Reluctant Leaders
If it is the anointed priest who has incurred guilt, so that blame falls upon the people, . . . Leviticus 4:3
Blame – The principle characteristic of a biblical leader is reluctance. Men and women marked by God for leadership roles almost always wish they were not chosen. When you meet people who desire to lead, you would be wise to run the other way. Those who want the job are more than likely to let ego and pride determine their choices. When that happens, the people suffer – sometimes greatly. No one can truly lead without the Lord and those who lead with Him are constantly reminded of their insufficiency. Watch out for the ones who think they can handle the job! Anyone who wants to make history will probably break the people doing so.
In this passage in Leviticus, we see one of the reasons why leadership is so terrifying. If the high priest (the anointed priest) accidentally or unintentionally sins, there is a direct consequence to the people. Read that again. When the leader falls, even unintentionally, all the assembly bears the consequences. We see this principle played out over and over in Scripture. The sin of one affects many. Sha’ul builds an entire theology on this connection. But somehow we don’t think it applies to us today. Oh, we are quite happy to cite the connection with David’s sins or recall the passage in Romans 5. But apparently we believe that God set aside this principle of the universe when Yeshua died on the cross. Or maybe we are so dull in our discernment that we don’t see what’s happening until it’s too late. But the principle remains true. Leadership bears enormous responsibility. A leader who displeases the Lord will cause great harm to all who follow him. His actions, even his accidental offenses, can bring ‘ashmah (guilt) upon the people. It follows that no man or woman can hope to lead unless they have lives of intense obedience and continuous examination. Even the smallest error can bring wrath. Who would want to carry such a burden?
Of course, God does call men and women to these roles. They may resist, as Moses clearly demonstrates, but God knows the hearts of His leaders and He is willing to take the risk. That is all the more reason why leadership should be treated with the greatest of care. God trusts those He calls to lead. To fail in the task is not simply to cause guilt to fall on the people. It is also to violate God’s trust. There is a good reason why Moses is described as the most humble man who walked the earth. He knew he wasn’t up to the challenge.
Today leadership is often seen as a prize to be gained. Today we hold up celebrity leaders as if they were a little less than Mount Olympus gods. Today we think that everyone should become a leader. We live among a generation of incalculable hubris. And we will undoubtedly pay the price for such folly. Payment is written into the fabric of the universe. Our leaders crave leadership. “In that day, flee to the hills” would be an appropriate warning. No man can serve two masters. The hubris of leadership certainly stands opposed to the way of the Lord.
Do you desire to be called “Boss,” “Chief,” “Chairman,” or “President”? Do you realize what you are asking to bear? Are you reluctant, or are you anxious to rise to the top? Perhaps a good dose of Leviticus will bring you to your senses.
Topical Index: leadership, blame, guilt, reluctance, Leviticus 4:3, ‘ashmah
Could it be that this characteristic of “reluctance” in those God-chosen leaders is there because they instinctively or have come to know that their actions will have a direct influence on those who look to them for their lead? Perhaps it goes a little farther than just knowing that their actions have an influence on their followers. It is an actual caring for how they are influencing others: is it in a positive God-fearing way, or is it in a self-exalting way? It seems that there are so many in leadership positions these days that really don’t seem to care how their actions influence others.
Every one of us is a leader. “All.” Without exception- every man, woman, boy or girl who can read these words is a “leader.” Why do I make such a statement? “Leadership” in its purest form is “influence.” Have I convinced you yet?- lol!!! Well, then.. let me see if I can “persuade” you further!..
We each (every one of us) have been assigned by our good G-d a “leadership” role. I am a husband to my wife and a father to my (wonderful) kiddos. I have been given (all leadership/authority is “given” by Another) the fearful responsibility of “leading” my family! I can’t run away from it, I can’t hide from it- my wife and my children are “watching” dad.
Every idle word, every sinful attitude and act, every “bit and stitch” of my daily living is under intense scrutiny!- Does this put “the fear” in me? What if – my kids turn out to be like their dad? (silent scream- anyone?) I will confess freely, openly, deeply- I need a Savior. I deeply need my Abba to indwell the man I shave every day and possess His possession in order that I may please the ONE to whom I belong. I MUST daily surrender my “self” to know and to do His will- that which pleases Him (in my daily living). I need a radical change to take place- an interior transformation- and G-d is the only ONE who can make that happen. I MUST pray. (I will beg if necessary) Why?- because I love my wife and I love my children. I also love my neighbor (a word of proximity) and I want to recognize the worth or value of every one I meet. I want to “see them” through G-d’s eyes. I want this mind to be in me which also was in Christ Jesus- and yes, this is possible. -How do I know this? Does G-d ever request us to do something and then not give us the power/authority to do it? No. His grace is (always) sufficient.
(please excuse the following “stupid question of the year”) Do you love your children? Do you love your spouse?.. -(Do you?) The good news is this: the best thing you can do for your children and the best thing you can do for your wife (whom you love) is to obey G-d.
How is this true? This “so motivates” me.. By my daily surrender and obedience to ONE who is, I can “lead” or influence my spouse and children to live as to please Him. This is my highest wisdom and my highest calling is “to be” a father who loves G-d. “Thou shalt love the LORD, thy G-d, with “all” your heart, soul, mind and strength- and love your neighbor (a word of proximity) as yourself.
Every one of us can “lead” this way. The “leadership” of love. Is it possible for me to extend love to someone in need today? To give kindness? To show mercy? To extend benevolence toward another at cost to myself? To give away a smile, a handshake, a friendly greeting- a hug. To do something nice for someone/anyone- to smile at a child, to hold a door for anyone- may I live this way? Yes, I may. Hallelujah! Change me LORD Jesus into the man you want me to be. G-d is our Change Agent! He is Able when we are willing. Hallelujah for the cross!
Make this happen today dear Abba,- I ask this in the saving name of the ONE who loved us and loves us still, Messiah Yeshua , our Intercessor and Friend. Lead me in the paths of righteousness for your name’s sake. Hallelujah- amen.
Shalom Carl,
I do not disagree with the perspective that you have taken in this post: To walk in the path of Yeshua places us simultaneously in a role of both leader and slave …. Ahmein!
Yet Skip’s message today is a word that speaks to the very nature of the struggle that this world finds itself in. This struggle … the oldest one of all … is the battle between YHVH’s way and our way ( = all other ways).
In this dying creation the mode is “lead to win”. The mode is to make a difference and leave a mark … a legacy upon all of existence. LOL … And one would not think that we people are as fragile and flimsy as a blade of grass despite the unwarranted honor and chesed heaped upon us by ELOHIM!
It seems to matter little that the venue is government, the playground or even the neighborhood congregation. The machinery that produces an endless flow of self anointed “leaders” is indeed well oiled! HaSatan has his factory working 24-7-360!
Please do not take this commentary to be a complete condemnation of all leaders or their motives … however we must be objective and recognize that the Biblical rise to leadership (selection by YHVH) stands in stark contrast to the path in which most leaders of this world surface.
Matthew: 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
Oh yes dear brethren … seized leadership is the modus operandi of this dying world and we are fooling ourselves if we don’t think that many of our churches, fellowships and synagogues are run by Nicolaitanes …. those ravenous wolves feasting upon the sheep!
The stakes in this matter are high and the consequences quite serious! All must remain on guard … those leading and those following!
Brave Carl to a humble leader of his clan first & foremost & then outward…
jano
Today’s word has definite political implications, not only for this country but for the world. If I may say, it tends to be a little scary!
Shalom Roy … scary is indeed the perspective!
But the political implications that you speak of most assuredly span nearly all facets of our lives. Typically we tend to think of politics in terms of “civil government” when politics as we know rule in education, business and yes … religion!
And at the end of the day what is politics?
pol•i•tics
[pol-i-tiks] –noun (used with a singular or plural verb)
1. the science or art of political government.
2. the practice or profession of conducting political affairs.
3. political affairs: The advocated reforms have become embroiled in politics.
4. political methods or maneuvers: We could not approve of his politics in passage of the bill.
5. political principles or opinions: We avoided discussion of religion and politics. His politics are his own affair.
6. use of intrigue or strategy in obtaining any position of power or control, as in business, university, etc.
7. (initial capital letter, italics ) a treatise (4th century bce) by Aristotle, dealing with the structure, organization, and administration of the state, esp. the city-state as known in ancient Greece.
—Idiom
8. play politics,
a. to engage in political intrigue, take advantage of a political situation or issue, resort to partisan politics, etc.; exploit a political system or political relationships.
b. to deal with people in an opportunistic, manipulative, or devious way, as for job advancement.
Ultimately the politics of the nations (especially a democracy) stand in contrast to the model of human organization designed for us by YHVH … as such politics (Babylon) is indeed scary … all the time!
And at the end of the day what is politics?
Hi Drew,
I think at the end of the day politics is a struggle for power and power tends to corrupt.
Politics in the family, church, and business are not inherently corrupt, like the government IMO.
But leadership can lead to creating a lot of pain for others, in spite of one’s good intentions.
let us “remember” His words: “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant”.. “Servant-leadership” is the way of the Master. We should seek to serve. This alone is more than we know. In order to “let this mind” be in us we must assume the role of a slave. We look for the lowest spot rather than the highest. Volunteer to bus the tables, sweep the floors, the menial has meaning in G-d’s eyes. Six days shalt thou labor takes on new meaning. Humility is the way of the Master. “Humble yourselves in the sight of Adonai”. “Politics” is not the way of the Master, neither is “politics” the answer. “Politics” is the way of the world. Yes, -manipulation of the masses has been and is very prevalent in today’s society. The kingdom of YHWH has nothing at all to do with being a Republican or Democrat. His kingdom is not of this world. It is not how you can serve me, it is “how may I serve you”. We ought to be fighting amongst ourselves to see who can go for the lowest spot on the totem pole instead of the highest office. Humility is the way of the Master. Thank you brother Skip for the study on “eritheia” and “zadon.” An eye-opener to be sure. Yes, dear family the world is trying so hard to squeeze us into its mold. Remember His words.. “but (always a huge word in scripture) it is not so among you.” We are to think different. Walk different . Live different. We are to be salt and light to this “what’s in it for me?” self-serving society. We are to be “other-minded” rather than “self-serving.” This reminds me of a little tune I learned as a youth- “Jesus, then Others, then You, what a wonderful way to spell JOY!
– For further reference to “zadon” (self-serving manipulation- how pathetic!) please see Skip’s most excellent article entitled: “to walk humbly” (Micah 6.8).
“Volunteer to bus the tables, sweep the floors, the menial has meaning in G-d’s eyes.”
Hi Carl,
I agree that “Servant-leadership” is a great principle to live by whether one is a CEO or a janitor.
But as CEO you might need to terminate employees who have served you well and termination might have a devastating effect on their families.
Or worse, as CEO you might fail and all your employees could suffer the consequences.
Of course you would have some consolation if you served your employees as best you could, but my point was that leadership could cause others a lot of pain.
BTW I’ve never been a CEO but did work nights as a janitor to put myself through undergraduate school 🙂
this came to me via email today: http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/pravda.asp
As Bob Dylan sang: -“the times they are a’changin'”
This know also, that in the last days perilous times will come. (2 Timothy 3.1)- “It’s gettin’ gloriously dark!”
Every aspiring leader should read this article for it is so true. Loved it!