Follow and Lead

Read Zechariah 10
 
Zechariah 10:1-2 Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone. 2 The idols speak deceit, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore, the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
 
THIS is the first of two “shepherd” chapters. Even after God’s remarkable promises to Israel, bad shepherds will arise again to lead people astray until the Good Shepherd arrives.
   What is a good Christian shepherd to do? In addition to learning God’s ways in Scripture, we can find some answers in Bible-application teachings. One such resource is a book entitled “Family Shepherds: Calling and Equipping Men to Lead Their Homes” by Voddie Baucham Jr. He reveals very specific ways God teaches a man to be a good shepherd in his home. God has ordained the man to lead his family to faithful living. The most severe threat to the church worldwide is men who reject that role. A husband and father’s life of faith is the most critical element to guide a family into a vital, living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and his church. Ladies, there is much for you, too. The men who have studied this book and put into practice its biblical principles find the power of God’s love strengthening their faith lives, their marriages and their homes.
   Being a good shepherd at home then extends into the church. The world desperately needs good shepherds in the church. We have been given the gift of Salvation and eternal life. But our response is too often to wander in our walk, rejecting our calling and ignoring our purpose. We do not lead for God but follow for our own good. Instead of shepherds, we become lambs who love false leaders. Peter warned of this: 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
   One of the main purposes of the series of the New Testament epistles is to keep the church on track with Jesus. The LORD God calls you to stand up, to take the staff of salvation and lead. Whether you are reading this in Africa, India, Mongolia, the United States or elsewhere, you know the problems with men who reject God’s Word, who are complacent in their so-called social “faith”. In too many churches, people leave the leadership mantle to “someone else”, usually people who are more politically oriented than spiritually gifted.
   Regardless of who you are in the church or in the culture, if Jesus is your Lord, you are appointed as a shepherd to some. It is first your household. Then see how you are to affect those in your workplace, your friendships, your neighborhood and with others you encounter.
   Follow Jesus. The lead others to follow him, too.
 
Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”