Did you play Follow the Leader as a kid? Everyone lined up behind the leader and mimicked the series of antics he performed. One by one, each child floundered until only one follower remained and became the next leader.
I just read the Exodus account of the Israelites following Moses through the Red Sea. Although familiar, the story still amazed me. What an awe-inspiring demonstration of God’s power and dramatic escape across a dry riverbed! I loved their bold faith when they safely stood on the shore of the river and, as their leader, Moses led them in a song of worship that praised God’s spectacular capabilities:
- The Lord is highly exalted.
- He is my strength and my song, my salvation.
- The Lord is a warrior who drowned our enemies.
- His right hand is majestic in power.
- His love is unfailing.
- Nations will tremble before Him.
These proclamations reflected Moses’ faith, the very thing that made him a good leader, then and during the forty years they wandered in the wilderness. Moses knew who God was and exalted Him above the frightening situations before them. Unfortunately, the Israelites fell out of line, floundering like the children in the game. But one followed closely and became the next leader, Joshua.
A good leader doesn’t waver when circumstances are adverse, but points to the truth that is higher than the challenge: who God is, how He acts, and what He says.
I am dismayed by the poor leadership I see, elected officials who rant and rage but do not honor God with their words. Do we follow leaders with the loudest voices and highest emotional charge? Or those who trust God to be God?
I want to follow leaders who honor God, whether in government, in church, in medicine, or in personal relationships.
Let’s follow the leader who believes God and knows that anything is possible with Him.
Better yet, you be the leader who proclaims God’s power, wisdom, and sovereignty over all things. Lead others to a higher level.
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BARBARA HIGBY 