God the Leader
A Journey through the Old Testament
Foreword by R. W. L. Moberly
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
What kind of a leader is God? Is he a benevolent Santa Claus? Or is he really a narcissist? Is his leadership centered on law enforcement? Or is his priority focused on relationships? Is his interest in nations and systems? Or is he personally alongside the mistreated and oppressed? Is he a leader of armies? Or is he a leader of peace? These and many other questions about God's character and leadership are in the back (if not the front) of many people's minds--questions especially about the God of the Old Testament, who is often painted very differently from the God of the New Testament. Our image of God as leader is highly likely to influence how we act when we are leaders--whether as parents, bosses, teachers, politicians, or leaders of any group, small or large. This book assists us in observing God's leadership through the varied contours of the Old Testament journey and offers human illustrations of leadership, both positive and negative, to help us in our reflections.
Kathleen M. Rochester is an Australian who currently teaches Old Testament in the Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Philippines, as well as in several other countries. She also tutors post-graduate students for the Greenwich School of Theology, UK, and North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa. Her teaching and ministry experience extends over five continents. She and her husband Stuart, who teaches New Testament, make their home base in Tasmania, near their four children and six grandchildren.
“This book is a delight to read. Masking profound scholarship, Kathleen Rochester journeys through the Old Testament with a light touch. I wondered whether the lens of ‘God the leader’ would be sufficient to encompass the story. But it was. I’m amazed at the range of issues introduced, whilst firmly tracking the main message. It has much to teach both leaders and followers, whether familiar or unfamiliar with the OT.”
—Derek Tidball, author of Lead Like Joshua
“Jesus said less about sex than about money and less about money than about power. How does God use his power and how does he want us to use ours? That is the all-important subject of this engaging book, written con brio. I recommend it very warmly.”
—Stephen Ortiger, OSB, Emeritus Abbot of Worth Abbey, England
“Kathleen Rochester has crafted an extraordinary book. She takes us through the entire Old Testament hunting for a critical truth: how does God give leadership to his people? Reading this fine book will provide a way of relating to people, organizations, churches, and businesses that is truly life-giving. It would make a fascinating Bible study for people in small groups. I commend it heartily.”
—R. Paul Stevens, Professor Emeritus, Marketplace Theology, Regent College
“You won’t find in this book any fancy leadership concepts or theories. Dr. Kathleen Rochester expertly and chronologically goes through the OT and discusses this important theme in very practical terms. Each chapter is further enhanced by practical questions for reflection and discussion. I commend this book for a serious study. You will enjoy it!”
—Vitali Petrenko, Director, Latvian Biblical Center, Riga, Latvia
“Using a mixture of Bible exposition and insightful accounts of human leadership, Kathleen Rochester pinpoints what to emulate and what to avoid. The Bible interpretation is presented in easy, lively language, though with a depth nuanced by years of academic study. The anecdotes are apt and without extraneous details. A useful mix that prompts many fruitful reflections on leadership.”
—David Instone-Brewer, Senior Research Fellow in Rabbinics and the New Testament, Tyndale House
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