The blessing when leaders lead and people follow

 “That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the LORD! Judges 5:2 ESV

What a concept….when leaders lead…people follow.  Oh, that every leader would respond to lead uprightly.  There is much to pray in this verse.  We need to pray for the strengthening and resolve for those who lead over us.  This includes fathers to lead the family in what is right, city officials to have wisdom in the making and execution of our laws, first responders to act with lots of wisdom and justice, and educators to lead our children in good instructions and thinking.

·         Leaders step forth. The context of this verse is a song of Deborah about a victory over an enemy that had 900 iron chariots.  She asked Barak who would lead the army, “Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded you, ‘Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun. ⁷ And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand’?” Judges 4:6-7 ESV.  The implication of her question revealed that God had already spoken to Barak, in which she was now reminding him “to lead”.   He was still hesitant and asked for her to join him in the battle.  We have too many complacent leaders.  Leaders need to step up to the plate and lead.

·         Leaders lead.  This requires a person speaking forth about a goal, a vision, a change in direction, or an inspiring purpose.  This means that he or she communicates to others to gather together to start something.  Leaders speak and the light of a clear path is revealed to those who are following.  A dad may say, “today, we are going to pray for our food and for our sick relatives”.  He is leading and not just hoping for good things to change.  His speaking about a new direction is leading.  Has God been speaking to you about issues that need new direction? Too much TV or internet? Starting a family devotion time?  Setting boundaries for proper rest (sleep) in the home? Communicating with your employees about your expectations and your appreciation?  Leaders lead by communicating their thoughts to others.

·         Leaders lead people.  John Maxwell said “if you think you are a leader and you look behind you and no one is there…then you are only taking a walk.”  A decision from a leader impacts the lives of the people who follow.  As Solomon asked of the Lord…give me wisdom to lead people.  He understood decisions have consequences.  Every person that you lead has value.

·         People have a choice to follow…sometimes they don’t….but when they do it willingly there is blessing.  It is a lot of fun when the whole community of people are fully “behind the project”.  The oneness and comradery of people united to complete a project or assignment is actually the byproduct of their willingness to follow the leader.  People are willing to put time and their resources toward leaders who are leading.  That is why we pray for them to lead well.

Pray for leaders to lead.  Pray that they will lead in wisdom, with  justice, with compassion, with inspiration, with boldness, with confidence, and with strength. 

Pray for people to willingly follow.  It is not weakness to come together in a united atmosphere.  Division is easy, unity is hard work, but with unity comes the blessing.