examples of democratic leaders in the bible

Pay attention to the type of men they chose to handle this problem. Examples have not been reviewed. This is influence and leadership in action. Examples of democratic leaders. Pauls circumstances certainly do no give him any status, any clout, with anyone on board that ship. With renewed strength, the passengers set about lightening the ship by throwing the remainder of the cargo the cargo of wheat overboard. At the beginning of the chapter, Paul is the object, the one who is acted upon. Finally, in the following chapter, there will be the snake bite, from which Paul will be spared as well. 555 From verse 38 we know that all the cargo was not thrown overboard at this time. Leaders in the bible had six key characteristics that included commitment, credibility, purpose, gifts, accountability, and self-discipline. Would any have heeded Paul or the gospel as seriously as they did, had the trip to Rome gone quickly and smoothly? Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. These are examples of democratic leadership: All opinions are brought forward in team meetings. I could talk about David, Moses, or Nehemiah, but I want to talk about three lesser-known leaders who make great examples of Godly leadership in the Bible. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. The centurion did not seem to be concerned with any of the prisoners, except one Paul. Too often, I hear leadership spoken of as a place of status, rather than a place of service. The storms of your life may not have been sent your way to destroy you, but to turn you to Gods salvation. It was a coasting vessel, which was to call at various ports of the province of Asia; at one of these Julius knew he would find a ship, preferably a grain ship, bound for Italy. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 477. The soldiers were thus acting to save themselves, as well as the rest on board. Many of the great democratic leaders in history are today cult object and recognition, as an example to follow in the fight for more just, peaceful and orderly societies.. Even running under the shelter of a small island (Clauda, verse 16), they could hardly get the ships dingy on board. It has become an untenable situation, a burden no man can bear. Simply put, Paul warned those making the decision about whether or not to press on that continuing on was not wise. Here is another example of Godly leadership in the Bible that sometimes gets overlooked. There is nothing wrong with a healthy fear of danger. Everyone speaks their minds in team meetings. Paul assured them that not a hair from their head would perish (verse 34). 4. In other words, your leadership style should be authentic to you. While Paul had not lost hope, as had his shipmates, he must have been afraid. If this was all that Paul said to these soldiers, he did not tell them that these men were attempting to abandon ship. Paul reminded his shipmates that they should have listened to him sooner. 558 The fourteenth night is reckoned from the time they left Fair Havens. The lives which Paul warned would be lost were those lives which were spared by God, for Pauls sake (see verses 22-24). I would say that is a great example of Godly leadership. Paul was kept safe, and as a result, all of those with him were saved as well. Paul thought of himself as nothing in the total scheme of things. Paul did not seek to sanctify his words by giving them any spiritual flavor. He bridged the gaps between the Greek and Jewish worlds. To reinforce his words, Paul now did what he urged each of them to dohe ate. If God {is} for us, who {is} against us? Without God's constant guidance in our lives, how can we be confident of what we are teaching, how we are ministering, or why we are even leading? This centurion was to develop a deep respect for Paul, so that he would extend considerable liberties to him, take seriously his advice, and make every effort to protect him. He would later, on the island, work signs and wonders. They were not men who manipulated people or their circumstances in order to further their own power or position. (1) A look at leadership. He was obscure in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes, but faithfulness separated him from mediocrity. Fourth, a moderate south wind had come up,552 which seemed to promise fair sailing to a better port. The storm threatens not only the life of Paul, but also the lives of all on board his ship. He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. Jesus: A leader is a servant first. Verses 30-32 describe the sailors attempt to abandon ship, which they aborted, due to the action taken by the soldiers, who heeded Pauls words of warning. The God whom Paul served was a God who was (and is) in control. Whatever dangers might arise, He will protect His people, in accordance with His purposes and promises. Now, in our text, Paul is again in great danger. But in addition to his surviving this storm, God promised to spare all the other passengers on board as well, not for their sakes alone, but for Pauls sake. He had the courage to speak to the evils of his day. Democratic style on the other hand refers to leadership style in which leaders are the final decision makers with the input of followers. So, says Luke, they lowered the instrument, not being more specific perhaps because he did not know, or did not remember, the technical name for whatever it was that was lowered. He loved God. Paul strongly urged them to stay where they were, at Fair Havens. Pauls execution was sought by the Sanhedrin, which first tried to execute him legally (like Stephen) and then by assassination, but God used Roman soldiers once again to spare His servant. Since leadership is important, how does Godly leadership fit into the equation? 554 The wind would tend to blow the ship much more quickly than the current, and so a sea anchor would reduce the force of the wind on the ship by using the sea as a brake. All in all, it would be best to wait out the storm at sea. How often, I wonder, are others benefited by the presence of a believer? 542 The ship in which they embarked belonged to Adramyttium (modern Edremit), a seaport of Mysia in northwest Asia Minor, opposite the island of Lesbos. Not the Adriatic Sea as we now call the sea between Italy and the mainland of Illyricum, but all the lower Mediterranean between Italy and Greece. Robertson, p. 469. He had had enough. Furthermore, Paul was an apostle, a man through whom God had worked many signs and wonders. Since this was not an ideal place to spend the winter, and sailing conditions looked favorable at the moment, they decided to press on to a more accommodating port. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. If there was ever a time for Christians to emerge as leaders, it is now. Here is one passage that talks about the qualifications of a leader. His church was a murmuring people. But by the end of this chapter, it is Paul who is active, Paul who is leading, and the others are following him. The sovereignty of God will then result in the overthrow of His enemies and in the judgment of the wicked. We're sorry, an error occurred. About midnight on the fourteenth day, the sailors determined that land was nearing because the depth of the sea below had diminished from twenty fathoms to fifteen. "Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Clearly the answer is yes. When he spoke, there was no vote taken. There were no petty thieves on board this ship. 15:24; 16: 2-3). Nelson Mandela (1918-2013).South African political leader victim of the racial policies of Apartheid that segregated black and white, in favor of the former. Los usurpadores de poder suelen ser democrticos si han sido elegidos en elecciones . Titus would be a good place to start, and there are other scriptures as well. They had to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. The smaller boat, was much more easily handled, and would have been the logical choice when trying to make shore, especially in such circumstances. This necessitated sailing close to the coast of Cyprus, which, to some degree, sheltered them from the contrary winds (verse 4). If Paul had been right before, and his words had come to pass, he had even more important words to speak now, not from his own perception or judgment, but from the God whom he served. Verse Concepts. Obedient Daniel. "I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). The Greek-speaking Jewish believers complained that their widows were being overlooked in the distribution of food when compared to the widows who were Hebrew-speaking. The decision that faced these sailors is not an uncommon one, even in our day. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. This proposal pleased the whole group. (2) The Sovereignty of God and Mans Safety. 543 The centurion Julius, into whose custody he was delivered, belonged (we are told) to the Augustan Cohort. Is this principle of extended deliverance perhaps an explanation of Pauls comments in 1 Corinthians 7, that the unbeliever is sanctified on account of the believer? Not one soul was lost. The Fast is the day of atonement (Yom Kippur), which falls on Tishri 10. They could not see the sun nor the stars (verse 20) and so they were unable to navigate. From here on, sailing will not be smooth. Airline pilots must constantly monitor weather conditions, and make decisions as to the route they will take, their altitude, and even their destination. Your community. Whatever God has promised to do, He will do. He doesn't mince words when he calls them "a brood of vipers.". For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy (1 Corinthians 7:13-14). Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Proud member The otherstwo hundred and seventy-six in allfollowed his example. When Esthers words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: Do not think that because you are in the kings house you alone of all the Jews will escape. If their safety was assured then let them do what they could to help themselveslet them eat. In verses 27-29, Luke describes the ships approach to some body of land. Myra lies due north from Alexandria, and its bay is well calculated to shelter a windbound ship. Bruce quoting J. Smith, Voyage, pp. The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Gods power and His sovereign control are no pretext for carelessness or recklessness. In Matthew 16, Peter was both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." His sarcasm showed his disdain for those who had forsaken God. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. 562 St. The angry mob, which the Asian Jews had incited in Jerusalem, were trying to kill Paul, but God used Claudius Lysias and his soldiers to save his life. Here, Julius, the centurion in charge of Paul and the other prisoners, allowed Paul to go to his friends and be cared for by them (verse 3). 36 Just as it is written, For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For our examples, I want to look at leaders that may be a little more obscure. The point was, before you can lead others you have to learn how to lead yourself. Had they heeded his warnings, this would not have happened. But Pauls concern here was not for himself, but for others. The gospel sustains men in the greatest storms of life. 546 With the westerly winds which prevail in those seas, says James Smith, ships, particularly those of the ancients, unprovided with a compass and ill calculated to work to windward, would naturally stand to the north till they made the land of Asia Minor, which is peculiarly favourable for navigation by such vessels, because the coast is bold and safe, and the elevation of the mountains makes it visible at a great distance; it abounds in harbours, and the sinuosities of its shores and the westerly current would enable them, if the wind was at all off the land, to work to windward, at least as far as Cnidus, where these advantages ceased. If you remember the qualifications of a leader that we looked at earlier, you will see why this is a great example of Godly leadership in the Bible. To Paul (in my opinion) this would be akin to jumping off the pinnacle of the temple, and thus putting God to the test (Luke 4:9-12). 33 Who will bring a charge against Gods elect? One church member compliments your Sunday morning message, the next complains about your quoting Carl Jung because he is not a Christian. Paul was told by the angel not to be afraid, because he was going to stand before Caesar. Most leadership gurus define leadership as 'influence'. He was right in that a great storm had swept down on this ship, and that both the ship and its cargo would be lost. In fact, it seems that virtually everyone voted against him when the decision was made. Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. Up to this point in time, they had gone a long while without food. Look at what was necessary for these men to be qualified to carry out this task. I think not. Paul believed in the power of God and in His infinite control over all things, in heaven and on the earth. They all waited for the morning light. Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Because it was a part of Gods sovereign plan, God did purpose to spare Paul and the ships passengers, but in a way that would to some seem only like good luck. The miraculous aspect is seen in Pauls prediction of what happened in complete agreement with all that did happen, even to the minute details. While it is great to learn from others, you dont have to try to be like others. And so they were strengthened, both in spirit and in body. The assassination conspiracy was still the main hope of the Sanhedrin as Paul was imprisoned for two years by Felix, but God kept Paul from Jerusalem. True leaders aren't afraid to call a spade a spade. When this happens, there will be no protection for the lost. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? Misconceptions about "Real" Leadership vs. Servant Leaders. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus. Pauls faith and his courage were contagious. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong (Titus 1:6-9). There is no place safer than the place of obedience to the Word of God. But once the sailors discerned that land was nearby, staying on board ship became increasingly dangerous. Consider these two things: Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home (Titus 1:8). If they were to have the strength necessary to make it to shore, they would need to start the day with a good meal. I know it sounds more like mother or a TV commercial, but Paul was dealing with a very practical necessity. Nearing land in a storm is a very dangerous thing. This channel is the place between two seas. Here the ship, in Smiths words, would strike a bottom of mud graduating into tenacious clay, into which the fore part would fix itself and be held fast, whilst the stern was exposed to the worst of the waves. After the long battering which the ship had endured for the past two weeks, its exposed part could not take this further punishment, and it quickly disintegrated. Bruce, p. 494. 31 What then shall we say to these things? Paul: "Believe in something bigger than yourself." "I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). And who would not be afraid in such a storm. He did not claim to have a certain (prophetic) knowledge of what was going to happen. They did not know exactly where they were and they could not recognize anything familiar about the land, but they did resolve to run the ship aground in a bay which they could see ahead. He was thoroughly subservient to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. This inside information was, I think, a factor in their plan to abandon ship. The sovereignty of God is no excuse for careless or reckless living. He was generous and that in itself bridges the gaps of selfish and greedy people if God's grace is given the opportunity to be operative. You can look at the qualities and simply see how you measure up. The soldiers heed Pauls words and cut the ropes to the lifeboat, letting it fall away. Scripture offers examples of both. Pauls leadership emerged in a democratic society. We are told that the majority reached the decision to sail on, rather than to winter in Fair Havens. Paul is one of a number of prisoners, on his way to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. 544 We know that Luke was on board ship because of the we references, and because of the great detail that he includes, as an eyewitness of the journey, the storm, and the safe landing of the passengers.

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