In Acts 2 we see a truly transformed leader. The Apostle Peter had been an abject failure just prior to Pentecost. He had denied Jesus three times during the passion episode that led to the cross. This once exuberant man was reduced to tears at the realization of the fulfillment of Jesus words. In John 21 we witness the mercy of Jesus in restoring this man and charging him to “feed” the sheep of his flock. But it took Pentecost for Peter to become the leader of the church. Make no mistake, the transforming element was the giving of the Holy Spirit. It was not some new personal understanding on Peter’s behalf. It was not the rallying cry of the other apostles and disciples. It was simply the power of the Holy Spirit that provided Peter with spiritual boldness. It was the power of the Holy Spirit that provided the leadership foundation for Peter to act.
As we read Acts 2 and 3 we witness two things that Peter does that transcend the setting into leadership principles. Filled with the Spirit, Peter leads the many and the one. The leadership actions are not the same, and yet they are. The primary thread that runs through both of these leadership acts is clarity. Peter, the very disciple who usually misinterpreted everything when he walked with the incarnate Jesus, is now the one who brings needed clarity in two very different settings.
In chapter 2, with the advent of Pentecost and the birth of the Church, there was confusion. The crowd witnessed tongues of fire and heard the gospel in their own language. The situation is described thusly, ” . . . all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’” The actions of God, miracles, do this–they often amaze and perplex. Verse 14 states, “But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them . . . ‘let this be know to you’ . . .’” Peter continues in what becomes one of the most clarifying sermons in the New Testament. Peter explains to the crowd what they have just witnessed and how it all fits into God’s great redemptive storyline. He proclaims the gospel and many respond.
Spiritual leaders who have been transformed by the Spirit interpret the actions of God for the many.
In Acts 3 Peter and John encounter a lame man as they enter the temple to pray. The man is begging for money–any sustenance that would allow the man to make ends meet. Peter looks directly at the beggar and says, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And the man did so–immediately. Peter again brings clarity. The man’s felt need was monetary. But his deepest need was to be restored both physically and spiritually. And Peter, under the authority of Jesus, brings true healing to the man. Everyone takes notice. And God is glorified. Notice too that Peter gives what he has. Transformed leaders give whatever they have when confronted with need.
Spiritual leaders who have been transformed by the Spirit attend to the real needs of the one.
Peter was not a perfect leader. But there was no doubt that he was a transformed leader after Pentecost. Peter, filled with the Spirit, was bold and compassionate. He was articulate and courageous. He became a leader that God could use to establish this fledgling thing called the Church. As spiritual leaders we too must be mindful of the needs of the many and the one. We must not be too fearful of bringing clarity to the masses when God acts. And we must never be too proud to pay attention to the real needs of the “least of these.” Spiritual leaders bring spiritual clarity to the settings and situations God ordains–to the many and the one.
What would you add to these observations?
The post Transformed Leaders Lead The Many And The One appeared first on Gary Runn.