“Spirit-Led Leadership"
Acts 27:1-44
For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ [Acts 27:23-24]
There are aspects to this verse that describe the wonderful life of faith. Firstly, there is God’s help. “For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong.” For those in Christ there is a heavenly host that stands by them. Not only is there the angelic host of heaven, but Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The benefits are many! But the one that stands out is the fearlessness of faith, faith in the One Who stands with His people. There is rest in knowing that the God whose right hand spans the universe is for you. In perilous times, the Lord says, “Do not be afraid.” When the God of the universe says, “Do not be afraid,” fear leaves; it becomes a non-issue. And that is the life that God desires for His people, a life of faith without fear.
But notice within the context of “Do not be afraid,” the angel said, “you must be brought before Caesar.” There are sovereign overtones in those words. When God says, “you must,” then you can be sure it must happen. And that is where the rest comes. It is in the knowing that God is sovereign.
Also notice there is blessing in and around those who are His. “…indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.” Have you ever noticed the desire to be around Godly people? It is because of blessing. There is blessing in and around Godly people. Just as it is draining to be around ungodly people; the contrary is true, it is filling to be around Godly people.
Finally, notice that even though Paul was a prisoner he was the one leading. Why? Because he knew God and heard God’s voice. The one who knows and hears and serves the Lord is the one that will end up in the lead. Think about that for a moment. Because it is true; it is true without exception.
Worldly leaders may lead for a season, but Godly leaders will end up leading over time.
