Four Uncommon Characteristics of Leadership

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What did Joseph, Daniel and Mordecai have in common? The three were Old Testament Israelites who at different times rose to great political power under secular Kings—three respective foreign Kings whom they could have easily despised. Save the sovereignty of God, from a human standpoint how did these men of principle—set aside by God and for God—attain such positions?

I see at least four uncommon characteristics and two uncommon results in the lives of these three common men. There are surprisingly parallel principles in these personalities that you need to incorporate into your own life.

So what are they?

Read on. They should make for an interesting Bible study, contemplation and application as we explore them together on Tuesday evening. See you there.

THE BIBLE AND LEADERSHIP: JOSEPH, DANIEL AND MORDECAI

I. THREE COMMON MEN

Joseph, Daniel and Mordecai each rose from austerity to political prominence as sojourners in a foreign land. Each became their host country’s second-in-command under a secular King. One such feat alone—not to mention three—in itself is reason for special study for anyone finding themselves in political leadership! Joseph found himself under Pharaoh during Israel’s 400 years in Egypt; Daniel was carted in to serve under Nebuchadnezzar (and Cyrus) during Israel’s Babylonian captivity, and Mordecai ended up in the palace of Ahasuerus (or Xerxes) during Israel’s confinement in the Persian empire. What common traits, characteristics and leadership qualities can we learn from these meteoric men?

MUCH MORE THAN SURVIVE, THEY THRIVED IN A HOSTILE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

How about you? At least four similar uncommon characteristics emerge from a survey of each.

This study assumes a working knowledge of the context of each man within the respective Bible book of each (Genesis, Daniel and Esther respectively). I strongly suggest one read them prior to studying what follows (if you do not already possess a somewhat agile familiarity with these OT books) in order to achieve the maximum impact of this study. (Building a cogent parallel of three men will already require quite a lengthy study, which prohibits this teacher from contextualizing each of the passages that will be mentioned in rapid fire).

II. FOUR UNCOMMON CHARACTERISTICS

A. MANIFEST RESPECT FOR A SECULAR KING

1. Joseph

Genesis 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out of the dungeon; and when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came to Pharaoh.

2. DANIEL

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. (Cf. 2:49)

Saving faith comes from hearing the message about Christ; the unadulterated gospel message is codified in the Scriptures. Without the Word, how would you know for sure if one is saved through faith in Christ alone? We would be lost in various opinions.

B. IT WILL TEACH YOU

2Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

It is the Bible, which contains the total truth necessary for living. It is the basis for one’s confidence in the standards of right and wrong.

3. MORDECAI

Esther 4:2 He went as far as the king’s gate, for no one was to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth.

Herein depicted is outward respect for the King, strongly suggesting inward respect—at least for his office. In each setting, these men were cognizant of God’s institution of Civil Government, and since Government is created by God—but not necessarily led by godly men and women—respect for governing authorities is nonetheless requisite. Note this principle from Romans 13:1…

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

Joseph, Daniel and Mordecai corporately exemplify this principle in these passages; they followed the rules. Believers usually think much differently than secular authorities, and rightfully so, but nevertheless one need respect the leader’s God- ordained position as these passages so vividly portray. (So long as doing so is not contrary to the commands of Scripture). Do you show respect for people for whom you rightly disagree? States 1Peter 2:17…

Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

B. LOYAL SERVICE TO A SECULAR KINGS

1. JOSEPH

Genesis 39:8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. 9 “There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” 10 As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her.

2. DANIEL

Daniel 2:25 Then Arioch hurriedly brought Daniel into the king’s presence and spoke to him as follows: “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can make the interpretation known to the king!”

3. MORDECAI

Esther 2:22 But the plot became known to Mordecai, and he told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name.

Each of these men displays a manifest unfaltering loyalty to the country’s civil leader at times when it would have been easy to do otherwise. In each case and in due time the King learned of their loyalty. Do you practice not only the presence of God, but the King when engaging in private, personal conversations with others? Note the following:

14:35 The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.

Proverbs 25:9-10 Argue your case with your neighbor, And do not reveal the secret of another, 10 Or he who hears it will reproach you, And the evil report about you will not pass away.

C. INSIGHTFUL WISDOM FOR A SECULAR KING

1. JOSEPH

Genesis 41:38 Then Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?” 39 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you are.

2. DANIEL

Daniel 1:20 As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm.

3. MORDECAI

Esther 6:1-3 During that night the king could not sleep so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. 2 It was found written what Mordecai had reported concerning Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who were doorkeepers, that they had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 The king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” Then the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”

Another profound element explaining in the dramatic rise of these three men was their value to the King. We may not be able to interpret a king’s dreams today, but we can put into words the ageless truths of God’s Word! (Cf. 1Peter 3:15)

WHEN A LEADER DISCOVERS YOUR GODLY WISDOM—YOUR ABILITY AND AGILITY TO APPLY THE WORD ACCURATELY, SPECIFICALLY AND SUCCESSFULLY IN SOLUTION TO COMPLEX POLITICAL DIFFICULTIES— IT IS THEN THAT YOU TAKE ON TREMENDOUS VALUE

How are you progressing in your discipline and quest for gaining greater biblical understanding and perspicacity (M&W: “Clear-sighted, quick-sighted, sharp-sighted”)? If you have no plan in this area, per this characteristic, one is most definitely limiting their future political altitude, value and worth—not only in God’s eyes, but to the King and the country. Remember above all else is the power of the Word in your life. 1Tim. 3:16-17 says,

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Do you believe in this characteristic? Work to intertwine your being with the Word of God and you will possess insightful and profound wisdom for a secular leader.

D. UNSWERVING COURAGE IN THE FACE OF A SECULAR KING

1. JOSEPH

Genesis 41:16 Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”

2. DANIEL

Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed- nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. 17 “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Now it was when they had spoken daily to him and he would not listen to them, that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. 5 When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, Haman was filled with rage.

These guys had guts! In their respect and loyal service to the King they did not compromise their beliefs one bit! When Joseph is answering Pharaoh in the cited passage, he in essence is stating to the follower of a pagan deity, God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer. Why is this so profound an illustration of the characteristic of courage? Because the Hebrew word for God that he used is Elohim— the God of the Hebrews! Fresh-out-of-prison Joseph is witnessing right in the face of Pharaoh about the one-and-only true God! Likewise Daniel doesn’t even flinch when in essence he entices Nebuchadnezzar to (my paraphrase), “turn up the furnace as high as you want…it matters not to us! We are not going to serve your god!” Nor would Mordecai bow to the intimidating power of Haman. It is this unswerving total confidence in God that is illustrated by each of the three. And the Kings end- up respecting them for it! Put simply…

THE ONE WHO COMPROMISES ON GODLY PRECEPTS ENDS UP HAVING TO PROTECT HIM OR HERSELF; WHEREAS THE ONE WHO WILL NOT COMPROMISE THEM IS THE RECIPIENT OF AN UNEARTHLY PROTECTION

Do you possess an unbending conviction relative to the principles and precepts of God’s Book? When God sees this quality and characteristic repeatedly manifest in one of His children He can strongly support and elevate them. Notice this principle and promise as summarized in Matthew 25:21:

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

Undoubtedly, this is one of the characteristics that led to the rise of these otherwise common foreigners.

ELEVATION IN LEADERSHIP:

If ultimately “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1), and if “the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes” (Daniel 4:17), and if God “…moves to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His” (2Chronicles 16:9a), then it follows that He alone is ultimately the one who determines who will or will not be elevated in this life—no one else can determine your destiny!

Accordingly, wise is the man who puts him or herself in a place whereby God can choose to elevate them if He so desires.

Unswerving courage relative to God’s Word is an uncommon characteristic today. Do you possess it? How many of these four uncommon characteristics characterize you? Are you respectful, loyal, insightful and unswerving?

III. TWO UNCOMMON RESULTS

Now notice from these passages at least two recurring results in the lives of these men:

A. PROMOTION BY THE SECULAR KING

1. JOSEPH

Genesis 41:40 “You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you.”

2. DANIEL

Daniel 2:46-49 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face and did homage to Daniel, and gave orders to present to him an offering and fragrant incense. 47 The king answered Daniel and said, “Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.” 48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts, and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 And Daniel made request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego over the administration of the province of Babylon, while Daniel was at the king’s court.

2. MORDECAI

Esther 10:2 And all the accomplishments of his authority and strength, and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia? 3 For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation.

There is no guarantee that if one masters the four uncommon characteristics herein that he or she will be chosen as the Vice President of the United States in this day and age. But for sure one will be more pleasing to the King of Kings! Apart from your career path in this world, God promises His faithful (those who are trusting in Christ alone for their salvation) an imperishable crown in Heaven. May that prize consume our hearts more so than the perishable, temporal awards and accomplishments of this life. 1Peter 5:4 states to believers,

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

And who knows….Certainly it is my prayer that faithful and mature followers of Christ will lead not only America, but nations throughout the world!

B. PROTECTION BY A CONCERNED, EVER-WATCHING FATHER

1. JOSEPH

Genesis 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

2. DANIEL

Daniel 3:24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, “Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?” They replied to the king, “Certainly, O king.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!”

3. MORDECAI

Esther 7:10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows which he had prepared for Mordecai, and the king’s anger subsided.

God has a way of protecting and delivering His children in the long run; He is the expert at reversing evil for good.

THESE THREE FAITHFUL MEN ALL EXPERIENCED HEART-THREATENING AND LIFE-THREATENING SITUATIONS, ONLY TO SEE THE HAND OF GOD DELIVER THEM!

When unfolding God’s economy of maturing His loved ones, James 1:2 cannot be avoided:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

Similar to the lives of Joseph, Daniel and Mordecai, those whom God is preparing to elevate will face refining fires—humanly impossible fiery ordeals that only God can deliver one from. A concerned, ever-watching Father never takes His eyes off of those whom He loves! He wants only what is best for you as He perfects you!

IV. APPLICATION

The four repeated characteristics of these three men embody the tension every elected official need maintain between loyalty and service to someone whom they may not respect, while at the same time not compromising on principles. In a very real sense, these three men serve as narrative illustrations of Proverbs 3:3…

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Note the same tension and principle in 1Corinthians 13:6…

[Love] does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

May God grant America governing authorities with the respect, loyalty, wisdom and courage of Joseph, Daniel and Mordecai. God may not advance you to be second-in-command, but in His own way, economy and purposes, He will promote and protect you if these qualities depict you. Amen!