It happens all the time. Bosses get “bossy.” Pastors get pushy. Parents impatiently become controlling (overbearing). It’s a sinful pattern since sin dis-integrated things. Leaders de-evolve into something other than the personal care and investment their office of charge calls for. Instead, there is a petrification of the heart that leads to impersonal pronouncements instead of loving dialogue.
In the writings of the prophet Ezekiel, chapter 34, the Lord chastises the leadership of the day pointing out their selfishness; greed from privilege; laziness and authoritarian rule. The leadership of the day doesn’t have a corner on the market of poor leadership. King David abused his power to satisfy his lust and murdered in attempts to cover it up. (2 Sam 11) James and John, the sons of Zebedee sought eternal political privilege from Jesus. (Mark 10.35f) The New Testament Pharisees were the epitome of self-centered leadership.
Today, the abuses of priests are well publicized. Mormon “prophets” claim direct revelations from God. Political favors from civic position seems standard operating practice sometimes. Third-world despots and leadership in far too many arenas seems unconcerned with the people they’re called to lead and in it for the personal power.
It’s no wonder Jesus steps in as The Good Shepherd. (John 10) It’s a marvelous wonder of how personally he takes the redemption of the hurt, lost, and lonely!
His I AM message is that he is The Gate! He will personally provide the security of those exposed to danger. Rather than privilege, he offers personal sacrifice – even death on a cross – for the sake of those he’s called to serve. All this, and more, to assure the final goal of personal relationship! His Voice is familiar, even comforting to those who hear it.
The calling of every leader now? Point the way to The Way. Be a conduit of his Word. Witness of His Truth and Love. In short, be “in Christ!”
Come to worship to celebrate the next I AM!
To the Good Shepherd, it’s personal.
See you in worship, Good Lord willing,
Karl