1. Moses
He trained Joshua to be the next leader of Israel and lead a stubborn nation to the Promised Land.He taught him what he needed to be equipped in serving God's people.As a result, he walked steadfastly in the ways of the Lord and was one who reached the Promised Land alongside Caleb.He reaped the fruit of His labor and outlived the stubborn generation to whom God has promised that land.
2. Eli
He mentored Samuel, the last judge of Israel.He was in the priestly service and so were his sons, Hopni and Phineas. But they did evil in the eyes of the Lord.So God has chosen Samuel, who was dedicated to Him by his mother Hannah, to continue the service Eli's family can no longer perform.He failed to correct his children but he was never a failure to Samuel.Therefore,Samuel was the instrument used by God to rule over Israel before any king did and was highly regarded as the Lord's servant.He was even the one who anointed King Saul and King David, whom he closely watched over as they rule.
3. Elijah
Elijah trained his servant Elisha and showed him how God has used him to reveal his power to the stubborn rulers and the stiff-necked nation Israel.He saw that Elijah spoke with might and conviction for he knows whom he is serving.Knowing how Elijah had led and directed Israel to God,Elisha was inspired and even desired to have a double anointing:
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.(2 Kings 2:9) so God's work and Elijah's training can be displayed through his ministry life.
4. Paul
Paul, from being a persecutor to being an apostle, had taught and instructed Timothy in faith to serve steadfastly despite his being young in the ministry.
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." -1 Timothy 4:12
He knew that Timothy, unlike him, a deeply-schooled Pharisee, was still in the process of empowering and establishing his work as a minister to the Gentile believers they cater. With such training and encouragement, he was able to make a confident and equipped servant out of Timothy.
4.Jesus
Our Lord Jesus Christ had chosen 12 disciples whom He taught for 3 years during His ministry here on earth.They were of various fields yet they heeded the Master's call and grabbed the opportunity to be with the famous Jesus.He trained, rebuked, tested, and led them so they can be prepared for the future that was ahead of them.He told them that,
“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name."(Luke 21:12).He introduced them to the life the needed to face as they continue serving Him.They sometimes acted foolishly, lacked faith, fell into temptation, even denied Jesus.But these people were among those whose faith had turned nations and peoples to the faith they had professed and even chose to defend at expense of their on life.
Not all leaders who mentor become successful.But if we can lead others to the driving force that they too can strive and possibly go beyond what we can do, our leadership can be a legacy that will remain and even passed on to the next generations.
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