Introductory Thoughts
Before a man will ever learn how to be a great leader, he must first learn how to be a dependable follower. If he cannot serve without receiving recognition, he will never know how to handle the recognition once he takes on a leadership role. If a man will not follow instructions, he will never be equipped to give instructions that others should follow. Long before Joshua led the children of Israel into the land of promise, he faithfully served as the minister of Moses. Before Joshua became known as the leader of a nation, he faithfully gave himself to the previous leader of Israel. Likewise, before David became the king of Israel, he submitted himself as a servant to Saul. And lastly, before Elisha ever became a great prophet of God, he faithfully served under Elijah’s tutelage.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Samuel was a great example of a judge, prophet, and priest for Gods people. However, like most other leaders, he had humble beginnings. As a child, he started receiving instructions from Eli on how to serve the Lord in the tabernacle. Read 1 Samuel 2:26. Samuel was a good follower who did not cause problems for those whom he served.
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(For everyone): To whom have you ministered taking on a role as a student, servant, or assistant? Do others consider you to be a good follower, or are you difficult to lead?
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What kind of a leader would you desire to be? How can you set a good example now as someone who follows in a godly manner? How are you going to feel if God gives you followers just like yourself?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you first learn how to follow.
- Ask the Lord to show you if your manner of following is godly or ungodly.
Song
BELOVED OF THE LORD
