Bible study -- Genesis 39:1 - 40:23
Situation: Even though Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, God used the situation to bless Joseph. First an Egyptian officer entrusted his household to Joseph. When Joseph rejected the sexual advances of the officer's wife, she falsely accused Joseph of rape and had him jailed. Again, even in prison, God developed Joseph's character.
Inspiration: A leader must prepare for leadership in the same way Jesus prepared: by being willing to suffer.
The words almost sound strange to modern ears. What do we know, in this wonderful country, of suffering? As a nation we have never known real want. We have not been persecuted. There has been no war on our soil during our lifetime. There have been, of course, earthquakes, floods... illness. There are riots and strikes and crimes. Violent death threatens us on the highways, in the cities...
To suffer simply means "to bear under." A leader is someone who does not groan under burdens, but takes them -- and with a dash of humor. He knows how to keep his mouth shut about his difficulties and how to live a day at a time, doing quietly what needs doing at the moment.
We need to recall constantly that it is Christ who calls us; it is Christ who enables us; it is Christ who promises His presence and His strength. Who did he call to be disciples? Weren't they quite ordinary men? None was outstanding, so far as we know, before his call to discipleship. It was not unusual gifts or an unsual spirituality or any position of temporal success already gained that drew Jesus' attention to them.
He spent a night in prayer to His Father prior to the decision, and then, in accord with the Father's will, issued the call, I pray...that you (and others who may read this) will answer the call to be willing to suffer in order to lead, to be last in order to be first. (From The Mark of a Man by Elisabeth Elliot)
Inspiration: A leader must prepare for leadership in the same way Jesus prepared: by being willing to suffer.
The words almost sound strange to modern ears. What do we know, in this wonderful country, of suffering? As a nation we have never known real want. We have not been persecuted. There has been no war on our soil during our lifetime. There have been, of course, earthquakes, floods... illness. There are riots and strikes and crimes. Violent death threatens us on the highways, in the cities...
To suffer simply means "to bear under." A leader is someone who does not groan under burdens, but takes them -- and with a dash of humor. He knows how to keep his mouth shut about his difficulties and how to live a day at a time, doing quietly what needs doing at the moment.
We need to recall constantly that it is Christ who calls us; it is Christ who enables us; it is Christ who promises His presence and His strength. Who did he call to be disciples? Weren't they quite ordinary men? None was outstanding, so far as we know, before his call to discipleship. It was not unusual gifts or an unsual spirituality or any position of temporal success already gained that drew Jesus' attention to them.
He spent a night in prayer to His Father prior to the decision, and then, in accord with the Father's will, issued the call, I pray...that you (and others who may read this) will answer the call to be willing to suffer in order to lead, to be last in order to be first. (From The Mark of a Man by Elisabeth Elliot)
posted by Christy @ 9:17 p.m.
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