Faithful leadership
It is easy to place our faith in the people who lead us - a teacher, a preacher, a mentor. Over time, without realising it, our sense of security may begin to rest more on that person than on God. So when that leader fails, leaves, or disappoints us, our faith is shaken too.
What does faithful leadership look like? How should leaders view their role?
2 Sam 23:8-12 introduces us to David’s mighty men. These were warriors of incredible strength and courage. When others fled, they fought. Under pressure, they stood firm. But what stood out was their loyalty. This was clear in 2 Sam 23:13-17. When David expressed a simple longing, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem…”, he might not have expected anyone to act on it. Yet three of his men heard it, and immediately risked their lives to fulfill it. They broke through enemy lines, just to bring him that water.
Why? They loved their shepherd, and responded to his desire.
However, David would not drink it, and instead poured it out to the Lord. He understood something important - the devotion of his men was wasted, even dangerous, if it was directed at him instead of God.
Perhaps any other leader might have received the water as a gesture of well-deserved loyalty. After all, he had bravely led his men in defeating many of their enemies. It was only fitting that his men served him, but David saw it differently. He knew such devotion belonged to God alone.
So, he redirected it.
This is the heart of a good shepherd - to draw people not to himself, but to lead them to God. If the sheep only follow their shepherd, they are in danger when the shepherd stumbles. But if the shepherd leads them to God, they will stand firm no matter what happens.
A good shepherd does not use the sheep for his own desires. He does not turn their loyalty into personal gain. Instead, he carries the responsibility of guiding them rightly, to turn their hearts of loyalty to God.
In the Old Testament, a shepherd carries two tools - the rod and the staff (Psa 23:4)
The rod protects, and is used to fight off danger.
The staff guides, and pulls the sheep back when they wander.
A good shepherd needs both.
There are moments to defend the flock. There are moments to correct and pull them back. But both must come from the same place: a heart that seeks the good of the sheep and the glory of God.
So, David shows us that true shepherding is about pointing your sheep to God.
Reflection questions
If you are leading, teaching or in a position of mentorship to others, are you pointing them to yourself or to God?
How can we help others lean on God more?
