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Today’s scriptures speak to
us of leadership. After God brought his people back from Babylon, the
priests were responsible for preserving the purity of ritual sacrifice
and for the instruction of the people in the ways of the covenant.
Speaking for the Lord, Malachi rebuked the priests for ignoring their
charge. Instead of teaching the people the importance of proper worship,
they presided over unacceptable sacrifices for their own personal gain.
Where holiness was expected, there was only corruption. In this they
showed contempt for the Lord.
In Matthew’s gospel we
observe Jesus’ frustration with the leadership of the Pharisees. Though
they claimed to teach in the place of Moses, no bold deeds supported
their teaching. They sought recognition rather than service. Jesus
told his disciples “do not follow their example. For they preach but
they do not practice.” Jesus taught his disciples, “whoever exalts
himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
This is the servant/leadership that befits the kingdom of God.
Paul described his ministry to the Thessalonians in this way, “we were
gentle among you, as a nursing mother... determined to share not only
the gospel of God, but our very selves as well…” He went on to say, “You
recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery. Working night and
day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed... the gospel of
God.” What a job description!
Again, this is
servant/leadership. No opinion polls or spin doctors, only the genuine
desire to share the truth, one heart at a time. It takes much love. The
love comes from God, through Christ, in the Spirit, mediated by the
Church, which is you and me and those who went before us and belonged to
Christ. Only this servant/leadership, willing to spend itself in loving
service, can turn hearts away from sin and destruction to the paths of
grace and God. |
