Lead – Follow – Or Get Out of the Way!

Nehemiah 1: 11-18

It is comforting and inspiring when a strong, confident leader takes hold of a situation and stands firm regarding what needs to be done. Many of our country’s great leaders and doers were those who could instill this type of feeling in us. “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” J.F.K. “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Ronald Reagan. “I have a dream!” Martin Luther King. Thank God for strong, insightful managers of this nation!

Nehemiah was this type of man. He was not bold or crass, but a sincere man of God on a mission, with the breath of the Lord at his back, filling his sails to continually remind him of his great mission.

Nehemiah demonstrated patience, wisdom and caution, yet was passionate. He may not have felt like a leader before the Lord put this burning on his heart to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, but as he listened and obeyed, his charge became clear and the leader in him evolved into something unstoppable.

Leaders are not just dreamers, though it may start out that way. They may initially be followers or even just bystanders, until in the quiet and stillness they hear the voice of God. We can all be leaders in some way, as we think, plan and work toward taking action on what is placed on our heart to accomplish for the glory of God.

As God invites us to accomplish great things for Him, He challenges us not to go it alone. If we are in the lead, we are to take others along with us and light the way. If we are following, we are side by side with other followers doing the will of the Lord, perhaps leading within the group. And if we are standing out of the way, we should be holding out our hand, ready to be pulled in, and get to work!.

Nehemiah 2: 1-18 

The Righteous Branch -- Jeremiah 23:1-8

A year ago the theme for our Vacation Bible School was the 23rd Psalm.  During that time we learned about sheep and shepherds and the role they play in each other's lives.  We learned that sheep are very needy, not self-sufficient at all.  Sheep need someone to care for them in every way; they need protection and guidance at all times.

We learned too about shepherds and the role they play in the lives and well-being of the sheep in their charge.  Left unattended the animals will fall prey to other wild animals just waiting for an opportunity to pounce on them and devour the helpless creatures.  These animals also need protection from the elements as well as direction to appropriate sources of nourishment.

It is fascinating to dig into the Biblical history of shepherds and the parallel we find between sheep (us) and the shepherd (Jesus) who cares for them. These sheep are helpless and susceptible to every danger lurking in the world.  Jeremiah's words reinforce this concept of sheep needing a shepherd.

He called the leaders of that time to task for not properly caring for their people.  He told them what God had revealed to him. "Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done." (Jeremiah 23:2)  This causes me to reflect on who God has placed in my care.  I must remember that I am accountable to God for those I influence and lead.  Let's turn to our Shepherd, Jesus, for help.

To read the complete text for today click here .  To return to this posting hit the back arrow.