His church was a murmuring people. We're sorry, an error occurred. It was still late at night, too dark to try to make shore until it was light. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. Others decided Paul and the other prisoners should set sail, and so Paul and they were turned over to Julius. All must abandon ship now. The Fast is the day of atonement (Yom Kippur), which falls on Tishri 10. He would build the walls on faith. But more than this, God had already assured Paul that he would reach Rome. It seems as though the passengers, including Luke and Paul, were needed to help carry out this operation (see verse 19).556. (4) The Sovereignty of God and Human Responsibility. They cut loose the anchors, which set the ship free, as wind and waves propelled it toward land. 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 1:9). What was it about Paul that made him a leader among men, even in matters pertaining to sailing and storms? He was not a sailor; in fact he was not even a paying passenger. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. But we can still have hope, even when we are afraid. Silent team members are specifically asked their opinions to make sure all perspectives are heard. A ship can be tossed about in the sea and survive much better than it can survive being dashed upon the rocks. Some are not as visible; all are useful. The sovereignty of God means not only that God is able to intervene supernaturally, but that He is also able to work naturally, through human instruments (like the Roman soldiers, and in our story, like the centurion, in Pauls behalf). He only said that their remaining on ship was necessary if these soldiers wanted to survive. Their safety was contingent on the presence of Paul and the patience of God. Had people ceased eating, in part perhaps, because they thought they were going to die anyway? The point was, before you can lead others you have to learn how to lead yourself. Joshua had been in the presence of God. I see people working for a place a leadership, rather than working to serve others, and letting leadership develop or not on its own. Verse Concepts. The following post is adapted from my personal academic coursework. There are many examples of Godly leadership in the Bible as God has always raised up men and women to lead others. The solar date of the day of atonement in A.D. 59 thus accords well with Lukes implication that the Fast took place while they waited at Fair Havens. Bruce, p. 481. 15:24; 16: 2-3). They planned to slip away, on the pretext of laying out anchors, but they were going to take the lifeboat (as it were) and leave the people to fend for themselves in the ravaging storm, in a ship drifting ever near the rocks of the approaching shore. They invited Apollos into their home and spent time explaining the truth to him. Paul encouragement the passengers to trust God to do all that He promised. All one needs is a clean needle or a condom or possibility an abortion and theyre off and running, seeking a little pleasure, at the cost of the loss of their life, and of their soul. When you study closely, you will discover these examples of leadership in the Bible can help you address all of lifes situations. In Matthew 16, Peter was both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." Not once or twice the world has had to thank the great saints and mystics for providing timely help in moments of crisis when realistic, practical men of affairs were unable to supply it. Bruce, p. 475. In A.D. 59 it fell on October 5, but in all the neighboring years from 57 to 62 it fell earlier. For some, your leadership responsibilities are limited to yourself and your home. Where is your God, he asked. For our examples, I want to look at leaders that may be a little more obscure. Finally, in the following chapter, there will be the snake bite, from which Paul will be spared as well. Here is a list of famous examples of democratic leaders: Dwight Eisenhower, The 34th U.S. President Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple Larry Page, Co-founder of Google Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter Read more about these Famous examples of democratic leadership and feel inspired. They were now well into the dangerous season; as Luke notes, even the Fast had now gone by. They could not see the sun nor the stars (verse 20) and so they were unable to navigate. What grace was made evident in this storm! Imagine this, they would have Paul to thank for their deliverance. Moses is remembered as the liberator, the leader, the law-giver, the prophet, and the intermediary in the covenant between God and the Jewish people. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath {of God} through Him. Navigating the challenges and joys of ministry life. 16:8, 16-20). Peter: Leaders recover from failure. Obedient Daniel. Too often, I hear leadership spoken of as a place of status, rather than a place of service. Another example of a servant leader in the Bible is Stephen, who was known for his selfless love and care for others. You are the devil's advocate. 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. 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. While Paul had not lost hope, as had his shipmates, he must have been afraid. A late night visitation by an angel of God and Pauls words of encouragement to his shipmates is reported in verses 21-26. But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. Most leadership gurus define leadership as 'influence'. I take it that this was a form of democratic rule. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Pauls circumstances certainly do no give him any status, any clout, with anyone on board that ship. For others it extends beyond the walls of your home possibly into your community, your job, or even your ministry. In spite of Pauls words of encouragement, the passengers had still not eaten. 557 This is not to suggest that Paul now emerged because he knew that this was the low-point of his fellow-passengers, but because the night before the angel of God had appeared to him. What he recognized was the person who had the ability to help bring deliverance to the Jews was Esther. The ship did not make it all the way to that beach toward which they were steering it. The stern of the ship began to break up. Remember this applies whether you are leading one or many. Leaders in this category encourage creativity while members are highly engaged. The soldiers heed Pauls words and cut the ropes to the lifeboat, letting it fall away. Pauls influence was not the result of his political maneuverings, but mens response to his personal competence. Fourteen days have passed since they left Fair Havens and the storm first struck the ship.558 The sailors now have little idea as to where they were, or how far they might be from land. Progress was slow, due to wind conditions. Paul tells the soldiers that the sailors must remain on board ship, if they themselves are to be saved. From here on, sailing will not be smooth. Proud member Here are seven whose leadership played a significant role in leading the early church and furthering the gospel. Mordecais words influenced Esther to take an action that she would have otherwise not taken. 553 The storm was now heavy upon the lumbering vessel, as it came roaring out of the north-east. This is influence and leadership in action. It is only when all hope is lost that Paul addresses his fellow shipmates.557 Much time had passed, the storm had not diminished, the ship was being constantly mauled by the storm, and the passengers had gone a long time without food. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Consider these two things: Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home (Titus 1:8). But once the sailors discerned that land was nearby, staying on board ship became increasingly dangerous. Such would have been the case in Sodom and Gomorrah. Peter, the most well-known disciple of Jesus, denies even . Do you want to go deeper in your walk with the Lord but cant seem to overcome the stuff that keeps getting in the way? It was needlessly endangering others that Paul was trying to avoid. 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. If you want to know what type of leader God wants you to be, there is your answer. The storms of your life may not have been sent your way to destroy you, but to turn you to Gods salvation. They had to move quickly now to get off the ship and to swim to shore. How often, I wonder, are others benefited by the presence of a believer? Paul need no longer fear, because he knew the outcome of this storm. 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love, but also a time for courage. This problem would require the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which is foundational to Godly leadership. In the early church there was a problem. The need is great. 482-483. It seems as thought they had left it in the sea, towed along behind, when the storm suddenly came upon them and swamped it. There is no thus saith the Lord here, but Pauls words were worth heeding. In so doing, the sailors would not only be abandoning ship, they would be abandoning all the passengers on board ship, leaving them helpless. Pauls leadership emerges on board the ship, on which he was headed toward Rome. The soldiers were acting, as it were, on Pauls orders. And Joshua did so.". Is there not a kind of parable here? The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a pastor is when he has survived the polarities of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other's. Examples have not been reviewed. Elijah had both. Tim Cook, for example, hires people who challenge and inspire him. 558 The fourteenth night is reckoned from the time they left Fair Havens. Related Topics: Issues in Church Leadership/Ministry, Leadership, Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. In other words, your leadership style should be authentic to you. 4. 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. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. This necessitated sailing close to the coast of Cyprus, which, to some degree, sheltered them from the contrary winds (verse 4). When he spoke, there was no vote taken. The sovereignty of God means that we dare not presume that God will work a miracle for us, at the time and in the way we choose, due to our foolishness, carelessness, or sin. It did not take long at this time of year for a storm to brew at sea. In 1925 Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman to serve as a governor in the United States when she was inaugurated in Wyoming. God does not jump through our hoops and thus Paul never presumed that he had Gods power on tap to use when and how he chose. But Pauls concern here was not for himself, but for others. I see leadership held out to men and women as a prize, rather than as a humbling responsibility. Furthermore, Paul was an apostle, a man through whom God had worked many signs and wonders. I would like to have heard that prayer, but Lukes silence here requires us to wait till heaven to find out what was said. 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. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. "I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). Paul assured them that not a hair from their head would perish (verse 34). At its heart, leadership for the Christian means loving God, walking in God's ways, acknowledging God's blessing, confessing personal limitations and corporate failures, doing justice, seeking peace and asking God for the gift of . An Uncorrupted View of Godly Leadership from Jude, 10 Women in the Bible God Used to Save Lives and Lead Others. Indeed, the fate of the ship was not exactly as Paul had warned, for there was no loss of life.551 He simply spoke as a seasoned traveler, an astute observer, and one who had experienced dangers at sea. When this happens, there will be no protection for the lost. Nearing land in a storm is a very dangerous thing. 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose. There were no petty thieves on board this ship. (1) A look at leadership. I confess, I am distressed at the ways in which Christians are trying to take control of the political and governmental positions of authority. When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. (3) The Sovereignty of God and the Ultimate Peril of the Lost. Airline pilots must constantly monitor weather conditions, and make decisions as to the route they will take, their altitude, and even their destination. By the end of this time, all hope had been lost, either of the storm abating, or of any rescue. But there was a problem. They just happened to run aground at the place where two seas met.562 It seems that the action of the water created some kind of sandbar or shallows, on which the ship stuck fast. 72-73, p. 480. You are the foundation. I have always looked upon the Apostle Paul as a godly man, a zealous servant of Jesus Christ, and a powerful preacher of the gospel. In a storm, control of the ship is limited, and so navigating a narrow entrance to a port would be almost impossible. Godly leadership is honest leadership that allows you to lead out of who you are. They made port in Sidon, a city about 70 miles north of Caesarea. Pauls faith and his courage were contagious. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? Leading others is just too big of a responsibility for us to handle without continual prayer. It was simpler, it seems, to forbid them from killing any of them. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. But the storm brought men and women face to face with death, and with the truth of the gospel. Examples. The meeting's facilitator will be acting democratically if they actively seek out the team's thoughts and opinions and encourage them to voice them. With renewed strength, the passengers set about lightening the ship by throwing the remainder of the cargo the cargo of wheat overboard. Pauls safety and deliverance was so certain that it was sufficient for others as well. Think of it. Pauls caution is rather interesting. If the prisoners were to make it to land, the soldiers would have to release them. Examples of Democratic Leadership More than half of the countries in the world with populations over 500,000 people use a democratic leadership style. It was his responsibility to persuade her to use the position she had to make a difference. Verses 9-13 describe a crucial decision that was made. If God {is} for us, who {is} against us? It is enough to discourage any pastor. Handling the ship in this storm was almost impossible, and any attempt would require an expert crew. He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31. The sovereignty of God means that He is not at our disposal, to carry out our whims or wishes, but that we are at His disposal. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:8-10). When the ship set sail, they began to encounter unfavorable winds. He must live wisely and be just. He portrays Paul in many roles throughout Acts, but here he shows him standing out as the practical man in a critical emergency--keeping his head when all about him are losing theirs. Misconceptions about "Real" Leadership vs. Servant Leaders. A true leader has to be brutally honest with all those he comes in contact with. Why not get better at it? There would be no one left who was an experienced sailor, who could help land the crippled ship. Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. 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. Every passenger made it safely to shore. They also loosened the ropes which lashed down the rudders and hoisted the sail.561 They were on their way toward land. And who would not be afraid in such a storm. It was too late in the sailing season to travel on to Rome by sea. Gods mission for Paul was to go to Rome and there to preach the gospel. 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. Today's nomenclature calls it tough love. They were also able to build a church that met in their home. These prisoners were (pardon me for this) twice pardoned.. When the ship was far out at sea, and no one knowing how far they might be from land, abandoning ship was no temptation. Godly leadership like this can impact homes, communities, churches, businesses, schools, politics, sports basically every area of life. Other words for democratic leadership Because of their very limited visibility, they might not see the land until it was too late. The centurion commanded that all should make it to land if they could. Your Bible study. Paul had a fair bit of experience with sea travel. The chapter may therefore be outlined in this way: One way or the other, Festus must have found some way to explain Pauls appearance before Caesar. He sold his land and gave it to the church treasury. Are You Expecting Too Much of Your Pastor. Isnt it true that men do those things which they know to be risky, partly for the love of the risk, and often due to some small gain they wish, prompted by a false sense of assurance, and by the hope for some small gain? In fact, it seems that virtually everyone voted against him when the decision was made. The precise status of Julius is difficult to determine: from the authority which he assumed when once (from Myra onward) he found himself on board a ship of the Alexandrian grain fleet, it might be inferred that he was a frumentarius, an officer charged with supervising the transport of grain (frumentum) to Rome. Bruce p. 477. 31 What then shall we say to these things? Christianity is not a fair weather religion. Pauls Bay is sheltered on the northwest by the island of Salmonetta, which is separated from the Maltese mainland by a narrow channel about a hundred yards wide. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. 545 This seems to be the same Aristarchus mentioned in Acts 19:29; 20:4; Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24. Some things dont change. The reason this type of leadership was necessary is because they were not just passing out food; they were solving a potentially bigger problem. They had little to gain and much to lose. If you want to be a godly leader, I encourage you to focus on the qualities that God identifies as necessary in a leader. He would later, on the island, work signs and wonders. Lukes remark has point only if it fell rather late in the solar calendar that year. The approaching land brought a new temptation to the sailors, who better than anyone else knew they were coming upon land.559. All 276 passengers were saved. Thankfully if God has called you to leadership, he will take the time to help you grow into it. A church leader is a manager of Gods household, so he must live a blameless life. Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them (Acts 6:3-6). He had God on his side. His God was in control of all things, including the sea. But by the end of this chapter, it is Paul who is active, Paul who is leading, and the others are following him. Gods power and His sovereign control are no pretext for carelessness or recklessness. What is the relationship between spiritual leadership and secular leadership? As peoples personalities are different, so are the leadership styles. Passing it with considerable difficulty, and apparently not being able to make port there, they finally were able to make port at a place known as Fair Havens,548 which was not far from the city of Lasea, where they could have spent the winter. Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. Regardless of where you find yourself, you have to lead. The sovereignty of God is no excuse for us not to work, but the assurance that our work is not in vain, in the Lord. They were not going to get to Rome until after winter was over anyway, and they could stay right where they were, with no real problems. Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. 547 Ramsay is of the opinion that the ship was a government vessel of which the centurion, as senior officer, was properly in charge. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. 563 This seems to suggest that the charges against these prisoners were serious. 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. It was, I believe, for the sake of the gospel that Paul and these passengers were saved. Order Curriculum, Literature, and Church Supplies, by Brooks Faulkner on Tuesday, September 08, 2015 at 6:00 AM. He took Pauls warnings seriously here, too. While there are many examples of Godly leadership in the Bible, there are some you are probably more familiar with than others. The ships crew tried to hug the shore of Crete, until they could reach Phoenix, a harbor not all that distant. Here are three unique leaders who serve as great examples of democratic leadership: Abraham Lincoln President Lincoln took office understanding his decisions over the next four years would determine the fate of the United States. He refused to bow to the king and ended up in the lion's den. How can Paul, a prisoner, emerge as the leader on board a ship, while in the midst of a storm? The God who was to rescue them was Pauls God, the God whom he served, and to whom he would bear testimony before Caesar.
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