David had two men that spoke into his life—and can to ours
Lazarus had two sisters who speak into our lives
David had both a Jonathan and a Nathan, each whom spoke into his life. Jonathan was more than likely David’s best friend, from what we can learn from Scripture.
We read in 1 Samuel 23:16 that he “Strengthened his hand in God.”
On more than one occasion Jonathan was there for David when he needed a friend in times of despair and discouragement.
When David was out of line and out of the will of God with Bathsheba, Nathan was there to confront him. Fortunately David responded when Nathan pointed his prophetic finger at David and declared he was guilty before God. Nathan took a risk. David could have had him executed for his act of courage.
David needed both of these men in his life. One brought needed encouragement the other brought needed rebuke.
Now let’s switch to two sisters of Lazarus whom Jesus brought back from death. Two sisters who seem to be very different. We see the account in Luke 10:38-41.
When Jesus was in their home each of them made a choice. Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listened to His teaching, while Mary was distracted with much serving. Not only was she distracted, she was also frustrated and took her frustrations to Jesus asking Him why He didn’t care that Mary had left her to serve alone and telling Jesus that He should ask Mary to help her. Jesus’ response to Martha is both convicting and instructive.
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Verse 41 ESV.
Allow me to make a few observations:
- Leaders need both Jonathans and Nathans in their lives. Jonathans are easier to come by than Nathans. Few are willing to speak “Truth to Power.” Having a Jonathan is an excellent start. But not enough. We need more. If leaders are to survive the fast-paced, high-pressured, intense and demanding times in which they find themselves and not succumb to some morally compromising situation, they need Nathans to confront them. If finding a Jonathan is hard, locating a Nathan borders on the miraculous.
David had Nathan as well as Jonathan. Nathan’s biggest contribution to David’s life is found in II Samuel 11
In my humble opinion, In the world of leadership today, there are too many Jonathans and not enough Nathans!
- The story of Mary and Martha speaks volumes to my heart. There is always so much to do. So much to keep me busy—too busy! It’s always a challenge to make time, take time, to sit at Jesus feet and hear from Him. How often am I more like Martha and less like Mary? Lord have mercy!
Busy, busy—too busy, too distracted. Kevin De Young wrote a book—”Crazy Busy”. You know something is not right when a well- known leader writes an entire book on how crazy busy many leaders are!
In my humble opinion , In the word of leadership today, there are too many Marthas and not enough Marys!
What changes do you believe God would have you make?
Lazarus had two sisters who speak into our lives
David had both a Jonathan and a Nathan, each whom spoke into his life. Jonathan was more than likely David’s best friend, from what we can learn from Scripture.
We read in 1 Samuel 23:16 that he “Strengthened his hand in God.”
On more than one occasion Jonathan was there for David when he needed a friend in times of despair and discouragement.
When David was out of line and out of the will of God with Bathsheba, Nathan was there to confront him. Fortunately David responded when Nathan pointed his prophetic finger at David and declared he was guilty before God. Nathan took a risk. David could have had him executed for his act of courage.
David needed both of these men in his life. One brought needed encouragement the other brought needed rebuke.
Now let’s switch to two sisters of Lazarus whom Jesus brought back from death. Two sisters who seem to be very different. We see the account in Luke 10:38-41.
When Jesus was in their home each of them made a choice. Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listened to His teaching, while Mary was distracted with much serving. Not only was she distracted, she was also frustrated and took her frustrations to Jesus asking Him why He didn’t care that Mary had left her to serve alone and telling Jesus that He should ask Mary to help her. Jesus’ response to Martha is both convicting and instructive.
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Verse 41 ESV.
Allow me to make a few observations:
- Leaders need both Jonathans and Nathans in their lives. Jonathans are easier to come by than Nathans. Few are willing to speak “Truth to Power.” Having a Jonathan is an excellent start. But not enough. We need more. If leaders are to survive the fast-paced, high-pressured, intense and demanding times in which they find themselves and not succumb to some morally compromising situation, they need Nathans to confront them. If finding a Jonathan is hard, locating a Nathan borders on the miraculous.
David had Nathan as well as Jonathan. Nathan’s biggest contribution to David’s life is found in 2 Samuel 11
In my humble opinion, In the world of leadership today, there are too many Jonathans and not enough Nathans!
- The story of Mary and Martha speaks volumes to my heart. There is always so much to do. So much to keep me busy—too busy! It’s always a challenge to make time, take time, to sit at Jesus feet and hear from Him. How often am I more like Martha and less like Mary? Lord have mercy!
Busy, busy—too busy, too distracted. Kevin De Young wrote a book—”Crazy Busy”. You know something is not right when a well- known leader writes an entire book on how crazy busy many leaders are!
In my humble opinion , In the world of leadership today, there are too many Marthas and not enough Marys!
What changes do you believe God would have you make?
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