Zechariah 10-11 / Revelation 18 / Psalm 146 / Proverbs 30:33
If you have ever been under the direction of poor or abusive leadership, you will appreciate what’s on my heart to share today. I will not speak derogatorily of leaders, but I hope to shed some light on the topic. If you have served under a caring servant-leader, you are blessed indeed!
To begin, let’s look at Zechariah 10:2-3 in the New Living Translation, (NLT) to see what God did when there was bad leadership among His people: “Household gods give worthless advice, fortune-tellers predict only lies, and interpreters of dreams pronounce falsehoods that give no comfort. So, my people are wandering like lost sheep; they are attacked because they have no shepherd.‘My anger burns against your shepherds, and I will punish these leaders.’ For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has arrived to look after Judah, his flock. He will make them strong and glorious, like a proud warhorse in battle…”
First, perhaps the reason God’s people were turning to idols, fortune-tellers and dream interpreters is because the priests who were called to shepherd or pastor them were failing at their job. The leadership was corrupt, they lead the people away from God and into idolatry. As the result of poor leadership and looking in the wrong places for answers, God’s people were confused and lost.
God was not angry with the people for their confusion; He was angry with their shepherds, or as we would call them, their pastors. How does a pastor get so far off track? I believe one way is by him neglecting his own personal relationship with God. A true servant-leader spends time with his heavenly Father first, then feeds the people with what he’s been given. That way everyone’s needs are met.
A servant-leader cares for others above his own reputation and desires. He (or she) listens to God and works hard to build up and encourage those under their care. They look closely at those God brings; they find the special gifts, and look for ways to cultivate those gifts, so the people have a strong sense of fulfillment in the Kingdom and so that God receives maximum glory.
The servant-leader must also take care of his spiritual needs. However, sometimes he may serve to his own detriment for the good of others. Leadership is not glamorous; it is a life of hard work and self-sacrifice. Leadership is not always fun, but it is fulfilling if you are serving in the capacity God has called you.
If you find yourself under poor or abusive leadership, seek the advice and counsel of God and of other leaders outside the situation. You need to hear the Lord for yourself as well as through those other trusted leaders so that you will know how you should respond in such a situation. Sometimes you will be asked to stay while God makes shifts in the current leadership. Sometimes God will move you out.
No matter what God speaks, rest assured you will be cared for! God loves you more than any man or woman is able. He will step in and correct a situation in one way or another. It’s beautiful that the Lord of Heaven’s armies stepped in to look after Judah, His flock. He will do the same for you, so do not fear.
