Shepherd Leaders

Numbers 24-27; 1 Corinthians 13 

“May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd…’Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in who is the spirit, and lay your hand on him…Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him.’”

Numbers 27:15-18, 20

The leaders God appoints must be filled with his Spirit so he can shepherd and lead his people through these leaders. God’s leaders are not passive, but are marked by risk-taking obedience as they go before God’s people and lead them out and bring them in. Just as Jesus led by example, God’s leaders are the first to humble themselves, the first to repent when needed, and the first to obey. Leaders in God’s kingdom are commissioned by the laying on of hands, signifying the transference of authority. Joshua received some of Moses’ authority, but both received their authority from the Lord. When we are led well by leaders like these, we know where we are going and how to get there.

“Lord Jesus, you are my example of a healthy Spirit-filled leader. I desire to be more like you, for your glory.”