Happy Wednesday, July 30th, 2025. I’m not a big fan of Mastercard leaders—you know, the ones who always take credit… for what others did. Real leadership is rarely very loud. And real faith? It’s rarely that clear. Because sometimes, the most mature leaders move in obscurity—no spotlight, no applause. And the most faithful followers step into ambiguity—no map, no guarantees.
But that’s the test, isn’t it? What do you do when you’re asked to lead behind the scenes? What do you do when God asks you to follow… but doesn’t tell you where? That’s where John the Baptist found himself. And where two disciples made the biggest decision of their lives…
Today's Reading:
Isaiah 60,61,62; John 1
Scripture
“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.” (John 1:35-37 NIV)
Observation
John the Baptist had his own disciples, yet when he saw Jesus, he didn’t cling to his influence. Instead, he pointed beyond himself. He gave no detailed plan, no explanation—just a sentence: “Look, the Lamb of God!”
The disciples left John to follow Jesus without knowing where it would lead. There was no clear plan. Just a person to follow. Their actions model essential traits of both great leadership and great discipleship: the willingness to serve in obscurity and move forward in ambiguity.
Application
In leadership, one of the greatest tests is how comfortable we are with not having all the attention or answers. It’s also a test of faith. When God says “Go,” do we demand clarity, or do we follow Christ anyway?
Often, leadership isn’t a clear path, but it is always about clearing a path to a person.
John didn’t even hesitate to jump out of the way and point to Jesus. The disciples didn’t wait for a job description or a vision statement; they followed Jesus into the unknown. John was comfortable with obscurity; the disciples were comfortable with ambiguity.
In seasons of transition or uncertainty, I must ask: am I willing to lead others toward Jesus without needing to know exactly what’s next? And am I willing to follow Him myself, even when the path is unclear?
Prayer
Jesus, help me to become more comfortable with obscurity and ambiguity. Like John, may I point others to You without needing the credit. And like those first disciples, give me the courage to take the first step—even when it doesn’t all make sense. You are the Lamb of God. That’s all I need to know. Amen.
—Chris Kiriakos