A Good Leader

A Good Leader

Q: Zephaniah said Jerusalem’s leaders were like

• a. roaring lions.
• b. soaring eagles.
• c. the raging sea.

Who are the leaders in your life? Your parents or guardians, teachers, principal, pastor, and youth group leader or Sunday school teacher may fill that role. And there are probably students who are club or sports team leaders. You expect leaders to be good examples and demonstrate responsibility and integrity, but that’s not always the case.

One of the problems in Zephaniah’s time was that the leaders of Jerusalem were wicked. The officials, rulers, prophets, and priests who should have been leading others in worshiping God and obeying his laws were as bad as the pagans in neighboring countries. They were not good leaders.

What makes a good leader? We just have to look to Jesus for an example of that.

Jesus was truthful. He never tried to say things to make himself popular, but rather he spoke the truth. Good leaders don’t hide their beliefs to fit in with others or compromise what they believe in order to be popular.

Jesus treated everyone fairly. His message was the same for all people. Good leaders respect everyone, no matter their race, social standing, or income.

Jesus was committed to his purpose. He knew his task on earth, and he fulfilled it. Good leaders know what they need to do. They are enthusiastic about their cause, and they work with passion and vision.

Jesus was a servant. Instead of demanding special treatment, he washed his disciples’ feet. Good leaders don’t leave the hard work to others. They lead the way in getting the job done.

The leaders in Zephaniah’s time fell short, but Jesus was the perfect leader.

For You

Take a look at the leaders in your life. Are they more like Jesus or like the leaders in Zephaniah’s time? Determine that if you are ever in a leadership position, you will be a leader like Jesus.

Answer: a

[Jerusalem’s] leaders are like roaring lions hunting for their victims. Its judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time, who by dawn have left no trace of their prey.   Zephaniah 3:3

(The Whole Story: Zephaniah 3:1-7)