One Man, One Hour, God’s Glory

It’s only lonely at the top if you push everyone else off. Our culture looks at power and authority in terms of who is first or in charge. Leadership books and articles will talk about the need for collaboration, working together, sharing responsibility (both blame and praise). It never really works that way. There is always someone who will take the fall or bear the ire of shareholders or customers. 

I guess it really isn’t our culture. Jesus chastised the disciples for the same thinking. “Who will be first?” He reoriented their thinking, it’s the servant who is first. Of course he had to teach that lesson over and over before they got it. Even then it came down to one man who ended up taking the blame for everyone else, because Jesus is the only one who can shoulder such responsibility. It really comes down to one thing, and it isn’t about who is first or last. It is about the man who God calls to a task, and is willing to stand or fall against the back drop of God’s will. Look at the falling list of men God called to an impossible task, only to find it possible through His grace.

Adam — “Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” 1 Cor. 15:45

Noah — “When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son

and called his name Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed, this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the painful toil of our hands.” Genesis 5:29

Abraham — “No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you.” Genesis 17:5,6

Job — “And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”” Job 1:8

David — “the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.” 1 Samuel 16:12,13

John the Baptist — “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.” Matthew 11:11

Jesus — “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30

Peter — “Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” John 21:18,19

Paul — “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6,7

Jesus — “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.” Rev. 19:11-23 

Each of us face a moment in which we chose to walk down one of two given roads. The proverbial fork in the road. The one you chose will shape you the rest of your life. The only sure thing is that whichever road you chose, it needs to be God’s best for you. That takes wisdom, counsel, and fortitude, because once you chose the evil one wants nothing more than to cause you stumble. If you do stumble, you are likely to stumble alone, unless your are blessed with friends who will walk the tough road with you. Be of good cheer, Jesus never leaves or forsakes us. What type of person will you be today? What road will you chose? Who will you take with you. I’m just saying...