As followers of Christ, we are called to be leaders. If the destiny of all humanity is to enter the Kingdom of God, then somebody must lead the way. So how do we become Kingdom leaders – ambassadors of Heaven – in such a temporal world?
Because we must lead, we must also follow. We cannot serve two Masters, so in order to lead we must leave the desires of the world behind to pursue only the desires of the Kingdom of God. Jesus is our ultimate example of a Kingdom leader, and He said it Himself: “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does.” –John 10:37
A leader is nothing without someone to follow. We believe Christ because He imitates God, and others have no reason to follow us unless we imitate the Father. Christ impacted the world more than any other man in history because the world was expecting the Messiah to come as a political conqueror – as one to reign on an earthly throne. Fortunately, things are upside down in the Kingdom of heaven (Haggai 2:21 MSG, Isaiah 29:16 NIV). Instead of coming in power and grandeur, the most influential leader in history came humbly in a stable while the world was asleep. When Creator kneels to wash the feet of Creation, the whole world turns upside down. If you want to turn the world upside down, don’t assume power and authority – serve somebody.
“Come, follow me – and at once they left their nets and followed Him.”-Mark 1:18
This impact of this man spread worldwide through just 12 ordinary men whom He appointed to follow Him. Jesus broke the ground, but the task of these 12 men was to cultivate it. These men weren’t perfect, but they listened and they followed. As a result, the nations know their names and ultimately, the glory of their Leader.
A leader is an example, a teacher, a friend and an equipper. If you’re called to start a movement, step up, raise your staff and watch your Leader raise an army behind you. Your job is to listen well, speak boldly and train those behind you to do the same. Even if you never reach your Promised Land, there will always be a Joshua behind you to finish the task.
“Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts!”-Isaiah 26:8
This is the cry of every Kingdom leader. Though we could rise in pursuit of our own fame and renown, these pursuits are vanity because they will not last. A Kingdom leader must surrender the desires of his own heart so the King may return them in a double portion. “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48). The only way to become worthy of honor is to surrender it. If you want to be honored, then lay down that crown at the feet of He who deserves it.
Christ laid down His life so that we may follow. The least we can do is to imitate by living for – and dying for – the same cause that He surrendered all for.
You say you want a revolution? Try making all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17). There is no time for delay – we must leave our nets and follow Him.
The Kingdom of God is near.
Matthew 10
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