September 16, Leaders and Followers

Today’s reading: Psalms 76-80

“You led your people like a flock by the hand
of Moses and Aaron” - Psalm 77:20.

In today’s verse, the psalmist indicated that God was leading His people, all the while using Moses and Aaron to do so. God works through leaders, and since all leaders are imperfect people, we can conclude that a perfect God uses imperfect people to get His work done. Even though leaders are flawed, God holds them to a higher standard of ethics, behavior, and attitude, while also expecting His people to recognize His choice of leaders. He then requires followers to keep their “end of the bargain” by maintaining a respectful and submissive attitude toward their leaders. The writer of Hebrews explained the responsibilities of followers in this way: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you” (Hebrews 13:17). What is your attitude toward the leaders in your life? Is it a joyful experience for them to lead you? Can you see that you benefit from the leadership you are under? If you are a leader, are you leading as God would want you to lead? How can you improve?