#6 - The Presence - The Forge of Leadership

Introduction:

"The Forge of Leadership: Finding Strength in the TENT of Meetings"

Opening Illustration:

Imagine a blacksmith's forge, where raw metal is transformed into powerful tools through intense heat and skilled craftsmanship.

In a similar way, our lives are shaped and forged in the tent of meetings, where we encounter God's presence and receive guidance, wisdom, and strength to become effective leaders.

Exodus 33:11

Exodus 33:11 (NIV)

11 The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

The Importance of Divine Encounter

Verse: 2 Kings 2:9-14

2 Kings 2:9–14 (NIV)

9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”

11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.

13 Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.

14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

Explanation:

The story of Elijah passing the mantle to Elisha illustrates the significance of divine encounters in the tent of meetings.

When Elisha persisted and stayed close to Elijah, he witnessed a double portion of his spirit.

As Elisha followed Elijah closely, he witnessed firsthand the power of divine encounter in the tent of meetings.

Elisha recognized that his destiny as a leader was intricately connected to his proximity to Elijah and his commitment to staying in God's presence.

In this passage, we see Elisha's determination and unwavering faith as he refuses to leave Elijah's side, even in the face of challenges.

Further insights:

Divine encounters in the tent of meetings strengthen leaders' faith and impart spiritual authority.

Leaders must cultivate a hunger for God's presence and be intentional about positioning themselves to receive divine encounters.

Divine encounters often involve moments of testing and perseverance, which refine and shape leaders for their calling.

Questions:

1. Have you experienced a divine encounter that has transformed your life?

2. How can we position ourselves to receive divine encounters in the tent of meetings today?

Illustration:

Imagine a hiker who perseveres through challenging terrains and difficult weather conditions to reach the summit of a mountain.

In the same way, staying close to God and persisting in seeking His presence in the tent of meetings can lead us to life-changing encounters.

Point 2: The Necessity of Intentional Instruction

Verse: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Deuteronomy 6:4–9 (NIV)

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.

7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Explanation:

The passage emphasizes the importance of passing on God's commandments to the next generation.

Intentional instruction within the tent of meetings lays the foundation for future leaders to arise.

Moses, as the leader of the Israelites, understood the significance of intentional instruction within the tent of meetings.

He realized that the future of God's people rested on passing down God's commandments and teachings to the next generation.

Moses' role was not only to lead but also to mentor and equip others to lead effectively.

Intentional instruction in the tent of meetings establishes a strong foundation for leaders to build upon.

Leaders must prioritize teaching and mentoring, investing time and energy in equipping others for leadership.

Intentional instruction requires a balance of both sharing knowledge and demonstrating godly character through personal example.

Questions:

1. How can intentional instruction in the tent of meetings shape the character and leadership of individuals?

2. What practical steps can we take to pass on God's truth and teachings to the next generation?

Illustration:

Think of a master craftsman mentoring an apprentice in a workshop.

The apprentice carefully observes, learns, and practices under the guidance of the master.

Likewise, intentional instruction in the tent of meetings enables leaders to learn from those who have gone before them.

Point 3: The Call to Endure and Sacrifice

Verse: 2 Timothy 2:1-3

2 Timothy 2:1–3 (NIV)

1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Paul's words to Timothy highlight the challenges leaders may face and the need for endurance and sacrifice in the tent of meetings.

Leaders must be willing to persevere through hardships and make sacrifices for the sake of God's Kingdom.

The tent of meetings serves as a training ground where leaders develop resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to lay down their lives for the sake of God's Kingdom.

Endurance and sacrifice in the tent of meetings build character and shape leaders to withstand trials and challenges.

Leaders must be willing to embrace discomfort and inconvenience, knowing that their dedication to God's work will bring about transformation.

The call to endure and sacrifice also involves surrendering personal ambitions and desires for the greater purpose of God's mission.

Questions:

1. What are some challenges leaders face in the tent of meetings and how can they overcome them?

2. How does enduring and sacrificing in the tent of meetings shape leaders for their calling?

Illustration:

Consider a marathon runner who endures the pain and fatigue of the race to reach the finish line.

Similarly, leaders in the tent of meetings must press on, even when faced with difficulties, knowing that God's strength will sustain them.

Point 4: The Power of Intercession

Verse: 1 Timothy 2:1-4

1 Timothy 2:1–4 (NIV)

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—

2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Explanation:

Intercession is a vital aspect of leadership.

Paul emphasizes the importance of praying for all people, including those in authority, within the context of the tent of meetings.

Intercession opens doors for God's grace and guidance in the lives of leaders.

Through intercession, leaders tap into God's heart and invite His transformative power into the lives of individuals, communities, and nations.

Intercession in the tent of meetings aligns leaders' hearts with God's purposes and enables them to intercede effectively on behalf of others.

Leaders must prioritize prayer and intercession as a powerful tool for influencing and shaping the world around them.

Intercession fosters humility, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by those they lead.

Questions:

1. How does intercession in the tent of meetings impact our leadership and influence?

2. What are some specific areas or people you feel led to intercede for