In spite of this fact, one man, Paul, emerged as the leader. After all, a number of the passengers could not even swim (see verses 43-44). Great leaders wash their people's feet. Paul lived dangerously, in one respect, but no one could have been any safer. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. These are examples of democratic leadership: All opinions are brought forward in team meetings. His sarcasm showed his disdain for those who had forsaken God. You are the foundation. 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. Our world, like that ship of Pauls, was headed for destruction. 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. Most leadership gurus define leadership as 'influence'. Furthermore, Paul was an apostle, a man through whom God had worked many signs and wonders. The question was where the ship would make port for the winter. We're sorry, an error occurred. Paul assured them that not a hair from their head would perish (verse 34). When you are walking in accordance with Gods purposes, whatever obstacles to the accomplishing of His will are encountered, He will overcome. Pauls faith and his courage were contagious. Their safety was contingent on the presence of Paul and the patience of God. 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. 558 The fourteenth night is reckoned from the time they left Fair Havens. 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). I would think that Paul would have more reason to be reckless than these seasoned seamen and the centurion, because he was a Christian. He has also just released his new book The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Time would prove Paul right. They may have the power, but they do not have the trust. He has surrounded himself with executives that are experienced and insightful. They boarded this ship and set sail. What he recognized was the person who had the ability to help bring deliverance to the Jews was Esther. Priscilla and Aquila are an example of Godly leadership that was displayed or exhibited in a married couple. At the beginning of the chapter, Paul is the object, the one who is acted upon. A late date for the day of atonement is required also by the time notes of the subsequent journey to Italy. 547 Ramsay is of the opinion that the ship was a government vessel of which the centurion, as senior officer, was properly in charge. They had to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. In verses 27-29, Luke describes the ships approach to some body of land. If God {is} for us, who {is} against us? 548 This harbour is named Kalus Limeonas, a small bay two miles east of Cape Matala. I think not. Elijah had both. Dwight Eisenhower (1890-1969) - The 34th President of the U.S. Eisenhower was the Supreme Command of NATO before he served two terms as the U.S. President. And who would not be afraid in such a storm. There was some level of favoritism going on. The sovereignty of God is the basis for our safety and security, but it is not an excuse for our sloppiness. There is no place safer than the place of obedience to the Word of God. If Gods sovereignty is the source of comfort to the Christian, it is the source of terror for the unbeliever, for God has warned of His coming judgment. Since leadership happens inside and outside the church, these examples are good wherever you lead. And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, let her not send her husband away. Examples of Democratic Leadership More than half of the countries in the world with populations over 500,000 people use a democratic leadership style. The decision that faced these sailors is not an uncommon one, even in our day. In other words, your leadership style should be authentic to you. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. When the outcome is known, and the One who determines it is both faithful and sovereign (in control), the danger of harm is removed, along with the need for fear. Paul was a prisoner, on his way to stand trial before Caesar in Rome. The sovereignty of God is no excuse for careless or reckless living. 550 As they waited for a change of wind at Fair Havens, it soon became clear that they could not complete the voyage to Italy before the onset of winter. Given all these factors, the ship set sail from Fair Havens. Democratic leaders: Encourage group members to share their ideas: The leader asks for and considers employee input. In so doing, the sailors would not only be abandoning ship, they would be abandoning all the passengers on board ship, leaving them helpless. Here are seven whose leadership played a significant role in leading the early church and furthering the gospel. A ship can be tossed about in the sea and survive much better than it can survive being dashed upon the rocks. To sail on, therefore, was a foolish decision in Pauls opinion, and thus he discouraged it as strongly as he could, but to no avail. Here is one passage that talks about the qualifications of a leader. Then the passengers would have a better chance to reach shore. The passengers were not to lose hope, but to keep up their courage. Finally, in the following chapter, there will be the snake bite, from which Paul will be spared as well. The Bible is pretty clear about what Godly leadership looks like. He spoke prophetically of the fate of the ship and its passengers. Priscilla and Aquila are an example of Godly leadership that was displayed or exhibited in a married couple. A democratic leader likes people who disagree with them and challenge their views. 11. No doubt there were some anxious thoughts racing through the minds of the passengers. Bureaucratic leadership is defined as a form of leadership in which there is a hierarchy of authority that creates rules for management and decision making. But by the end of this chapter, it is Paul who is active, Paul who is leading, and the others are following him. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus. The centurion respected and trusted Paul a great deal, as can be seen by his previous dealings with him (see verse 3). Had people ceased eating, in part perhaps, because they thought they were going to die anyway? Paul spoke up, cautioning them about sailing on any further, and warning them that if they pressed on this would result in the loss of lives and property. Now, when they knew where they wanted to go, they again began to rig the ship for sailing, to whatever degree this could be done in such a storm. Julius and the others did not seem to look upon Paul in religious or spiritual terms, but only in terms of practical and proven ability and knowledge. Regardless of where you find yourself, you have to lead. There would be no one left who was an experienced sailor, who could help land the crippled ship. Paul was a leader here because people followed him. What can we learn about leadership, which can benefit others, and can promote the gospel? The Fast is the day of atonement (Yom Kippur), which falls on Tishri 10. (1 Kings 18:27). In a democracy leaders. Flee to safety today. Their actions revealed that they did not believe Pauls words of assurance, that all would be saved, though the ship would be grounded and destroyed. Examples of democratic leaders. Since this was not an ideal place to spend the winter, and sailing conditions looked favorable at the moment, they decided to press on to a more accommodating port. Paul believed in the power of God and in His infinite control over all things, in heaven and on the earth. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? They took down the sail, which would have been ripped to shreds by the winds, and lashed down the rudders, which would have been broken up as they were smashed against the ship by the waves. If the sailors didnt believe Paul, the soldiers did. Another example of a servant leader in the Bible is Stephen, who was known for his selfless love and care for others. (The term Augustan, i.e., His Imperial Majestys, was a title of honor bestowed on several cohorts of auxiliary troops.) Examples. The storms of your life may not have been sent your way to destroy you, but to turn you to Gods salvation. Nelson Mandela (1918-2013).South African political leader victim of the racial policies of Apartheid that segregated black and white, in favor of the former. Everyone speaks their minds in team meetings. The centurion commanded that all should make it to land if they could. Paul is one of a number of prisoners, on his way to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. Reminder: You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. 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? They were so sure of the wisdom of their decision that they did not even draw up the small boat attached by a rope to the vessels stern (verse 16). Accompanying Paul were Luke544 and Aristarchus, who was from Thessalonica.545. {For I am} confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Up to this point in time, they had gone a long while without food. 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. The soldiers were thus acting to save themselves, as well as the rest on board. The grounding of the ship, some distance from shore, and then its breaking up poses another threat, which all survive. 482-483. That safety is only in Christ. (This also required a small boat, which was going to be taken by those abandoning the ship.) 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. 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. 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. I suspect so. While there are many examples of Godly leadership in the Bible, there are some you are probably more familiar with than others. Paul did not seek to sanctify his words by giving them any spiritual flavor. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. Inclusive Meetings A weekly meeting provides the best illustrations of the democratic ideology. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. This inside information was, I think, a factor in their plan to abandon ship. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 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. CSB Experiencing God Bible, Hardcover, Jacketed. 16:8, 16-20). For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. While it is great to learn from others, you dont have to try to be like others. Here, Julius, the centurion in charge of Paul and the other prisoners, allowed Paul to go to his friends and be cared for by them (verse 3). Is there not a kind of parable here? Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all . Their troubles to this point would seem insignificant compared to what was soon to come. [1] It is important to note that he learned leadership principles and faith from his parents (Hebrew 11:23 . 552 A south wind having blown gently, in marked contrast to the violent northwest wind that they had faced so long. This was a Jewish couple who were deported from Rome. Pauls safety and deliverance was so certain that it was sufficient for others as well. This necessitated sailing close to the coast of Cyprus, which, to some degree, sheltered them from the contrary winds (verse 4). Here are some examples of their leadership. He must live a devout and disciplined life. Verses 9-13 describe a crucial decision that was made. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. Read Chapter All Versions. For Pauls sake, all the passengers on board his ship were spared from the storm. Remember this applies whether you are leading one or many. Without God's constant guidance in our lives, how can we be confident of what we are teaching, how we are ministering, or why we are even leading? I see people working for a place a leadership, rather than working to serve others, and letting leadership develop or not on its own. The amount of talking by the leader is another clue. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. Paul reminded his shipmates that they should have listened to him sooner. Nevertheless, he did not presume that God would intervene in this instance. He's Where the Joy Is by Tara-Leigh Cobble, Black Church Leadership & Family Conference, 10 Gift Ideas for Pastor Appreciation Month, Pastor Appreciation Month: 5 Ways to Say Thanks, Why Prayer is Essential in the Life of a Leader. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? What the ships crew intended to do was a cowardly thing. As time went on, as Paul was better known, and as the crises on board the ship became more pronounced, Paul stepped forward, giving both direction and hope to all the others on ship. They intended to put all the prisoners to death,563 thus eliminating the risk of an escape. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself, namely, "Jesus Christ and Him crucified," (1 Cor. They were now well into the dangerous season; as Luke notes, even the Fast had now gone by. When I come to Acts chapter 27, it is like a breath of fresh air to me. He was not the captain of the ship, nor one of the soldiers. It is not surprising, though, that he would take the advice of the ships captain and its pilot as being more expert. 1 Timothy 4:12. You may be familiar with the story of Esther. There were no petty thieves on board this ship. The time which had been lost, due to unfavorable winds, made it evident that they would not be able to reach Rome, not without wintering at some port, and finishing the journey in the Spring.550 The only question now was where they would winter, and whether or not they would press on to some more favorable port. in 1971. 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. The encouraging news that Paul was about to tell them was that he was both right and wrong when he had warned them not to sail. They were also able to build a church that met in their home. The angel of God told Paul not to be afraid, which would indicate that he was afraid. How this decision would be regretted, and soon! The journey was delayed by unfavorable winds. los lderes demcratas (41) dirigentes socialdemcratas (18) lderes democrticos (15) lderes demcratas (13) demcratas (8) If elected in free elections, the usurpers of power are usually democratic leaders. Godly leadership like this can impact homes, communities, churches, businesses, schools, politics, sports basically every area of life. He . Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Simply put, Paul warned those making the decision about whether or not to press on that continuing on was not wise. God used this two-year delay of Felix and the bungling of Festus to bring Paul to the point where he would appeal to Caesar. With renewed strength, the passengers set about lightening the ship by throwing the remainder of the cargo the cargo of wheat overboard. What was required for this situation was Godly leadership. Here are 12 examples of inspiring leaders in the Bible who teach us what a great leader could and should be as well as how leaders should carry themselves. Thankfully if God has called you to leadership, he will take the time to help you grow into it. Some things dont change. 36 Just as it is written, For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. A democratic leader encourages open conversation and helps their employees set goals, evaluate their own performance and motivates them to grow. It has long been acknowledged as one of the most instructive documents for the knowledge of ancient seamanship. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 474. The image of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples in John 13 is a striking one. Photo Credit: Sparrowstock. Lets examine some of these, because whether you lead one, a few, or many we all have to lead. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Think of it. When they set sail from Fair Havens, fifty or sixty miles brought them under the lee of Cauda (v. 16); on the fourteenth night from Cauda they drew near the coast of Malta (v. 27), and the next day (v. 39) they landed on that island, where they spent three months (28:11). In the early church there was a problem. In 1925 Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman to serve as a governor in the United States when she was inaugurated in Wyoming. Joshua had been in the presence of God. He doesn't mince words when he calls them "a brood of vipers.". What did Paul do to bring about such a change? The soldiers heed Pauls words and cut the ropes to the lifeboat, letting it fall away. If we are not in Christ, who has weathered the storm, then we must endure the storm ourselves, to our eternal destruction. 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. I see leadership held out to men and women as a prize, rather than as a humbling responsibility. I confess, I am distressed at the ways in which Christians are trying to take control of the political and governmental positions of authority. He did get disgusted. The winds seem to have blown the ship away from the island of Crete. Paul once again stepped forward, speaking out to all aboard, so as to assure and encourage them, as well as to persuade them to prepare themselves for the rigors and physical demands of the hours that were to follow. The gospel sustains men in the greatest storms of life. 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. Consider these two things: Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home (Titus 1:8). 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. Hence the battle to maintain a westerly course, aided, it appears, by a veering of the wind to the east, as the cyclonic disturbance shifted its centre. Blaiklock p. 190. It was, I believe, for the sake of the gospel that Paul and these passengers were saved. Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. of 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). God used the centurion, who had come to deeply respect and admire Paul, to spare him, along with the rest. 33 Who will bring a charge against Gods elect? They invited Apollos into their home and spent time explaining the truth to him. The lives which Paul warned would be lost were those lives which were spared by God, for Pauls sake (see verses 22-24). 7 Best Democratic Leadership Examples to Know 1. To Paul, the sovereignty of God was not an excuse to avoid his human obligations or his personal responsibility; it was the motivation for him to live responsibly. Far to the south, off the African coast, lay the notorious Syrtes (17), the graveyard of many ships, as underwater archaeology has vividly revealed in recent years. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. As the journey to Rome continues, there are yet to be more signs and wonders accomplished through the hands of Paul (see 28:3-10). Take aids, or drugs, for example. They followed Paul because he knew where he was going and inspired confidence in others to follow him. The seas were closed to sailing until the beginning of February at the earliest; the three months spent in Malta must therefore have corresponded roughly to November, December, and January, so they must have left Fair Havens not much before mid-October. You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. The stern of the ship began to break up. He wanted to spare him, and so he forbade them from killing any of the prisoners.564 All of the prisoners were spared, on account of one personPaul, just as all of the passengers were spared for Pauls sake. Because of its size and cargo, it required deeper water. They eventually connected with Paul and became his partners in the ministry. There will come a time, however, when God will take His own to the full and final safety of heaven. 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. "Perhaps he's sleeping and will wake up!" Not the Adriatic Sea as we now call the sea between Italy and the mainland of Illyricum, but all the lower Mediterranean between Italy and Greece. Robertson, p. 469. Not one soul was lost. His leadership was built not so much on ancestry from the Jewish lineage as by faithfulness. Looking back on these words would demonstrate that this was indeed prophecy. The centurion found an Alexandrian ship,547 laden with wheat that was headed for Italy. Several factors contributed to the decision to sail on. I would say that is a great example of Godly leadership. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. It was simpler, it seems, to forbid them from killing any of them. When you study closely, you will discover these examples of leadership in the Bible can help you address all of lifes situations. When he spoke, there was no vote taken. It was only some forty miles to Lutro. Robertson, p. 461. Doing so would be certain death, for the larger vessel offered more protection, so long as it held together. Some Christians are inclined to live their lives sloppily, believing that because God is sovereign He will, on demand, produce a miracle to deliver us from the fruits of our own foolishness. If you remember the qualifications of a leader that we looked at earlier, you will see why this is a great example of Godly leadership in the Bible. Let us, like Paul, have a word from God for such needy times as ours. They also loosened the ropes which lashed down the rudders and hoisted the sail.561 They were on their way toward land. There is nothing wrong with a healthy fear of danger. He was not an "out front" kind of person, but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. Paul did not have a formal position as leader, but was rather a functional leader.
Rolanda Rochelle Biography, Articles E