Jeremiah 3:15 “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”

Leadership is important. Human beings are social creatures, which is why the frequent Biblical metaphor of sheep is so appropriate. It’s not that each individual doesn’t bear responsibility and accountability, it’s that leaders bear more. James 3:1 says that very clearly, and it is born out throughout history. This verse is a thumbnail sketch of what a good leader looks like. In the first place, a good leader is someone who is in line with God’s heart. Because God is infinite, that allows for a lot of individual variation, but the essential elements should be obvious to anyone with more than a passing knowledge of the Bible. That is, a good leader will demonstrate God’s love, His holiness, and His patience. The NIV says that such shepherds will lead, but the Japanese says raise, as in raising children. After all, people are living, growing beings, just as sheep are. A shepherd isn’t simply concerned with getting the flock from point A to point B, he is interested in their being strong, healthy, and more numerous when they get there. A good shepherd is going to lead with knowledge and discernment. (The NIV says understanding.) Shepherds of God’s flock certainly need to have both. I would be the last to insist that a leader of God’s people must have a theological degree; such things didn’t even exist in Jeremiah’s day. However, anyone who would lead God’s people must be committed to knowing more and more of God himself. It’s been well said that the best way to learn something is to teach it, so there’s a very great deal of “on the job training” involved, but it’s got to start with an active, personal knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord. With that as a foundation, there must also be a growing knowledge of the Bible, on an academic level yes, but especially from the standpoint of it being God’s Word indeed. Discernment is also essential, and familiarity with the Bible is of huge help here. A leader needs to be able to distinguish not only between good and evil, but between good and God. Sometimes things that are good in themselves can be hindrances to moving into what God intends.

I could go on and on (obviously) because I’m talking about what I have had to acknowledge and grow in myself. I have been a somewhat reluctant leader. I love to teach the Word, but the nitty gritty of shepherding a flock was never on my wish list! However, the Lord has taught me a very great deal in the process, not just about how to lead, but about me and especially about Him. It has gotten easier since I’ve stopped complaining so much! It helps a great deal to remember that it’s His flock and not mine, so I can count on Him to supply through me whatever is needed. Being aware that I can’t generate it myself is an advantage, not a disadvantage. I am to be faithful day by day, keeping my eyes on Him, and leaving the results in His hands.

Father, thank You for this reminder and encouragement. Help me indeed be the shepherd after Your heart that You want me to be, raising up a solid flock of healthy sheep, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!