A Lesson from "The Leprous Men"

About 2 months ago my Pastor, Roger McPhail (Gateway City Church), presented a teaching out of 2 Kings 7. He shared on the advantage of moving forward even when it seems like there is no hope. Out of this teaching I have learned a number of life lessons that have, and will, help me to move forward in life and ministry, despite the challenges that may arise in my surroundings. Here are a few principles that I have learned as a result of this teaching:

Principle #1: Move Forward Despite the Cost (2 Kings 7:3-4)
These Leprous Men understood they were literally at the end of their rope. Each of them faced death as a result of their sickness. Yet in their heart, they where determined, not to allow their Leprosy (as well as their social status as lepers) keep them in a state of captivity. For many of us, our captivity is not what others do or have done to us, nor is it how we are being held back by others above us. In fact for many, our state of captivity is self-inflicted. We stop moving forward because we have become afraid to fail (or fail again). We worry about the opinions of others more then our obedience unto God. We lose faith because of what we see (or have seen) rather than seeing God in both the good and the bad of life. The Word declares "all things work out for the good for those who are called..."

Principle #2: Your Footsteps Put Fear in the Enemies Camp (2 Kings 7: 6-8)
Because of the Lepers determination not to give up and die, God cause their weak, withered, fragile footsteps to become the powerful sound of a great army. When we move forward, even in our failures, depression, defeat, brokenness, and fear God honors us because desperation to draw closer to Him. It is in this level of obedience (and desperation of God) that He shows up on our behalf. Our brokenness allows for God's arm to move on our behalf in areas that only He can make new. These men moved forward expecting death at the hand of the Syrians, yet it was their footsteps which caused the Syrians to flee in fear. The more these men pursued the camp, the greater the fear arose in the Syrian army. The closer you get to God the greater your victory becomes. Fear caused the army to flee but desperation for life, and life more abundantly, caused the Leprous Men to take possession of things that had been in the enemies camp, which in reality where being held up for them. You and I must pursue God and all that He is for the victory you are in need of. The Word states that it is in our pursuit of Him that He draws closer to us.

Principle #3: Your Pursuit Will Bring Your Harvest (2 Kings7:8)
As the Lepers arrived at the campsite they found it empty with tents made up, food cooking, and wealth for the taking. When we pursue God and His kingdom we will find ourselves in His blessing. For many the blessing will differ due to what we are in need of, but one thing I do know is that we all need Him more today then we have ever needed Him before. Our victories will not and cannot solely be determined by what we have gained but by who we have become in Him. Your harvest is tied into God's call over you. Its in your calling not your possessions.

Principle #4: Share the Blessing (2 Kings 7:9-10)
Finally, the Lepers went and told the king about this occurrence. Our challenges in life are not solely for our own benefit. Many of our challenges are to become a testimony for others who may be facing the very same challenges as us. If we are not people who are willing to move forward, then it becomes impossible for us to ever overcome. In failing to overcome we fail to become a living testimony of hope to others. It is in our victories that God is exalted. Our victories are not limited to wealth, prosperity, and material things. Our greatest victories are those war stripes that are found on the sleeves of our life-story. There are many times we should have given up, BUT GOD. There were times we should have died, BUT GOD. There were times we found our selves just existing but not living, BUT GOD. BUT GOD showed up in those times and transformed us into greatness for His glory. It is in these times that we see that our lives are not just for us to live, but they have been given to us to use as a public declaration. The God we serve is powerful and living, and can take the weak feeble things of this world and create greatness right before our very eyes.

After all is said and done, we only have this life. What are we doing with it? For those who feel like you have the world against you, please understand God may simply be applying the pressure you need, to be able carry the weight of your many future victories. Don't allow your now to kill your future.
What I found most intriguing about these men was the fact God used them, these dying-sick men to deliver an entire nation to the king. If He can use these Leprous Men imagine what He desires to do with you if you would just Move Forward!

The Power of Succession

Over the last year, I found myself wrestling with the issue of succession. What does it look like? When does it happen? How should Senior Leaders prepare for it? All these questions have lead me to the leadership framework of Moses and Joshua. Yes, I know, there have been numerous teachings on the Joshua anointing; which speak new leadership, the Leadership type that can bring the people to a new level, etc.
All this is true, but in studying I found some great principles that many Senior Leaders fail to exercise and which many Emerging Leaders are not willing to submit to. Here are a few principles I found in the relationship of these 2 men which caused a “People of Captivity” to become the “People of Promise”.

Principle #1: Positioning for Success
Moses identified Joshua's calling and allowed him to operate in it as a young man (Exodus 17:8). Senior Leaders must not allow themselves to become threatened by a younger leaders ability to lead. They should embrace their youth, allow them to led, yet walk along side Emerging Leaders as to guide, direct, protect, and correct them to ensure their success as leaders. Senior Leaders: if your Emerging Leaders become great, it should be because of the investment you made in their lives as their mentor and spiritual overseer.

Principle #2: Walk Together
Although Moses had his elders, it was Joshua whom he took with him to receive the tablets from God (Exodus 24:12-18). Emerging Leaders need to see the hand of God on their Senior Leaders. Emerging Leaders: much of what we will learn will not be by books or in conversation. Much of who we will become will be the direct result of what we "SEE" our Senior Leaders do. So, it is crucial that we walk along side our Senior Leaders to see who they really are. We must glean from their integrity, character, and anointing so we may one day walk as they do with God.

Principle #3: Entrust them with the Future
Moses sent out his leaders to spy on the land, Joshua came back with a report of victory (Numbers 13:16-17). Senior Leaders should empower their Emerging Leaders to have a say in future endeavors of the ministry. If you have properly trained up your leaders they will ensure your future will be that of a great legacy. Emerging Leaders: you cannot focus on building your own kingdom. You must exist, as a leader, to serve the needs of others, especially the needs of "the least of these".

Principle #4: Release Publicly
Moses publicly released the anointing over Joshua so the people would know he was called of God (Numbers 27:18-20). In a time of transition, it is vital for the people to identify where their leaders are leading them. It is also crucial for the people to know who will continue to lead them after the Senior Leaders have moved on. This is not an over night, wing-it kind of decision. Succession must be strategic, smooth, but above all, it must be ordained by God. Joshua was a man who was being prepared throughout the entire ministry of Moses. He was not a novice. He was a man who led the people to war under the Mosaic leadership, as well as understood the significance of being in the presence of God. Senior Leaders: prepare your future leaders in the eyes of the people. The people will follow a leader who understands their needs and is willing to fight for them at any cost!!!

Principle #5: Do What Has Been Done
Joshua was a great leader, yet he failed to reproduce what he had received from Moses (Judges 1:1; Judges 21:25). Emerging Leaders: do not forget where you have come from. It is unrighteous to despise the former leadership as if they have no value or no "relevancy" to what you are doing. It was in their leadership that you and I have been given the honor to lead others. Our Senior Leaders have paved the way for us; they are our pioneers and have paid a price that we have yet to pay. Likewise, we also will pay a price to break ground for a new generation, and one day we will become Senior Leaders. Be careful that what we despise now would not be who we become to the next generation in the future.