Pastor Bob DuPar
April 19, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Joshua 19:1-20:9; Luke 19:28-48; Psalm 88:1-18; Proverbs 13:12-14.

Observation

Cities of refuge! What a great idea! Why haven’t we implemented this concept? Let’s share the annoying people of our town with a neighboring rival town! Let’s take the people who say, “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to accidentally kill you!” And, let them keep our neighbors up all night while we enjoy a good night’s rest knowing that they are out of harm’s way. And, what a deal because they have to stay in that town until the high priest (mayor? Local pastor?) dies. Unless of course that priest “accidentally” dies!

Maybe we should modify this principle and send unfavorable church members who complain too much to other churches. It was just an idea! I know. I know. I’m way ahead of my time.

I find Luke 19:47-48 tragically ironic:

“And He was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to destroy Him, and they could not find anything that they might do, for all the people were hanging on to every word He said.”

Jesus is doing what the Jewish priests and leaders should have been doing: teaching and growing the people (with great success!) And yet, they want to kill Him. They are failing miserably in their leadership and admittedly they can’t find any fault with Jesus. But, they want to kill Him, do away with Him, because He is infringing upon their turf. He is stealing their fans (unintentionally). Their egos have no room or tolerance for Him.

Application

As a leader I want to make every effort to build-up, nurture and provide opportunities for others to use their gifts. I want to create a leadership culture in which every one has a role and in which every one can shine and excel without it being a threat to others (or me for that matter).

Prayer

“God, thank You for the diversity of gifts that You have blessed each one of us with. May we use these gifts with joy and wisdom, serving others and glorifying You. May we work as a team and a body, in which each member complements the other and makes-up what is lacking.”