Leadership In The Face Of Opposition
To the ends of the earth - acts 4:1-22 (esv) - Pastor Tim Kroeker
2 Timothy 1:7:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (NKJV)
Download bulletin
On October 30, 2001 President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch for game 3 of the World Series. This wasn’t just any ceremonial first pitch. The entire nation was still reeling from 9/11, New York City was at the epicenter of those devastating attacks, and remarkably, the Yankees had won the American League pennant.
The president declined to throw out the first pitch in game 1, which took place in Arizona. Instead, he saved this historic appearance for game 3 in the heart of the Bronx. Before taking the field, Yankees team captain Derek Jeter came and shook the president’s hand in the tunnel behind the dugout. He said, “Mr. President, don’t bounce it. They’ll boo you.”
With the whole world watching, the president emerged from the dugout out onto the field and took his place atop the mound. The crowd erupted in chants of USA, USA. He gave a thumbs up, prepared his delivery, and threw a perfect strike across the heart of the plate. It was inspirational in a moment when people were looking for leadership.
What is it that makes for true leadership?
In the book of Acts Luke describes how the church was born and became a global movement. Chapter 4 begins with the first hint of opposition. Peter and John were arrested then spent the night in jail for preaching and teaching at the temple under Solomon’s Portico.
The next day they appeared before the Sanhedrin, the same ruling council that had tried and unjustly convicted Jesus. These were the supposed rulers of God’s people.
However, in the face of opposition, the apostles showed themselves to be true leaders. They were uncompromising, delivering the same message to these powerful men that they had preached the day before. Even their opponents were astonished at their courage. And when given the chance, they demonstrated total commitment to their Master and his mission.
Peter and John’s consistency, courage, and commitment are a model for all disciples, all who are likewise yielded to the Holy Spirit. We too can exercise true leadership.
