Calling all sheep! Let’s thank God for our current shepherds, and let’s pray for them and support them as they serve in this vital role. Their combined ability to lead us will depend to a large extent on our willingness to follow. As God guides them, and as we listen and respond, they can take this flock closer to where we need to be.
Sheep, get thee behind them!
It’s the stuff that movies, books, history, families, and the news are made of. It’s such a common story line that it often becomes quite predictable. The leaders have a plan. If the others in the group will follow that plan, they will all succeed together. But someone thinks he has a better idea. There’s an independent, resistant element in the group. There’s a rival leader, or an attempted break, or a competitive, “I’ll never follow you!” spirit.
It’s even the stuff that the Bible is made of. In the book of Numbers, the people repeatedly argue, complain, and criticize Moses. How can he lead them? He feels overwhelmed and has a meltdown. He wants to quit or even die. God says, “Appoint 70 elders!”
Well, we do not have 70! Would that not be something? But as we encourage our current elders to shepherd and oversee the local flock, we can create a climate that will nurture the development of faithful leaders for the future.
How can we follow in ways that will help them lead?
Have you ever tried to lead a group of people – maybe your own children – through a busy, crowded shopping area, or an amusement park, or a huge airport like DFW? Have you ever lost anyone? Did you have to go back to get them?
OK, I know that “Get Thee Behind Them!” is a tricky title. Of course, I took it from Jesus’ words to Peter, “Get thee behind me, Satan!” in Matt 16:23. Certainly that would make a great sermon. When Peter told Jesus that He would never be handed over to death, Jesus was able to recognize that Peter’s words represented what Satan would say.
Of course we must also resist Satan and refuse any message or instruction that he would endorse. But I chose this title for a very different reason.
In order for our shepherds to lead this flock, you and I as sheep must get behind them. Not just for their sake – not just for our own sake – but for God’s sake and for God’s glory.
In fact, here is something else Peter said, with words given by the Spirit of God:
1 Pe 5:5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
The fact is, a leader is a person that other people will follow. Otherwise he is just taking a walk.
Leaders can only direct and instruct those who are willing to submit and learn. As God enables our elders to oversee and shepherd the flock, may He also teach us to be willing sheep!
To get thee behind them …
Pray for them, their wives, and their families.
Reaffirm: “I will work and worship under them.”
Show up! Don’t make them come find you!
Expect a transition period as roles are redefined.
Know who they are. Know “your” shepherd.
To get thee behind them …
Be the sheep that you would want to shepherd.
Love them with the agape traits of 1 Cor 13.
Recognize and respect their responsibility.
Realize that they have “feet of clay.”
Before you ask, offer, “How may I help you?”
To get thee behind them …
Help a deacon – or become one.
Don’t complain about the gaps. Fill them.
Talk to them, not about them. Meet with them.
Talk them up with family and other members.
Get close, and show other sheep the way.
Help them lead us to Him.
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Here are some hymns that may encourage all of us.
I am a Sheep
Where He Leads I’ll Follow
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
The Lord’s My Shepherd
Fear Not, Little Flock
