Reclaiming and raising godly leaders [John10:1-10]
Jesus presents himself as a good godly leader, an example to be followed by all leaders. The one who does not follow his example is a thief and robber. Many of the leaders in Israel had become thieves and robbers as it is stated in Ezekiel 34:1-6, Jeremiah 12: 10, 23:1-4, 50:6, Zechariah 11:16-17, Isaiah 56:11 and many other verses that talk about leaders who are greedy, never satisfied, they feed themselves and starve the flock, they destroy the weak and feed on the strong. These are leaders that Jesus has named thieves and robbers. These leaders climb over the fence and do not use the main entrance. Their survival is in the back door, they kill, rob and destroy, they
have no sense of shame and guilt. These leaders are full of themselves, ambitious, materialistic, they desire to enjoy the conveniences of life, they want to be noticed for every little thing they do, they promote the interests of their families, crafty and do not care what happens to the other party as long as they are ok. This category of leaders are those that the Lord wants to reclaim, refocus and bring back to their place of godliness.
The second category of leaders are those who enter by the door. They are legitimate shepherds, called and chosen by God. They shepherd the flock through love, calling, care, and sacrificial service. God always intended that His people be led, fed, and protected by those who come in the legitimate, intended way. In verses 3-6, the godly shepherd calls his sheep by name, the sheep know his voice and door keeper freely opens for him to enter. He has a personal connection with the sheep, he provides direction and leadership without driving the sheep away. In summary, a godly leader has a proper entrance into the ministry or office, allows the Holy Spirit to open his way as a doorkeeper to God’s sheep. The sheep respond to his voice in teaching and leadership. He is well acquainted with his flock. He leads the flock and
does not drive them or lord it over them. He goes before the sheep as an example.
In verses 7-10 The true shepherd protects and promotes life. He laid his body across the entrance, to keep the sheep in and to keep out the wolves. The shepherd was in fact the door. What kind of leader are you? May God bless us as we choose godly leaders in the nation and the church in the year 2021.
The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye
PROVOST