Today’s Reading, Numbers 26-27
Focal Scripture: Numbers 27:17 “who will go out before them and come back in before them, and who will bring them out and bring them in, so that the Lord’s community won’t be like sheep without a shepherd.””
Being a leader is not the same as being a shepherd but being a shepherd does make you a leader. This is one of the truths that is very difficult for people to understand. Why? Because you can lead others and not care for them biblically. For instance, a person can make decisions but not care about the people those decisions affect. The position is more important than the people to this type of leader. A shepherd on the other hand knows that difficult decisions are needed and cares deeply about how those decisions will affect every sheep. A shepherd has a heart for the people.
In today’s reading Joshua is being commissioned to lead the nation of Israel. However, before that happens Moses is very transparent about his desires. He wants the people to have the right leader, not just any leader. Moses wants a leader who will go out before them, come back to worship before the Lord. Then a leader who will bring the people to the right location as they travel. Moses wants them to have a shepherd leader not a tyrant who barks orders. Sheep need a shepherd not a dictator.
It is important to be a shepherd leader. It doesn’t matter where you serve in leadership. If you lead a fortune 500 company you still need to know your people. You must be invested in them and care about everyone. Especially, the people who disagree with you and are not your biggest fans. Shepherding is hard and thankless work. Shepherding requires a person to lead by humility not by power.
This is especially true in the local church. Too many leaders have positions of power who are not shepherds. They believe they are the sole decision makers. They belittle those who disagree with them privately. However, a biblical shepherd longs to serve the people. He is willing to give his life for the strongest and the weakest. A biblical shepherd cares about the heart and souls of each member.
I can tell you from experience good shepherds should be held onto as long possible. Why? Because they are hard to find. Good shepherds love the Lord and love all of their people. They would never harm any of the sheep. Leaders who have no biblical humility, gossip about others and hurt the sheep should be forever banned from leadership in the church.
Why am I being so dogmatic? Because leading his church is a direct reflection of the relationship that person has with Christ. Having a biblical standard must be a priority for every church who claims to follow Jesus. To not do that puts every church in a situation where they are not being shepherding. That must never happen but it does in many places.
Have a high standard for leadership especially shepherds.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Numbers 28-30
