Decisive Leadership

Genesis Chapter 14 is a rich narrative that offers several important lessons. Here are some key takeaways:

A. Courageous and Decisive Leadership: Abram (later Abraham) demonstrates remarkable courage and decisive leadership when he learns that his nephew Lot has been captured. Despite being significantly outnumbered, he gathers his trained men and allies and pursues the victorious kings to rescue Lot. This highlights the importance of acting swiftly and boldly, especially when those we care about are in danger.

A. Loyalty and Family Ties: Abram's immediate response to Lot's capture underscores the strong bond of loyalty and family ties, as an extension of his leadership style. Even though Lot had previously chosen to separate from Abram and settle in a potentially dangerous area (Sodom), Abram risked everything to rescue him. This emphasizes the value of family and the responsibility we have to one another. 

C. The Importance of Preparedness: Leaders are always prepared. Abram's ability to mobilize 318 "trained men" suggests that he was not only a man of faith but also a prudent and prepared leader. He had a disciplined household, ready to respond to unexpected challenges. This teaches us the value of being prepared, both physically and spiritually, for whatever life may bring.

D. Acknowledging God's Sovereignty: Abram attributed his victory to God's intervention, Despite the overwhelming odds. This reminds us that ultimate victory comes from God, and we should trust in His power and sovereignty even in the face of daunting circumstances. "The battle is the LORD's" (1 Samuel 17:47) is a recurring theme in the Bible, and this chapter provides an early example.

E. Righteousness and Humility in Victory: After his triumph, Abram is met by two kings: the king of Sodom and Melchizedek, king of Salem (who is also a priest of God Most High). Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of all the spoils, acknowledging God's role in his victory and recognizing Melchizedek's spiritual authority. (This is the first mention of tithing in the Bible and highlights the principle of acknowledging God as the source of our blessings).

F. Ethical Wealth Source: Abram refuses to take any spoils from the king of Sodom, stating that he does not want it said that the king of Sodom made him rich. This demonstrates Abram's integrity, his reliance on God alone for provision, and his refusal to be associated with ungodly influence. It teaches us to be careful about the sources of our wealth and to ensure that our motives are pure.

G. Consequences of Association: Leaders know the value of associates. Lot's presence in Sodom led to his capture and involvement in the war. While Abram rescued him, Lot's continued return to Sodom (as seen in later chapters) ultimately led to further difficulties. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of associating with ungodly environments and the potential consequences of compromising one's values for worldly advantages.

In summary, Genesis 14 offers profound lessons on courageous leadership, family loyalty, preparedness, divine assistance, and the importance of maintaining integrity and faith in God amidst worldly temptations.

The Essence of Leadership: Honoring God

Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

A once-great Christian nation—respected for its leadership, scientific excellence, and technological innovation—sought to reclaim its lost position in the world. They gathered under a powerful slogan, aiming to restore their past glory. Yet, in their pursuit of greatness, they overlooked the very foundation of true leadership: wisdom of honoring God. 

Wisdom, as Scripture reminds us, begins with honoring God. They forgot His promise: "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall." – Malachi 4:2

The act of honoring God was once the cornerstone of their greatness. It remains the cornerstone of a purposeful life for anyone. True leadership, whether within a nation or in our personal lives, flows from a heart that reveres and obeys Him.

How to Honor God in Leadership and Life

1. With Our Heart (Inward Devotion)

Love God above all – Give Him priority in every decision.

Trust and obey Him – Respect His authority through faithfulness.

Humble yourself – A contrite spirit is valued by God (Isaiah 66:2).

Practice gratitude – Acknowledge His blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Seek His presence – Spend time in prayer, reflection, and His Word.

2. With Our Lips (Verbal Expression)

Praise and worship – Honor Him through songs and declarations.

Give thanks – Express gratitude openly and often.

Guard your words – Speak life, encouragement, and truth.

3. With Our Life (Actions and Behavior)

Live with integrity – Maintain honesty and ethics, even in secret (Proverbs 11:3).

Use your talents for His glory – Serve with excellence and purpose.

Be a witness – Inspire others through your faith-filled actions (Matthew 5:16).

4. In Specific Areas of Life

In our work – Strive for excellence and diligence in our professions.

In our relationships – Treat others with love, respect, and kindness.

In our home – Foster a God-honoring environment through prayer and hospitality (Romans 13:1).
5. Through Faith and Humility
Walk humbly before God – "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
Fear the Lord (reverence and awe) – "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Proverbs 9:10)
Put God first in all things – "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
Honoring God is not just about outward actions—it's about a life transformed by His love and grace.

True leadership therefore, is not found in ambition alone, but in the wisdom to honor God first. May we remember that greatness is not reclaimed by slogans, but by faith, humility, and obedience to Him.

When Moses Spoke....

Moses' first speech in Deuteronomy is a profound historical review that serves to remind the Israelites and us, of their/our past, instruct them in the present, and prepare them for the future. The speech is found in Deuteronomy 1:1–4:43 and is a foundational text for understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel and, today, between God and us.

Through this speech, Moses calls the Israelis to remember God's faithfulness, learn from their history, and commit to a life of obedience and trust in the Lord as they stand on the brink of the Promised Land.

This speech is as relevant today as it was then; we too have travelled the Christian's road and many of us stand ready to be prepared for the future. Our memories of "good" are short but we seldom forget the "bad" - and which necessitates a hard look at the past so that we do not forget God's infinite blessings and so that we can be strong and confident of the future.

"As Moses is giving the Israelites his final teaching and advice before they enter the Promised land he is reminding them of all the blessings the Lord has bestowed on them from the time he rescued them from Egypt". 

As we move forward in life, do we not need these reminders as well?

A central theme of the speech is the call to obedience and the reminder of God's laws. Moses underscores that adherence to God's commandments is crucial for the Israelites to thrive in the land they are about to inherit. He warns them against idolizing earthly things and urges them to remain faithful, emphasizing that their relationship with God is the foundation of their identity and success as a nation.

What of us today? Do we truly consider God as the foundation of our success? Do we consider Gods Word & commands as "Guidelines for suggested living" or really treat them as "commandments" which are sacrosanct?

Ms. Francis Taylor says - "I have mentioned before that many of us consider the commandments "suggestions" or commandments for only the time in which they were given. But think of the discord caused by dishonesty, greed and abuse of authority. Moses' advice to the Israelites is just as true today as it was millennia ago. Following God's law is just as important now as it was then".

As we proceed through Lent, let us read again Moses' address to the people in Deuteronomy and be reminded of who we are and whose we are!

God's leadership Team

Have you ever wondered what kind of a man could be on Gods leadership team? Not in terms of riches or power or might but in terms of righteousness, because unreasonably and unconsciously, we expect that of God's leaders.

For the answer we looked at the great leaders in the Bible, and found shortcomings in many many of them.

Some Bible figures who had shortcomings include:

Moses: Moses had a tendency to get angry, and once killed an Egyptian

David: David was an adulterer and a murderer

Peter: Peter denied Christ on the night of his arrest

Abraham: Abraham lied about his wife, Sarah, and had a child with Hagar, instead of not trusting Gods promise.

Jacob: Jacob tricked his father into giving him Esau's birthright

Aaron: Aaron made an idol for Israel to worship

Paul: not only persecuted early Christians to the extant of death but his attitude to women in the church (among other things) was somewhat questionable. For example, the First letter to the Corinthians says, "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says".

Joshua: Made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites without fully investigating the situation

Jacob: Was a cheater

Noah: Got drunk

Samson: Had problems with lust and anger

Rahab: Was a prostitute

The list goes on.

And then we realize that God does use people with flaws to accomplish great things, which can mean you and me as well. 

For example, God used Samuel to anoint David, who led the nation in spiritual reform.

Let us not, even for a moment think that God did not know these weaknesses.

The point is that every one of us, so called good or bad, has the potential to be used by God at some point in time. Yet we tend to judge someone in a leadership role and critisize them for their shortcomings. At the same time, we use our own shortcomings to run away from God's responsibilities.

But no one is too far gone for His grace and to be used by Him for His work. 

Therefore let us not absolve ourselves but be ready for His call, with our mind, eyes and ears open and waiting.