How can we emulate Ishmael's approach to leadership in Jeremiah 40:8 today? Jeremiah 40:8 at a glance “they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah son of the Maacathite—and their men.” Who was Ishmael and why notice him? • A royal descendant (2 Kings 25:25) leading a remnant of soldiers after Jerusalem’s fall • Approaches Gedaliah, Babylon’s newly appointed governor, during Judah’s most unstable hour • Although his later choices were sinful (Jeremiah 41), verse 8 captures a moment of commendable initiative that Scripture preserves for our instruction (Romans 15:4) Leadership qualities visible in verse 8 • Proactive presence — he “came” rather than waited to be summoned • Solidarity — “and their men”; he included those under his care • Respect for authority — he sought a meeting with the governor God allowed to rule (cf. Daniel 2:21) • Courage under pressure — traveling openly in a land just conquered • Bridge-building mindset — entering dialogue instead of immediate resistance • Representative heart — stood as spokesman, bearing responsibility for others Practical ways to emulate Ishmael’s verse 8 leadership today Show up when it matters • Step into transitional moments at church, work, or community rather than shrinking back (Esther 4:14) Lead with and for people • Bring your “men” — teams, families, small groups—alongside you; leadership isn’t solo (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) Honor rightful authority • Approach pastors, employers, or civic leaders respectfully, even if you didn’t choose them (Romans 13:1) Choose courage over comfort • Face uncertain situations openly; faith over fear models strength (Joshua 1:9) Build bridges, not walls • Initiate conversations that foster unity and collaboration (Ephesians 4:3) Represent, don’t dominate • Speak on behalf of those you lead, seeking their good before your own (Philippians 2:3-4) Guardrails the rest of the narrative provides • Good beginnings must be followed by godly perseverance (Galatians 5:7) • Motives matter; ambition without righteousness corrupts (James 3:14-16) • Accountability protects both leader and followers (Proverbs 11:14) Living it out this week • Identify one sphere where change is underway; be the first to offer help, clarity, and presence. • Bring someone with you—mentor them as you go. • Schedule a respectful check-in with the authority over that sphere, asking, “How can I serve the mission best right now?” By imitating Ishmael’s decisive approach in Jeremiah 40:8—while avoiding his later failures—we exercise leadership that steps forward, gathers others, and honors the structures God has set in place. |
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