The shepherd and flock imagery used in Scripture create a rich paradigm to consider servant leadership. Leadership isn't about gaining success on the backs of those you serve, but bending your back to serve those entrusted to your care. Dn. Henok Elias, host of the Tewahido Bible Study podcast, opens Ezekiel 34 where leaders are criticized for growing wealthy, fat, and clothed, on the backs of those they are supposed to shepherd.
Read the full episode transcript here.
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What would our work loads look like if we put as much time actually doing the work as we do creating excuses for avoiding the work at hand? More importantly, what would our communities look like if we actually put as much time doing the Lord's work as we do creating excuses in sin?
The calling of Moses provides insight into this common human inclination to argue, make excuses, and wrangle out of responsibility to the work the Lord provides. When Moses provides a litany of excuses, the Lord provides the plan, the mouth, and the words, eliminating all excuses. As Fr. Timothy Lowe suggests, the question is whether to submit, and the rest is details, trusting in the Lord's provision. Read the full episode transcript here. 
When the Lord commissions Moses to bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt, Moses questions, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" We learn it's not about, "who am I?" but it's about the One who sends Moses. "I AM WHO I AM" is the God who acts as the Father to His people.
When faced with a difficult task, leaders may ask that question even today, "Who am I?" Does the question come from a sense of fear? excuse and avoidance? false humility? perhaps genuine humility? The motives can be analyzed, but at the end of the day, it's not about "who am I." The servant of the Lord can avoid an ontological crisis by serving the Lord's instruction. Read the full episode transcript here. |
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