TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 1:1-11
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. - Joshua 1:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Curt Schilling pitched Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, despite an injured right ankle. His team, the Boston Red Sox, had thought the injury would probably keep him from starting the game. But Reebok took a special shoe they had designed for Schilling, called the Vero, and improvised a redesign to provide more support and enable him to pitch. Despite being in pain, and despite the blood visible on his sock during television close-ups, Schilling pitched an outstanding game and kept his team's baseball championship hopes alive.

Courageous leadership is invaluable. Joshua believed the key to courageous leadership was the presence of God. The same God who had been with Moses would also be with him—despite the big shoes to fill, there would be no substantial difference in the quality of leadership.

Many would say one measure of a leader is how he handles transitions or passes on power to a successor. Moses, denied entry into the Promised Land, could have given in to jealousy or bitterness, but instead he did a good job of preparing Joshua to take over as the new leader. If ego had been central to his leadership style, it could have been a blow to discover he was not irreplaceable. But servant leadership is all about God, not self, so servant leaders understand that their accomplishments come not from their abilities but from faith in the Lord.

Commissioning Joshua, God encouraged him by giving him the same promises as Moses about entering and conquering the land (vv. 6-9). He also commanded him several times to “be strong and courageous.” Successful leadership would flow from careful obedience to the Word, so he should know it well and meditate on it constantly. Joshua's response was full of faith and obedience (vv. 10-11). He ordered the people to get ready to cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Reading Scripture aloud is not a culturally familiar practice to us, as it was to the ancient Israelites. But it might help you get a feel for such phrases as “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth” (v. 8 ), so why not give it a try today? Read aloud Joshua 1:1-11 or another passage of your choice, focusing on the meaning of what you're saying. Then read it aloud again, meditating on the rich ways God has spoken to you in His Word.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 23:1-6
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. - Psalm 23:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Croatian shepherd Milan Prpic wants the Guinness Book of Records to award him something like the title of “worst shepherd ever.” During a storm that arose quickly last year, he didn't have time to get his flock to shelter and lost 230 sheep in a single lightning strike. Worth more than $25,000, they were about half of his total flock. Last we heard, the Guinness Book was still considering his request.

Thankfully, having the Lord as our shepherd means we have the perfect Leader. “Shepherd leadership” is closely akin to “servant leadership,” which is why we'll spend the next few days exploring this concept. It had Near Eastern cultural roots—in literature of that day, kings are frequently pictured as shepherds of their people. It also had personal resonance for David, the author of Psalm 23. After all, he had been an actual shepherd and was now a king.

The shepherd metaphor is extended for most of the psalm (vv. 1-4). Most of it sounds idyllic: The sheep are richly provided with food, water, security, rest, and guidance. The peace and plenty are spiritual, a refreshment to the soul. God leads and shepherds King David just as he's supposed to lead and shepherd the nation. In humility, David acknowledged his proper place under God—an essential starting point for any leader. While darker days would come—whether discipline, suffering, trials, or the shadow of death itself—his trust in God was so great as to follow wherever He led without question. Circumstances such as “green pastures” might come and go, but the person of the Shepherd made all the difference.

Verses 5 and 6 offer complementary pictures of God's care and leadership. To eat a banquet before one's enemies signifies divine protection. To be anointed with oil means to be honored or chosen. The cup is here an image of free-flowing grace and goodness. But chief among all blessings is the freedom to dwell in the house of the Lord (cf. Ps. 84:10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Over the years, many good hymns and praise choruses have taken God as our Shepherd as their theme. Search out several and sing them as part of your devotional time today. “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” and “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” are classic hymns. Keith Green, Michael Card, and many others have also set Psalm 23 to contemporary music. In addition, you might want to check out Christmas hymns about the shepherds—many make a connection to the Good Shepherd.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-4
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care. - 1 Peter 5:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
We know John Newton best as the author of ”Amazing Grace,” but in another hymn he penned these insightful lyrics: “The Savior calls his people sheep, / And bids them on his love rely, / For he alone their souls can keep, / And he alone their wants supply. / The bull can fight, the hare can flee, / The ant, in summer, food prepare; / But helpless sheep, and such are we, / Depend upon the Shepherd's care . . . / When troubles press on every side; / Think of our Shepherd's care and pow'r, / He can defend, he will provide. / See the rich pastures of his grace, / Where, in full streams, salvation flows!”

In imitation of the example set by both God the Father and God the Son, church elders are exhorted to be shepherd leaders. Peter based his instructions on several factors: First, his unity with them as a fellow elder. That is, he also was submitted to this command. Second, his apostolic authority, since he was an eyewitness of the gospel. And third, his status as a fellow believer, hoping in faith along with them for Christ's return.

What is an “overseer” or elder (vv. 2-3)? A shepherd leader, including all the characteristics we've highlighted the past few days. A willing leader, someone who has not been pushed into the role but is in fact eager to serve. Someone with a servant's heart, who looks out for the good of others rather than using their office for self-centered purposes. Peter no doubt remembered Jesus' words about how normal leaders lord it over those under them and hierarchies generally serve those at the top (Matt. 20:25-26). By contrast, shepherd leaders' prime responsibility is to be examples to the flock—righteous models to imitate, consistent in character and integrity, obedient in all things.

Church leaders are stewards over God's people and will one day give an account of their leadership to the Chief Shepherd. He'll reward them according to their faithfulness (v. 4).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Two books by J. Oswald Sanders might help you understand godly leadership in a deeper way: Spiritual Leadership (Moody, 1994) and Dynamic Spiritual Leadership: Leading Like Paul (Discovery House, 1999). Sanders's approach is to explore leaders' biographies and highlight leadership principles as seen in their lives and writings.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 5:16-30
I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing. - John 5:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Stott observed in The Cross of Christ: “Only one act of pure love, unsullied by any taint of ulterior motive, has ever been performed in the history of the world, namely the self-giving of God in Christ on the cross for undeserving sinners. That is why, if we are looking for a definition of love, we should look not in a dictionary, but at Calvary.”

The purity of Jesus' love was matched by the perfection of His obedience to the Father. What? You mean even Jesus had a leader to follow? Yes. As much as it might be a mystery how one member of the Trinity could follow or submit to another, that's what Scripture says is true. As we also saw in our March 1 devotional, Jesus submitted to His Father, to the point of knowing and wanting and obeying His will—and not going outside that.

Today's reading gives a rich picture of the Father-Son relationship, and thus provides a challenging model for authority and submission. What are its main features (vv. 19-23)? The Son does nothing on His own (cf. John 8:28-29). The Father and Son love one another, and the Father reveals everything to the Son. The Son gives life, just as the Father does. The Father has delegated the task of judgment to the Son. To honor one is to honor the other.

The power of life, death, and judgment belongs to the Father, but He has freely handed it over to the Son (vv. 24-30). Jesus will one day resurrect those who believe in Him and judge justly the lives of all people, because He seeks not to please Himself but to please His Father. The bottom line is that the Father sent and the Son went, that the Son's authority is from the Father, and that God's will is the boundary and the joy. In the same way, unless we abide in the Son, we can bear no fruit (John 15:4-5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Make a list of the ten activities that take up most of your time at this point in your life. Which do you think of as more “spiritual”? Which do you feel better at or stronger in? Which are you sure you couldn't do without God's help? Which are you trying to do in your own strength? Given Jesus' example of dependence on the Father, how can you take those areas of life that are less spiritual and more “do-it-myself” and make them more faith-filled?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 17:14-20
He is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law. - Deuteronomy 17:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
What do we know about Scripture? “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). “It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law” (Luke 16:17). “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Ps. 19:7). “The word of our God stands forever” (Isa. 40:8 ).

All believers, and certainly leaders, are to know and depend upon God's Word. Our relationship with His Word is a subset of our relationship with Him.

In the Mosaic Law, before Israel even had a king, God gave a list of qualifications (vv. 14-17). Most of the criteria focus on the king placing his faith in God alone. He might be tempted to use his power to gain wealth, for example, or military power (the comment on horses), or diplomatic power (the comment on many wives). In addition, diplomatic marriages would promote idolatry, since the wives would bring along gods from their home cultures.

The antidote to these temptations, and the way for the king to lead with the nation's covenant responsibilities fixed in his heart and mind, is to know the Word (vv. 18-19). He is to write out by hand his own copy of the Law and keep it close. It is to be copied from the priests, a reminder that not all authority rests with him, and it is to be studied throughout his lifetime.

The king's devotion to Scripture would result in reverence, obedience, and humility (vv. 19-20). Humility is specifically explained as not considering himself better than those he leads. It's a classic mistake to imagine that God chose you to lead because of some “specialness” that makes you better than others. God's Word reminds leaders, and all of us, that it's not about us.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If the ancient kings of Israel were required to copy out the entire Pentateuch by hand, it's not too much to suggest that you copy out one of the Pauline epistles. You'll notice that this allows everything from Romans (if you're feeling ambitious) to 2 Thessalonians (if you're not). Yes, we mean by hand—no photocopiers or computer cut-and-pasting allowed! The point is to write out every word, a process that aids memory and meditation. Doing so is sure to make Scripture come alive for you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 7:2-13
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. - Revelation 3:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington, D.C. is one of the most recognizable sculptures in America. It's based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning World War II photograph that shows an American flag being raised by soldiers atop Mount Suribachi on the Pacific island of Iwo Jima. The memorial, dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, commemorates the costly battle for Iwo Jima but is primarily dedicated to all Marines since 1775 who have died defending their country.

The Ebenezer memorial set up by Samuel (v. 12) commemorated a turning point in the history of Israel—a battle that began with confession and repentance. Twenty years before, the ark of the covenant had been captured by the Philistines. Though they had returned it under divine duress, it had been handled carelessly by the Israelites and 70 people had died for their blasphemous curiosity. They then put it temporarily in a private house, with the people grieving its absence at the center of their national spiritual life. God had allowed all this to happen because of Israel's idolatry and disobedience.

Now the people's hearts had softened and they were ready to rededicate themselves and confess their sin. Samuel admonished them, as he had no doubt been doing for years, that their recommitment must be wholehearted (vv. 3-4). They couldn't go through the motions of worship to “hedge their bets”—they should get rid of their idols and return entirely to the one true God. He led the nation in a time of sincere public repentance (v. 6). The people confessed their sin and fasted. No other Old Testament reference mentions pouring out water before the Lord in these circumstances, but the act probably signified cleansing or purification.

Getting right with God was more important than an imminent military threat. When the Philistines arrived, Samuel continued interceding and offering sacrifices. God honored the people's hearts by winning the battle while they finished worshiping (v. 10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We encourage you today to follow the example of Samuel and the Israelites: Confess and repent. If you're not sure how to start, begin with these words from one of Jesus' parables: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). You may remember that they were spoken by a tax collector, embarrassed to approach God and ashamed of his sin. But he made his plea and went out forgiven. God heard his prayer and cleansed him. He can do the same for you today!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jonah 4:1-11
I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love. - Jonah 4:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
The well-known children's story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle, features a tiny caterpillar that can't get enough to eat. Day by day, it chews its way through an impressive lineup of food, climaxing with a load of mostly desserts that gives it a stomachache. Then it eats a leaf to feel better, and we discover that it has now become a very large caterpillar. It makes a cocoon, crawls inside, and when we see it next it has become a beautiful butterfly!

An ancestor of The Very Hungry Caterpillar was apparently on the scene in the book of Jonah (v. 7). God sent it to gobble up a shady vine and teach His prophet a needed lesson. He had sent Jonah to preach repentance-or-judgment to the Ninevites. The fact that Nineveh was the capital city of Israel's enemy, Assyria, illustrates the fact that God has always had a plan and love for the whole world. Jonah, however, didn't see it that way; he saw instead a golden opportunity to get rid of an enemy, with God's mercy as the only “barrier” to doing so. As a prophet and a leader, he should have known better. He should have shared God's heart for the lost pagans of Nineveh.

Verse 2, which accurately describes God's character, is in the mouth of a petulant man. Though eventually forced to deliver the Lord's message, Jonah hadn't surrendered. God used a man with a stubborn heart to lead an entire city to His mercy!

What's more, He graciously kept trying to open Jonah's eyes as well. The object lesson of the vine was meant to show the prophet that God had the right to do as He wished, that His good deeds didn't depend upon human merit. How tragic that a leader could get angry over a plant for which he could take no credit, yet cared nothing for an entire city full of people whom God wanted to save (vv. 10-11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The prophet Jonah should have shared God's heart. He should have shown God's love to his enemies. Jesus said: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). This, however, is easier said than done. How can you obey this command? Think about this question, choose one specific action to do, then do it. Or God may need to get your attention with a Jonah-style object lesson!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 3:1-15
Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. - 1 Kings 3:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Colonial Puritan poet Anne Bradstreet composed a collection of thoughts and meditations for her son Simon. For example, she advised him to practice what he preached: “Many can speak well, but few can do well. We are better scholars in the theory than the practical part, but he is a true Christian that is proficient in both.” She also commented on the need for grace: “A ship that bears much sail, and little or no ballast, is easily overset; and that man whose head hath great abilities, and his heart little or no grace, is in danger of foundering.” About leadership, she observed: “Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than to polish.”

Solomon knew that to lead well, above all he needed God's grace and wisdom. Despite being only twenty years old, he could have given in to the temptation of pride. After all, Israel was in a golden age thanks to his father, David. And he had just concluded an alliance with Egypt by marrying Pharaoh's daughter, so national security was in good shape. Instead of trusting these factors, however, Solomon walked in obedience, and when offered a blank check from God, requested His wisdom to lead well (v. 9).

In the famous dream, Solomon showed thankfulness for the Lord's kindness to his family. He also displayed humility, understanding that God had given him a job for which he wasn't qualified. He saw clearly that what he needed most to lead the nation was a morally discerning heart. The task appeared overwhelming, but it could be done with God's help. As we know, God granted his wish, added other gifts (such as wealth), and renewed the covenant with him.

Though self-confidence is often held to be a key leadership quality, godly leadership can never be done in our own strength. Servant leaders always look in faith to the One who knows it all and can handle absolutely everything.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Is there at least one current situation in your life where you desperately need God's wisdom? God may not come in a dream to offer you that gift—He doesn't need to, since He's already promised it to whomever asks: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Don't delay, don't be proud—ask God today for His perfect wisdom for your situation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Daniel 9:1-19
I turned to the Lord . . . in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. - Daniel 9:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Bonnie Pruett Wurzbacher has climbed from sales representative to senior vice president at the Coca-Cola Company. But she doesn't measure success in those terms. Instead, she believes success is “positively growing the business I'm responsible for in a sustainable way and developing the people I manage to be their best—and doing it in a way that's honoring and glorifying to God.” In charge of global accounts, she aims to make a difference in communities worldwide: Coca-Cola creates jobs, provides healthcare benefits, and invests in medical and education projects in developing areas. “Leaders with integrity ensure that their companies are contributing to the needs of their community in many ways,” she says.

In his secular workplace, Daniel had a similar philosophy. As a man of faith in a pagan imperialistic system that had conquered his country, he faced racial and religious prejudice. The deck was stacked against him, yet God had placed him in a position of leadership and influence and empowered him for a life of witness from inside the system.

Daniel was faithful to this calling, but his heart was always with his people. So when he learned from the writings of Jeremiah that the years of exile were almost over, he got on his knees and interceded for his fellow Israelites (vv. 2-3; cf. Jer. 25:11-12). He didn't kid himself—he knew that the nation had sinned and deserved the punishment that God had meted out. In fact, he identified with his people and took personal responsibility: We have sinned, disobeyed, and ignored the prophets. We are rebellious and got what we deserved.

Daniel knew his only hope lay in the character of God, so he prayed on the basis of His mercy and lovingkindness: Your power can do this. The glory of your name requires it. Despite all, we remain your people. Like Daniel, leaders pray for their communities. Like Daniel, they know where to put their hope (cf. Ps. 121).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Prayer and confession were just two among many spiritual disciplines practiced faithfully by Daniel. Spiritual disciplines help draw our minds, hearts, and wills closer to God and to fellow believers.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 20:20-28
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. - Matthew 20:26
TODAY IN THE WORD
An “oxymoron” is a phrase that contradicts itself or is an apparent impossibility—“dry water,” for instance, or “well-known secret.” Other examples might include “dark white,” “male mother,” “beautiful monster,” and “bankrupt billionaire.” Nowadays, some people would add “political intelligence” and “cheap gasoline” to that list!

“Servant leadership” appears to be an oxymoron. How can a person take a low position and a high one at the same time? In the middle of a series of biographical leadership examples, we'll take time out today to reflect on this question. The background for the reading is that the Jewish people expected a political Messiah to lead them against the Roman Empire. Accordingly, Jesus' followers expected His kingdom to come very soon. They wanted on board—they were angling for high positions. James' and John's mother's request that her sons be given places of authority and privilege was simply a mother looking out for her family's interests (v. 21). But since they didn't understand what kind of kingdom Jesus brought, they didn't understand the ineffectiveness of self-seeking to get ahead in it. Hoping the “cup” Jesus spoke of was full of blessings and honor, they didn't understand it held God's wrath and their future suffering for the gospel (v. 23). The jealous indignation of the other disciples showed that none of them yet understood the kind of ministry to which Christ was calling them.

So Jesus taught them a mystifying lesson on leadership (vv. 25-28). In the worldly status quo, power is used for the benefit of those who hold it. That's the way things work. But in His kingdom, the path to greatness is servanthood. Even more, whoever wants to be first must be even lower, a slave. The Son of Man Himself had come to serve and surrender His life, and His followers must do the same. The disciples' jaws must have been on the floor. Their whole idea of the purposes, values, and relationships in leadership had just been turned upside-down!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Greatness means servanthood. The first shall be last. If you've been a Christian for some time, these phrases might roll glibly off the tongue. But when you think about it, this is a revolutionary truth. In your spiritual journal—the one you may have started back on March 2—write a paragraph about what you think Jesus' words mean and how you can apply them in your daily life. Re-reading today's passage would be a good place to start.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 4:1-17
I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish. - Esther 4:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Perpetua was a young woman of Carthage arrested about a.d. 202 for her Christian faith. The governor urged her to renounce her beliefs and offer sacrifices for the Roman emperors, beating her aged father and using her newborn son to try to persuade her. She refused, and was sentenced to death. After being battered by a mad heifer in the arena, she was finally beheaded. Before her death, she told a group including her brother: “You must all stand fast in the faith and love one another, and do not be weakened by what we have gone through.”

Esther was another brave young woman who did the right thing in the face of death. Although queen of Persia, her political position was precarious, not only because she was a woman but also because she had essentially become queen in a beauty contest. The first step in her process of becoming a real leader was obtaining accurate information. Via her uncle, she found out about Haman's deadly plot. Mordecai provided an explanation, a copy of the edict, financial figures, and specific advice.

The second step was assessing the risk. Esther knew that to approach the king unsummoned meant death, unless he spared her. She hadn't been called for thirty days, so a random summoning seemed unlikely. She would have to take the initiative and put her life on the line. Was the threat worth her potential death? Some have thought that Mordecai's response was cold—you'll die no matter what, God will save us somehow in any case, He's put you on this chess board to make this move—but it helped stiffen her resolve.

A final step in Esther's leadership growth was spiritual preparation. Community fasting and prayer would pave the way for her to step into the lion's mouth. “If I perish, I perish” (v. 16) wasn't fatalism, but rather faith that is willing to sacrifice all. God had chosen her for this time, this place, this task—and she obeyed.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
There is very likely at least one area of life in which God has given you opportunities to follow Esther's example of leadership-by-sacrifice. You can lead by putting others' interests first, putting yourself at risk, and putting everything you have on the altar before the Lord (cf. Rom. 12:1). Husband-wife, parent-child, and friend-friend relationships are familiar examples. This very week, an opportunity is likely to come up. Ask God for the eyes to see it and the grace to seize it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 1:35-42
A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me. - John 1:30
TODAY IN THE WORD
After many adventures narrated in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, by C. S. Lewis, the children Lucy, Edmund and Eustace reached Aslan's country at the end of the world. There they met a Lamb who invited them to a breakfast of fish roasted over an open fire. As they spoke with him, the Lamb was transformed into a Lion—Aslan, whom they knew and loved. The Lamb and the Lion were the same Person, and in Lewis's story both are Christ-figures.

John the Baptist recognized the Lamb of God when he saw Him, and pointed Him out to two of his followers. Andrew and John were already spiritual seekers, watching for the coming of the Messiah. They took the hint and followed Jesus, spending the day with Him to find out more about this new rabbi. What did He teach? What was He all about? Why had John the Baptist recommended Him? This was the first link in a chain.

The second link was Andrew. He went and told his brother Simon that he had found the Messiah, and he brought him to meet Jesus. In fact, it was the "first thing” he did, showing his seriousness about spiritual concerns and his eagerness to share the good news. The time he spent with Jesus must have been very persuasive! It's also interesting to note that Andrew's confession (v. 41) predated Peter's by quite a bit.

When Christ met Simon, another link was forged. He called him as a disciple by renaming him "Cephas” or "Peter,” meaning "rock.” He was looking to the future, when He would commission Peter as a leader among the apostles (Matt. 16:16-19), and beyond that, to when a fisherman's sermon would stun Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost.

Andrew is an excellent example of the unheralded leadership of linking (cf. John 6:5-13). To lead even a single person to truth and faith can have enormous ripple effects! We are all called to this form of leadership, which God uses to change the world.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Outside the Gospel of John, Revelation is the only book of the Bible that specifically uses the title “Lamb of God” for Christ. Yet the image of a sacrificial lamb and Christ's atoning sacrifice are deeply intertwined in Scripture. We suggest today that you do some additional Bible study on this topic. You can explore the story of Abram and Isaac, the Mosaic sacrificial system, and the teaching in Hebrews as parts of your study.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 13:1-17
No servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. - John 13:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Meditating on John 13, Michael Card wrote a song entitled “The Basin and the Towel”: “In an upstairs room, a parable / Is just about to come alive. / And while they bicker about who's best, / With a painful glance, He'll silently rise. / Their Savior Servant must show them how / Through the will of the water / And the tenderness of the towel. / And the call is to community, / The impoverished power that sets the soul free, / In humility, to take the vow, / That day after day we must take up the basin and the towel.”

In today's familiar passage, Jesus set an example of servanthood for us to follow. To truly understand what happened here, imagine a corporate president scrubbing an employees' restroom. Surely someone would mention the value of the leader's time, or give another rationalization for why such a thing should not be done. Yet such an act is exactly what Jesus did.

At least five leadership lessons can be learned from this text. First, servant leadership is an expression of love. Washing the disciples' feet in fact showed “the full extent” of Jesus' love (v. 1). Too often leaders' “care” is paternalistic; that is, their “caring” is a kind of condescending, “I know best” attitude. That was not at all the case with Jesus—He moved humbly to meet His followers' physical and spiritual needs.

Second, servant leadership is an expression of faith. Jesus was sure of His divine identity, origin, mission, and authority. He had no need to strut his position as insecure human leaders often do, but was instead free to step down. Third, servant leadership meets practical needs. Sandals and dusty roads meant that dirty feet needed washing. Fourth, servant leadership teaches spiritual lessons. Jesus gently rebuked His disciples' pride and also used the footwashing as an object lesson in spiritual cleansing (v. 10). Finally, servant leadership, the way shown by Jesus, must be the way for us as well (vv. 12-16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What have been the most important principles or lessons for you so far this month? What have been the most surprising or puzzling ideas? Which biblical leader has resonated the most with you? Which characteristics of servant leadership do you see as most significant or most challenging? Close your devotional time today by reflecting on these questions before the Lord. You can write down your answers if you wish. Doing so will help you get the most out of the two weeks remaining in this study.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:1-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. - Philippians 2:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Love divine, all loves excelling,” wrote hymn writer and evangelist Charles Wesley. “Joy of heaven, to earth come down! / Fix in us thy humble dwelling, / All thy faithful mercies crown. / Jesus, thou art all compassion, / Pure unbounded love thou art; / Visit us with thy salvation, / Enter every trembling heart . . . / Finish then thy new creation, / Pure and spotless let us be: / Let us see thy great salvation, / Perfectly restored in thee: / Changed from glory into glory, / Till in heaven we take our place: / Till we cast our crowns before thee, / Lost in wonder, love, and praise.”

The perfect and pure love of Christ is the ultimate standard for Christian leaders. But how can we lead in love? Footwashing was a powerful example, but how might we incorporate these principles in our contemporary culture? It's all very well to say “the first shall be last,” but have we actually seen this in practice?

The answer in today's reading, the second half of our verse for today, is breathtakingly simple: “In humility consider others better than yourselves” (v. 3). The foundations for doing so are the encouragement of our union with Christ, the comfort of His love, the fellowship of His Spirit, and our own resulting compassion and empathy (v. 1). In Christ, God has abundantly met all our needs. Without the weight of needy selfishness around our necks, we're free to love others the way He's loved us.

Considering others first means looking out for their interests and doing things for their benefit and success before worrying about our own agenda (v. 4). Humility understands that all leadership is a stewardship or trust from the Lord. By contrast, the normal human way is to look out for Numero Uno. “Selfish ambition” and “vain conceit” are essential qualities for ladder-climbing, but not servant leadership. Catchphrases such as “realizing my potential” or “highly motivated go-getter,” might be just a disguise for grasping pride. Sometimes we use “hard work” to excuse our self-centeredness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To apply today's verse, choose a specific person and a specific action, to be done this week if possible. Considering others first is something Christians talk about more than we actually do, especially if we're leaders. Our selfish human instincts tell us that for a leader to put others first is somehow backwards or against the order of things. God commands us to do so, and leaders are not exempted. To encourage you to follow through with your decision, ask a friend to hold you accountable.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 2:13-17
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. - 1 Peter 2:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1924, the Teapot Dome scandal undermined the Harding Administration. In 1972, the story of the Watergate burglary broke, leading to the resignation of President Nixon. Political scandals have continued in the decades since, including the recent lobbying scandal and the behavior of Congressman Mark Foley with congressional pages. Every political party has had to face the sordid reality of elected leaders who act irresponsibly and illegally.

Some charge that a sensationalist media drives the search for scandal, but this doesn't account for the real, devastating consequences of failures in leadership. Leaders should be held to high standards of accountability, for when they fail, the consequences can be huge.

With regard to righteousness in the area of public leadership, Christians have a duty to love one another, fear God, and honor civil leaders (v. 17). Today's passage—written when Nero was emperor!—highlights the reality that it's God's will for believers to submit to government authorities (vv. 13-14; cf. Rom. 13:1-5). Society needs order and justice. Although leaders may behave wickedly, God remains sovereign over all human authorities, whether or not political leaders acknowledge Him.

When we submit to the proper authorities, it's also a good witness for the Lord. No one should be able to gossip that believers are troublemakers or rebels (v. 15). Our freedom in Christ is not to be a cover-up for sin or some sort of license to do as we please. Many Americans may have a view of freedom that looks like the mythic independent cowboy. But authority, submission, and responsibility still exist within true Christian freedom. All this is part of our identity as servants of God (v. 16).

As Americans, we're used to criticizing political leaders, to the point where many have grown cynical. Even when we disagree with government policies, we must be careful to give proper respect to our leaders.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Often Americans identify their political party with their Christianity, leading them to view the other party as spiritual as well as political enemies. One way you can follow the exhortation of Scripture is to pray for your political leaders—whether you voted for them, supported their policies, or even feel particularly politically minded. Pray for them with the confidence that God is sovereign and that the responsibilities and consequences of leadership are tremendous.