Daily Devotional: Monday, July 8 – Learning From Leadership

“To this you have been referred to as, as a result of Christ suffered for you, leaving you an instance, that it is best to observe in his steps.” — 1 Peter 2:21

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As certainly one of solely 100 Main League Baseball gamers with not less than 2,500 profession hits, Adrian Beltre was simply elected to the Nationwide Baseball Corridor of Fame in January 2024. However certainly one of his biggest honors first got here in 2013 when he was named captain for the Texas Rangers. A group captain leads different gamers to larger heights by holding himself to the next customary and understanding the need of accountability for his actions. Beltre was an excellent mannequin for different gamers on and off the sector.

Teams are sometimes organized with key management and roles for varied folks in order that they’ll finest operate. It’s true for sports activities groups, church buildings, and every other assortment of individuals. And it was that manner for Jesus’ ministry. After Jesus left His father’s carpenter store to begin His ministry, He discovered and referred to as 12 males — generally known as the 12 disciples — to observe Him carefully for 3 years so they may be taught from Him. Among the many disciples, three males — Peter, James and John — have been closest to Jesus and had probably the most alternatives to see Christ do His marvelous miracles.

Jesus taught His disciples to be humble servant-leaders relatively than control-freak, demanding leaders. Finally, Peter, James and John discovered to steer by instance, however they did lots of boasting and disappointing earlier than they reached maturity.

Jesus confirmed His energy over demise when He raised the daughter of Jairus again to life. As Jesus went to do that mighty work, the three most trusted disciples went alongside the Savior. They noticed the whole lot. “He took her by the hand and stated to her, ‘Talitha koum!’ (which suggests ‘Little lady, I say to you, stand up!’). Instantly the lady stood up and started to stroll round (she was twelve years previous). At this they have been fully astonished” (Mark 5:41-42). As Jesus did increasingly more miracles, Peter, James and John progressively grew in religion and fearlessness after witnessing such supernatural happenings.

On one other event, Peter, James and John peeked into Heaven for a number of temporary moments when Moses and Elijah got here from Heaven to go to Jesus on a mountain. They got here to substantiate that Christ is the success of the Previous Testomony predictions in regards to the Messiah. As Jesus shined with Heavenly glory, Moses and Elijah spoke about Christ’s crucifixion (Luke 9:28-36). Although the whole lot didn’t sink into their hearts and minds instantly, these unimaginable moments made Peter, James and John a few of the bravest and finest messengers for the Lord. Jesus led them properly, they usually discovered from Him so they may keep it up the Gospel ministry and strengthen the physique of Christ (the Church).

What about us? Will we stroll shut sufficient to Jesus to be taught from Him in order that we may additionally keep it up the Gospel ministry within the methods we’re referred to as? Whether or not main a group or a small group, contributing to the workforce or being a lightweight within the neighborhood, Jesus needs us to observe in His footsteps and love others properly so they’re pointed again to Him.

— Invoice Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia

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