Bold and Courageous Leadership - Lead with Urgency
Acts 4-5
There is a sharp difference between the frantic rush of a man chasing quick wealth on a hot stock tip and the steady, burning urgency of a man who knows God’s clock is ticking. The first is gambling. The second is obedience.
Jesus rested, sure. But he shows us how to work, and through His apostles, He gives us a great sense of urgency to do His will. Jesus worked with the urgency of a man who knew that night was coming when no one could work. He promised His followers He was going to prepare a place for them, yet He never stopped laboring for the benefit of His sheep while He was here; nor does He slumber a moment today as He reigns in heaven.
The apostles caught the same fire. They led with urgency and confidence, boldness and courage. They did not build comfortable empires. They built the Church that still advances like a vast army behind the banner of the Cross.
Brothers, we have been called to something far better than endless scrolling, endless scheming, and endless lame excuses. Our mission is clear: “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
God has not left us empty-handed. We have natural talents in abundance, and even better, Holy Spirit-given gifts. “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) He has equipped every baptized man with tools meant for building up the Body of Christ, not for collecting trophies or chasing selfish accomplishments.
Jesus is our example. The apostles are our example. “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42) They prayed for boldness, not safety: “And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power. May miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30)
And God answered. People were healed even when Peter’s shadow fell on them, and crowds of both men and women were added to the Lord (Acts 5:14-15). We do not have the exact gift Peter had, but never doubt the power of Jesus Christ and how He still works through His people right up until His return. You are talented beyond measure; use your gifts from God to help others today. Urgently.
Lord Jesus, strike us with holy urgency today.
Make us like Micaiah, who said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will say only what my God says.” (2 Chronicles 18:13) Keep us from the spirit that filled Ananias’s heart, the lie that we can play both sides and fool the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). Many try this today, accumulating for themselves and acting like the demons mentioned in James 2:18 rather than following Saint James and his examples of living faith (Abraham and Rahab). “Someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
“The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9) Be fully committed, brothers, not to things, not to powerful men, not to sin or the world’s applause, but to Him alone.
We know the stakes. As Dr. Luke and Moses made clear, “Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from God’s people.” (Acts 3:23) And “there will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.” (James 2:13)
So let us do the works of mercy with urgency, both spiritual and practical, because we will each stand before the Judge whose eyes are like fire (Revelation 22:12).
Spiritual Works of Mercy
- Counsel the doubtful (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
- Instruct the ignorant (Colossians 3:16)
- Admonish the sinner (Galatians 6:1, 2 Timothy 4:2)
- Comfort the sorrowful (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- Forgive injuries (Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:32)
- Bear wrongs patiently (Matthew 5:39-42, James 5:7-8)
- Pray for the living and the dead (James 5:16, echoed in 2 Timothy 1:16-18)
Corporal Works of Mercy (Matthew 25:35-40)
- Feed the hungry,
- give drink to the thirsty,
- shelter the homeless,
- clothe the naked,
- visit the sick,
- visit the imprisoned, and
- bury the dead.
Jesus says plainly: "When you did it to the least of these, you did it to Me."
Lord Jesus, give us great purposes bigger than fearful hearts can see. Help us to take courage, for we need You. Deliver us from the trap of pleasing men. “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the LORD. Fear the LORD and judge with integrity, for the LORD our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or bribery.” (2 Chronicles 19:6-7)
Father God, strengthen us with clarity of mind, conviction of conscience, and the boldness that pleases You alone. You stand with open arms for every man who trusts Christ. Time is short. You are returning. Let us live this day as men who take joy in the urgency of this life you've given us.
Amen.
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