subtle doubts can erode our resolve if we give them space in our minds.

Second, they tried to incite fear with the threat of violence. Sanballat and Tobiah spread rumors about an imminent attack (Neh. 4:11). In response, half the workers stood guard while the other half built the wall, each holding a weapon at their side (Neh. 4:17-18). The key here is how Nehemiah addressed the threat — he neither ignored it nor let it paralyze the work. He took practical precautions, but the work continued. Sometimes in life, we face real threats — whether it’s fear of failure, personal attacks, or genuine danger. In such moments, wisdom calls for both vigilance and persistence. But we cannot allow fear to derail us from our God-given purpose.

The enemy didn’t stop there. They then resorted to lies and manipulation. Sanballat sent letters accusing Nehemiah of rebelling against the king, a serious claim that could have cost him his life (Neh. 6:5-9). Nehemiah saw through the lies and refused to be intimidated. He didn’t waste time trying to defend himself or prove his innocence — he trusted that God would vindicate him. In our own lives, we can face misinformation and rumors, especially in today’s age of social media. It’s easy to feel like we need to respond to every accusation or defend ourselves against every misunderstanding. But sometimes, the best response is to keep moving forward and trust that the truth will eventually come to light.

Finally, Nehemiah faced attempts at compromise. Sanballat and Tobiah invited him to a meeting, which was a veiled attempt to ambush him (Neh. 6:2-3). Nehemiah saw through their plan and refused, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” He didn’t let himself get distracted. Today, distractions can come in many forms — whether it’s the temptation to engage in fruitless arguments, to take on tasks that aren’t ours, or to settle for less than what God has called us to. Once we have our orders from the King, we must stay the course without compromise or delay.

Nehemiah shows us that opposition, whether through fear, intimidation, lies, or distraction, is inevitable. Yet, his example reminds us that we don’t have to give in. Just as Nehemiah had orders from the king of Persia and stayed focused, we have orders from the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. When we are sure of what God has called us to, we must stay focused on the mission, trusting that He will provide the strength, wisdom, and protection we need to overcome every obstacle.

The Illusion of Human Power

Esther 1:10-22 offers us a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of power and authority. Xerxes, the king, is used to absolute control over his empire and, apparently, over his household as well. His command for Queen Vashti to appear before his banquet guests as a display of her beauty is not simply a request but an expectation born out of his authority as king. When Vashti refuses, it isn’t just a private disagreement—it becomes a threat to the entire social order of the time, particularly to the authority of men over their households.

This fear is expressed clearly by Xerxes’ advisors, who advise the king to take action against Vashti. They worry that if her defiance goes unpunished, other women across the kingdom might be emboldened to defy their husbands as well, undermining the patriarchal system. Their solution? Issue a royal decree that not only punishes Vashti but also publicizes her defiance throughout the empire. In doing so, they unintentionally broadcast the very rebellion they hoped to suppress.

Here lies the irony: in their attempt to preserve male authority, the advisors only magnify the story of Vashti’s refusal. What might have been an act of dignity and self-respect on Vashti’s part is twisted into a threat to societal order. Their actions, meant to reinforce control, instead expose the fragility of their power. Human attempts to maintain control often backfire, revealing how shaky earthly power structures truly are. What was meant to be a private refusal, perhaps rooted in Vashti’s desire to maintain her honor¹, becomes a public scandal. In their eagerness to suppress disorder, the advisors instead invite it.

This passage reminds us of an important truth: human authority is temporary and imperfect. Kings and rulers can make decrees, set policies, and seek to control outcomes, but ultimately, only God’s authority is sovereign and unshakable. Xerxes’ actions, driven by wounded pride and fear of losing control, stand in stark contrast to the steady, unchanging power of God.

In today’s world, we often see similar patterns. Leaders and institutions may try to exert control, only to discover that their efforts to preserve authority highlight their insecurity. Just as in Xerxes’ kingdom, human power is fragile and subject to failure. We are reminded that, in contrast, God’s power is constant, just, and never subject to the whims of pride or fear.

As Christians, this passage encourages us to examine where we place our trust. Do we rely on human structures of power, which are bound to crumble, or do we place our trust in the Lord, whose rule is eternal and whose authority is rooted in love and righteousness? Vashti’s story serves as a reminder that God often works through the unexpected—through defiance, through irony, through what appears to be disorder—to accomplish His purposes.

Today, let us be encouraged to stand firm in our faith, knowing that while human power may falter, God’s will is always accomplished. The fragility of earthly systems highlights the steadfastness of God’s kingdom. May we place our hope and trust in the one true King, whose authority is never threatened and whose rule is always just.

Several theories have been proposed about why Vashti’s banquet occurred and why she refused to attend Xerxes’ summons:

Cultural Norms: In Persian society, there was a cultural expectation that women would not be present at certain male-dominated gatherings, especially if they involved heavy drinking and revelry. Vashti’s banquet might have been a customary women’s gathering, separate from the more public male banquet. In this case, Xerxes summoning her to display her beauty may have been a breach of this cultural expectation.

Protection of Dignity: Some scholars suggest that Vashti’s refusal was based on a desire to maintain her dignity. Xerxes’ request, made in a drunken state, could have been seen as inappropriate or demeaning, especially if it was interpreted that she was being asked to appear in front of the men solely to show off her beauty (with some interpretations even suggesting she was asked to appear immodestly). Vashti may have been unwilling to leave her banquet, where she held a position of honor, to be publicly objectified.

Political and Personal Dynamics: There is also speculation that Vashti’s refusal might reflect deeper political or personal dynamics between her and Xerxes, which the text doesn’t elaborate on. Whether her banquet was a symbolic assertion of her own power or simply a part of royal custom is unclear.

Timing: The text doesn’t explicitly state whether the banquets were happening at the exact same time or one after the other. The suggestion that Vashti was called away from her banquet to attend Xerxes’ could indicate overlapping events, though this isn’t certain. If they were happening concurrently, it would make her refusal seem more reasonable, as she was hosting an event of her own. ↩︎

How Will You Lead?

I’ve always been struck by the profound responsibility that comes with leadership, particularly in the church. Reading through Jeremiah 22-23, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of God’s words directed at the leaders of Israel. As a leader, these passages serve as a sobering reminder that shepherding God’s people is not about serving ourselves but about being faithful stewards of His truth.

In Jeremiah 23:1-2, God condemns the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of His pasture. This rebuke is not limited to the kings but extends to the religious leaders as well. Those who are supposed to guide and protect God’s people are instead leading them astray, prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of the flock. The failure of these leaders to listen to God and to faithfully communicate His message is a betrayal of their calling.

As a preacher, this strikes a deep chord within me. The role of a preacher, much like the prophets of old, is to declare God’s word to His people. But how can we do that if we do not first listen to what He has to say? Jeremiah 23:16-22 makes it clear that those who claim to speak for God must be faithful to His words, not their own ideas or desires. This is not just a call to those who stand in the pulpit, but to anyone in a position of spiritual leadership—whether you’re leading a church, a small group, or your own family.

It’s easy to let our own agendas, insecurities, or even good intentions cloud our ability to hear from God. But as leaders, we must be committed to both truth and transparency. We must be willing to speak God’s truth, even when it’s difficult, and to do so with integrity and humility.

This is a commitment I continue to make in my own ministry, and it’s one I challenge all leaders to take seriously. We must shepherd God’s people with care, ensuring that we are faithful to His word and not leading others astray by our own neglect or self-interest. Let’s be leaders who listen, who seek God’s guidance, and who are faithful to the task we’ve been given.

The Need for Christian Leadership

Psalm 125:3 (NLT) says, “The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.” This verse highlights a profound truth about the influence of leadership on the moral and spiritual health of a community. The importance of Christian leaders in today’s world cannot be overstated. Their presence is crucial for guiding people toward righteousness, providing moral stability, and fostering an environment where godliness can flourish.

The Influence of Leadership

Leaders have a significant impact on the behavior and values of those they lead. Studies in social psychology, such as the famous Milgram experiment, demonstrate that people often look to authority figures for cues on how to behave, sometimes even overriding their own moral judgments. In the context of Christian leadership, this means that godly leaders can inspire and guide others to live out their faith in meaningful ways. Their influence can help prevent moral decay and encourage a community to adhere to biblical principles.

Moral Stability in a Shifting Culture

We live in a time of rapid cultural change, where moral relativism often prevails. According to a study by the Barna Group, only 35% of American adults believe in absolute moral truth. This fluidity in moral standards can lead to confusion and ethical ambiguity. Christian leaders play a vital role in providing a steady moral compass amidst this shifting landscape. They remind their communities of timeless biblical truths that stand firm regardless of societal changes.

For instance, in workplaces where ethical leadership is emphasized, employees are more likely to engage in ethical behavior. A study published in the Journal of Business Ethics found that ethical leadership significantly reduces unethical practices among employees. Similarly, Christian leaders who uphold and teach biblical ethics can create an environment where godliness is the norm, rather than the exception.

Guiding Through Challenges

Life is filled with challenges, and people often look to their leaders for guidance and support during tough times. Christian leaders, grounded in their faith, can offer unique perspectives and solutions based on biblical wisdom. They provide not only practical advice but also spiritual encouragement, helping individuals navigate their problems with faith and resilience.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to their faith leaders for comfort and direction. Churches and Christian organizations played a pivotal role in supporting communities, offering not just material assistance but also hope and a sense of purpose. This highlights the importance of having leaders who can guide people through crises with both compassion and conviction.

Fostering Community and Unity

Christian leaders are instrumental in fostering a sense of community and unity among believers. They organize gatherings, encourage fellowship, and build a supportive network where individuals can grow in their faith together. Research shows that strong community bonds contribute to overall well-being and resilience. A study by Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program found that regular participation in religious community activities is associated with greater happiness and lower rates of depression.

In a divided world, Christian leaders can be peacemakers, promoting reconciliation and understanding. They can bridge gaps between different groups, emphasizing common faith and shared values. This unity is essential for a healthy and vibrant Christian community.

Role Models for the Next Generation

The impact of Christian leaders extends to the younger generation. Young people today face numerous challenges, including identity crises, peer pressure, and a barrage of conflicting worldviews. Christian leaders serve as role models, demonstrating what it means to live a life of faith and integrity. According to a report by Springtide Research Institute, young people who have mentors are more likely to thrive in various aspects of life, including their spiritual journeys.

By investing in youth, Christian leaders ensure that the next generation is equipped with the tools and knowledge to navigate life’s complexities with a strong foundation in their faith. They inspire young people to pursue godliness, encouraging them to become future leaders who will continue to uphold and spread Christian values.

Conclusion

In light of Psalm 125:3, the need for Christian leaders is clear. Their presence and influence are crucial for guiding individuals and communities toward righteousness. In a world where moral standards are increasingly fluid, they provide the stability, guidance, and inspiration needed to foster a Godly environment. By serving as role models, supporting their communities, and upholding biblical principles, Christian leaders play an indispensable role in ensuring that the “land of the godly” remains a place where righteousness prevails. Their leadership not only shapes the present but also secures a hopeful future grounded in faith and integrity.

Strong, Humble Leadership

Let me paint a picture: the King of Judah (not a good man) has just been attacked and ransacked by Kings Rezin & Pekah (of Aram/Syria & Israel, respectively) with many valuables and captives taken — though the people would be returned shortly afterward. And Isaiah comes to Ahaz, the aforementioned King of Judah, and tells him that the coup by Syria & Israel will be unsuccessful in their attempt to overthrow Judah and replace Ahaz with their own king. Given the sizeable losses that Judah just took, I wonder how the follow words of Isaiah were received…

[F]or Syria is no stronger than its capital, Damascus, and Damascus is no stronger than its king, Rezin. As for Israel, within sixty-five years it will be crushed and completely destroyed. Israel is no stronger than its capital, Samaria, and Samaria is no stronger than its king, Pekah son of Remaliah.
Isaiah 7:8-9a

Why is this? Because they stand against the purposes of God. He has said that He will preserve the line of David (from which Jesus will eventually come), and so anyone who tries to stand against the purposes of God will fail.

This is why I didn’t title this devotional “Strong Leadership”, but rather “Strong, Humble Leadership”. Strong to lead people in directions they sometimes do not want to go, but humble enough to be submitted to God as you lead. This is the kind of leadership exemplified by Jesus. This is the kind of leadership we should aspire to ourselves.

On Leadership

These two chapters of Numbers are all about who is in charge of what and where they are to camp. All of which is in relation to the centrepiece of the nascent Israelite nation, the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle is the centre of the camp, it is the centre of the relocation procession, it is the moral, spiritual, social, and even legal centre. The lives of the Israelites were intertwined with the life of the Tabernacle.

And so there were many capable men enlisted to take care of it. One group of thousands of men was tasked with care and transport of the Tabernacle fabrics. Another group of thousands of men was responsible for the structural supports for the Tabernacle. And a final group of thousands of men was tasked with the care and transport of the Tabernacle furnishings.

So then, why do I say today’s devotional is about leadership?

Simple, really. Because at the end of this lengthy passage about who is responsible for what, we are told that Moses (along with his brother Aaron, and Aaron’s sons Eleazar and Ithamar) is in charge of all of the Tabernacle.

No matter how leaders delegate tasks to responsible people, those leaders are still the ones responsible for making sure those tasks are actually completed. A good leader will deal with irresponsible or lazy people over which they are responsible, but a good leader will never blame their workers for the job not being done. A good leader will take responsibility. This is what Biblical Leadership is. It is not about power and authority, but about responsibility and answerability.

What leadership have you been tasked with? Do you take it as seriously as the Lord does?

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