Effective leaders look for opportune moments and use clear examples to communicate their vision. Read Matthew 9:35-38.

As Jesus expanded His ministry He saw clearly the spiritual condition of the everyday citizen in Israel. He saw the feeling of helplessness they had in their situation, their lack of hope without a deep faith in God, and their missing core truth that relationship and commitment to God is the only answer to a peace-filled life. Jesus used the example of a shepherd caring for his sheep and harvesters in a field to illustrate His single, clear vision for His followers.

When leaders express vision their team will be encouraged. Read Zechariah 2:1-13.

Zechariah was writing to people who had recently experienced a seventy-year exile from their homeland to Babylon. The small contingent who had returned to Judah and Jerusalem were being challenged to finish the temple construction when Zechariah gave them this message of hope and encouragement. Zechariah encouraged the people to complete the rebuilding project by giving them a vision of the Messiah who would come to this temple and bring salvation to the people.

Leaders must not only know the priorities, they must take actions to accomplish them. Read Haggai 1:1-11.

The Jewish people were back in their homeland after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. Their return fulfilled the prophecies of both Jeremiah and Daniel. Zerubbabel was their governor, Joshua was their High Priest, and in the year 520 B.C. Haggai became the first prophet to the returned exiles. God sent the people back to Jerusalem with the priority to re-build the temple. Upon their arrival, they laid the foundation and began the work on the sanctuary but there was soon interference from their neighbors who had claimed the land while the Jews were captive in Babylon. The work on the temple eventually stopped.

God has high standards and high expectations for those who accept leadership positions. Read Zephaniah 3:1-4.

Through His prophet Zephaniah God condemned Jerusalem for her sin and arrogance. The cities leaders were singled out in verse 4 when it says, “Her prophets are arrogant; they are treacherous men. Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law.” These leaders are indicted because their character failed and they violated the trust of their offices. When unqualified leaders have control, the whole organization can be ruined.

God’s leadership can be like a judge or a father depending upon the situation. Read Nahum 1:2-13.

Nahum had the task of prophesying against the most powerful people in the known world. God asked him to help the people living in Nineveh, the capitol city of the Assyrian Empire, to realize the cruelty they had inflicted on other nations, including Israel, was bringing judgment on them; their nation would be destroyed and the people either killed or taken into captivity. Nahum uses the picture of a father and that of a judge to help them understand the serious nature of God’s judgment in this situation.