David and Absalom: Authority
Perhaps the greatest difference between the leadership of David and Absalom was in their view of authority. They responded very differently to those in authority over them, and this led to profound differences in their leadership. Their lives illustrate the different ways servant leaders and subversive* leaders see and respond to authority. How did David […]
Jacob: Limping Towards Leadership
Issue #205, April 19, 2017 The life of Jacob provides a clear contrast between two kinds of leadership. He spent the first half of his leadership journey as many leaders do, limping towards leadership. But an encounter with God later in his life marked him with a limp for the rest of his journey. In […]
Position and Privilege
Issue #173, January 27, 2016 What challenges did you face when you were 16 years old? Most 16-year olds are more concerned about finishing High School or learning to drive a car than leadership. But in Israel, 16-year old Uzziah became king soon after his father, the previous king, was killed. Two words summarize his […]
Daniel: Appealing to Authority
Issue #159, July 8, 2015 Our first lesson from Daniel’s life was his resolve not to be defiled; he lived with a moral compass that would not be moved. But his moral resolve quickly brings Daniel into conflict with the king’s plans and leads to his first leadership challenge. But Daniel resolved not to defile […]
David: Leading from Position
Issue #140, October 15, 2014 All that we have already observed about David’s leadership happened before he had any position! His early life illustrates that leadership is not defined by position. But now, at 30 years of age, David begins to rule as king, first over a portion of the nation and finally over a […]
David: Learning Submission
Issue #138, September 17, 2014 David continued to carry out his duties under Saul as well as he could. But Saul’s jealously and determination to kill David finally forced David to flee for his life to the desert. Saul’s insecurity was extreme. Not only did he want to kill David and attempted to do so […]
Profiles in Bold Humility: Jesus
Issue #116, October 16, 2013 Following Jesus’ example of servant leadership is often a paradox. One time Jesus boldly picked up a whip and drove the money changers out of the temple. Then, on another occasion, He humbly washed the feet of His disciples. So what are we to do, wash feet or use a […]
Whips and Washbasins
Issue #1, February 20, 2009 Jesus, the greatest leader the world has ever known, picked up whips and drove the moneychangers out of the temple. Then he sat down with his disciples, took a towel and washbasin to show them a picture of servant leadership. How could the hands of Jesus wield a whip, and […]