WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE 2020

Wednesday 10 JUNE 2020

Good morning friends,

I love all different genres of poetry, and I have to say, the poem below always makes me smile.

The Leader by Roger McGough

“I wanna be the leader I wanna be the leader Can I be the leader? Can I? I can? Promise? Promise? Yippee I'm the leader I'm the leader................. OK what shall we do?”

Leadership of any group of people is an onerous responsibly, and not something to be rushed into.

Good leadership is vital in different areas of society, and we will all have our own opinions about who has good leadership skills and who doesn’t.

Good leadership is particularly important in church settings, and again views will differ on what qualities are important to provide the careful shepherding of the flock.

It was certainly true of the early Church and we see how the disciples went about choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot.

We read in Acts 21-26 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were travelling with the Lord Jesus— from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”

So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven."

Again, if you read Acts 6 : 1-7, you will find the disciples choosing seven leaders who will be responsible for sharing out charitable aid to poorer members of the community, including Stephen, who would go on to be the first Christian martyr.

What is vital in choosing those who will be leaders is that the disciples prayed first.

And as we look at the early Church, prayer is central in any decision making.

How different would society be if all in leadership prayed before making any decisions?

I know here at Braehead House prayer is at the core of all we do. We sometimes have our own ideas for how the ministry and mission will unfold and develop, but I have learned over the years that if we do not first seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and listen for His word, then all the ideas and plans we have will not come to fruition.

This time of lockdown has been a real opportunity for us to stop, to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, to listen for His prompting, both in our own personal lives and that of the Fellowship.

Where is He going to lead us I wonder?

Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour I know for sure, all of my days are held in your hands, crafted into your perfect plan You gently call me into your presence guiding me by Your Holy Spirit Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life through Your eyes I'm captured by Your holy calling Set me apart, I know you're drawing me to yourself Lead me Lord I pray Take me, Mold me, use me, fill me I give my life to the Potter's hand Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me