August 22nd - Acts 14:23

Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Paul’s first missionary journey is incredibly impressive. Having been nearly killed in Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went on to Lystra where Paul was stoned so badly that some people thought he was dead. However, he summoned the strength to go on to Derbe, where he and Barnabas preached and got a wonderful response. Then with massive courage they headed back to Lystra and Iconium, where all the problems had been. You wouldn’t have blamed them if they had given those cities a wide berth. Not so. On their return journey, they did what they had failed to do on their first visit and appointed elders. They knew that if these young churches were to flourish, they would desperately need leadership. As we watch the amazing growth of the early Church, there is no question that leadership was an integral part of God’s plan. If you look at the Church today, it is no different. Good, godly leadership is vital in every age. It is all too easy to assume that Christian leadership is the same type of leadership you might find in a business or sport. But while they may undoubtedly share some common elements, Christian leadership is distinctive, in that we are called to be servants of the living God. Jesus served with humility, gentleness and love, and that’s exactly what He looks for in church leaders today. Question What are you able to do to support Christian leaders? Prayer Loving God, thank you for the gift of leaders in Your Church. Help me to love and support them in their demanding work. Amen