1. Leadership Is Child’s Play: Power and Love. “King Melchior: And the riddle that torments the world is this: Shall Power and Love dwell together at last, when the promised kingdom comes?” (Dorothy Sayers, Man Born To Be King). Let’s define our terms first… A godly leader is one who combines power and love in a spirit …
Holy Fools: David. David was totally unique in Scripture. Raised a shepherd boy, the last of eight boys, the one everyone seemed to overlook, he became a renowned musician, a legendary poet, a fierce warrior, and the most beloved King in the history of Israel. He was a faithful worshiper of Yahweh, and, the highest accolade …
Holy Fools: Elisha. “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd.” (Flannery O’Connor). Some of the biblical prophets performed miracles, but most did not. Sometimes they reenacted, or mimed ahead of time, God’s messages in real time, pure street theater and performance art. These particular prophets were asked to demonstrate an object lesson, …
Holy Fools: Jesus. The Father was clear about His request of the Son. I want you to save the world we so carefully created, He said. I want you to be in the flesh, on the earth, God to the rescue. Did the Father send the Son on a fool’s errand? Maybe, if you mean holy …
Holy Fools: Elijah. “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd.” (Flannery O’Connor). There probably aren’t many people at the “Prophet” display at your career development conference. God expected a lot of His prophets, and they tended to pay the price. Sometimes they acted out God’s messages, street theater and performance art. They …
Holy Fools: Isaiah. WANTED: An imaginative scribe who can write exquisite poetry. A faithful believer who can switch from one extreme to another at the Lord’s command… from a sublime vision of God’s glory to a ridiculous demonstration of shameful nakedness; from confronting the people over their sinfulness to comforting people with hopefulness; from being an …
Holy Fools: Hosea. “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd.” (Flannery O’Connor). If the biblical world was a classroom, God’s prophets were the visual aids. As the Lord’s mouthpieces, they were often called upon to be symbols of His messages. Since they were instructed to be dramatic illustrations of the word of …
Holy Fools: Jonah. WANTED: A fearless prophet needed for a ministry to the Gentiles. Must be willing to enter the capital of an evil enemy and demand repentance for their wickedness. Preaching experience required. Must be able to endure possible ridicule or assault. Burlap leisure wear recommended. Loud voice a plus. Walking shoes a must. Must …
Holy Fools: Jeremiah. “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd.” (Flannery O’Connor). If the biblical world was a classroom, then God’s prophets were the visual aids. As God’s mouthpieces, they were often called upon to be symbols of His messages. Since they were instructed to be dramatic illustrations of the word of …
Holy Fools: Noah. WANT AD: World-wide release. Wanted, a person willing to be foolish for 120 years. Carpentry skills and physical strength a plus. Must be able to accept specific instructions from Project Supervisor at all times. Long-term project will be construction of gigantic boat on dry land. Builder will not need to transport boat to …
Holy Fools: Ezekiel. “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you odd.” (Flannery O’Connor). If the biblical world was a classroom, God’s prophets were the visual aids. As God’s mouthpieces, they were often called upon to be symbols for His messages. Since they were instructed to be dramatic illustrations of the Word of the …
I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. “I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Farewell Discourse. From John 13:31 to 16:33, Jesus engages in His longest conversation in the Gospels. It is His final message, His wrap-up teaching. He knows this …