Jesus Style Leadership 1 - Call & GraceSample

Elisha’s Call to Lead – Sacrifices

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leadership starts with being faithful in small things.

Read 1 Kings 19:19-21

Comment

The prophet Elijah had just been through the most exciting and disappointing experiences in his life of leadership (yes sometimes they come close together). He had seen God answer with fire from heaven to show his power to the Israelites and then his life had been threatened by the evil queen (no this is not a fairy tale) who was looking for revenge. Elijah was exhausted, but God encouraged him and told him to appoint an apprentice to help him. Young Elisha was steadily ploughing with his team when Elijah turned up and threw his coat around him. This action had a similar meaning to Paul’s laying his hands on Timothy. Elijah was calling Elisha to follow him and become a spiritual leader. It was a huge privilege, but it meant changing his direction. Elisha burned his plough and roasted his oxen to make it very clear that he would follow God’s call. God will ask you too to make sacrifices to be a Jesus-style leader. He may not ask you to give up your day job, but leadership will cost you. Everything significant and important always involves sacrifice. Elisha went on to have a very powerful leadership ministry but look where he started (19:21) – as a servant. That’s a good place to begin. Be faithful in small things and let God do the rest.

Prayer

I know that as you develop my influence, Jesus, you will ask me to make sacrifices for you and for those I serve. I want you to know that I am not afraid of this challenge. Please help me to be faithful in the small things you are asking me to do at the moment. I want to be a Jesus-style leader.

Personal Reflection

Is there anything that Jesus is asking you to sacrifice (give up) at the moment so that you can serve him better? Maybe you could write this on a piece of paper and rip it up or even burn it.