DEVOTIONAL ON LEADERSHIP
DAY ONE: JUDGES 1:1 – 15 NATIONS IN SEARCH OF LEADERSHIP
Africa’s problems and realities are due to a lack of leadership. Sanders is right in saying that “Real leaders are in short supply; Constantly people and groups search for them …” (1994: 17). The search for leaders has been there from time immemorial. God has also been seeking for men and women to provide leadership to the Church and society at large (1 Sam. 13:14; Ezek. 22: 30).
What sort of leader did Israel ask for in verse 1? How did Israel look for leadership here? God chose Judah for the leadership role and that quell arguments and self-imposition. Here, the leadership is to ‘fight for the people, defend them against their enemies, and settle them in their ‘promised land’ with all prospects of well-being.
Leadership is not one man affair (1:3); it is rather a partnership between a leader and the led with clear terms of the agreement. Judah involved Simeon in leadership. They shared in the struggles and the victories and the rewards (compare verse 3 with 17). Can you identify the roles of Judah’s leadership in verses 4 – 11; and compare these to what should be the roles of contemporary leaders.
Leadership role in the marriage life begins with the commitment to pay the bride price. Caleb priced her daughter highly (verse 12). However, he discerned that his daughter with the husband has a need and gave her an open offer: “What can I do for you?”
A CHALLENGE: Leadership begins at homes. If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church (read 1Tim. 3: 1 – 5)?
Prayer: Pray for the leadership in your home, church, and country to be a true reflection of Godly leaders.
