I have found three truths in leadership. (1) Everything rises and falls on leadership (John Maxwell). (2) Leadership makes the difference in every group and organization. (3) The group becomes like the leader.

If these are indeed truths, we must decide who we will follow.

Let me give you two scenarios.

First, you can follow someone with power and authority that seems to be on the way up. That would describe Ahab the king of Israel (1 Kings 16:29-34). Ahab reigned in Samaria for twenty-two years and had most everything.

But to follow Ahab meant to reject the Lord, the God of Israel. Ahab introduced Baal worship in Samaria. He even built a temple for Baal in Samaria.

It’s hard to imagine a worse religion than Baalism. Baalism had many gods, including male and female deities. Baalism was a nature and fertility religion that exalted the worst parts of human nature.

Second, you could choose to follow Elijah. Elijah lacked power or wealth and seemed to be a certain loser in any contest with Ahab and Jezebel.

In the eyes of the world, there was no real decision to be made. Ahab would win hands down.

Elijah had two things going for Him. Elijah stood in the presence of God (1 Kings 17:1), and he obeyed the word of the Lord.

The end of these two men could not be more different. Ahab, after having led Israel astray for twenty-two years, died in battle with the Syrians. Ahab entered the battle in his chariot and was struck by a chance arrow (1 Kings 22:34). He lost his life and Israel lost the battle. Dogs licked up his blood (1 Kings 22: 38).

Elijah, having served God all his life, was taken into heaven without dying. When Jesus was transfigured Elijah and Moses ministered to Him. The Prophet Malachi proclaimed that Elijah would return before the great and terrible day of the Lord and would turn the heart of fathers to their children and the heart of children to their fathers (Malachi 4:5-6).

The question for us is who we will serve. Who we choose to follow will make all the difference in our lives and future.

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