A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://visionmultiplierllc.com/
I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and my mind kept processing and wondering why Jesus felt that His disciples were not ready or able to bear the gravity of the news that was forthcoming. Was the hesitation out of love or the realization that it would be overwhelming for them in the natural.
He knew that He was going to be crucified and they were going to need the Holy Spirit to just make it through the transition which was imminent.
We see throughout the current and the previous chapter how Jesus was trying to prepare His disciples for the significant change that was coming.
We see several scriptures in the Bible where Jesus is instructing them:
““If the world hates you [and it does], know that it has hated Me before it hated you.”
John 15:18 AMP
“Remember [and continue to remember] that I told you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”
John 15:20 AMP
““I have told you these things so that you will not stumble or be caught off guard and fall away.”
John 16:1 AMP
“I have told you these things [now], so that when their time comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not say these things to you at the beginning, because I was with you.”
John 16:4 AMP
““But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts [and taken complete possession of them].”
John 16:5-6 AMP
Jesus knew that WORDS WERE NOT ENOUGH – they needed more!
So He left His Holy Spirit to minister and comfort them each on an individual, intimate and personal level as they grieved and tried to pick up the mantle of leadership.
That is so powerful!
Selah
There is always a great loss that fills our hearts, minds and souls when someone who is instrumental to our development (our thoughts, our values and our beliefs) leaves us.
Shared moments with them made an impact and contributed to our growth – while their presence edified and assured us.
Then, the transition happens- whether death, promotions, relocation or just distance – life.
We then grapple with the loss of our loved one or mentor or manager; yet, we find ourselves reflecting on many past conversational nuggets.
Reality eventually settles in that we must move forward on our own accord as we accept the mantle of leadership and walk in the authority, weight and responsibility of “the leader”.
Lastly, our pain is buffeted by our knowing that Christ has positioned us to never be alone!
The Bible say:
“But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. [Matt 5:7, 13, 24, 25; Luke 24:49; John 14:16; Acts 1:4]”
John 14:26 AMP
Amen
In conclusion, let us not allow our hearts be troubled when trouble comes. Let us, as leaders, make room for the Holy Spirit to be our guide and comforter to restore our joy:
“If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing.andandand”
John 15:10-11 AMP
““This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you.”
John 15:12 AMP
In Jesus name, Amen.
Be Blessed!
Be a Blessing!
““I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear [to hear] them now. But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].
He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you.
All things that the Father has are Mine. Because of this I said that He [the Spirit] will take from what is Mine and will reveal it to you.”
John 16:12-15 AMP
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