When we were kids, we played a game called "Follow the Leader."
We lined up behind the leader and then did as he or she led us. It was a mimicking game: We had to match what the leader did, go where the leader went, in exact imitation. Anyone who failed to mimic accurately the path and actions of the leader was "out" and had to leave the line. The last person still following the leader was then designated the winner and, often as not, became the new leader in the game.
As children, it was a game. But as adults we find we are also called upon to follow the leader. We have several leaders in our lives: at work, at church, in the community, the state, and the nation, among others. Frequently, we are told whom our leaders are, but sometimes we choose them or participate in an election in which the majority decides.
Mostly, we understand what is expected of us with regard to our leaders, and we do it. But what is a leader? How do we identify that person? There’s a great little book with the intriguing name “You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader.” Author Mark Sanborn suggests that, somewhat like in our childhood game, real-life leaders are the ones people are following. Most experts agree with that generalization. What makes Sanborn stand out from all the rest is that he calls for people to just go ahead and lead, not waiting for someone to confer upon them the title of leader.
But what, you may ask, about all those who are elected or appointed? Aren't they leaders? That question brings us to this week's selection from the book of Joshua. Moses has recently died, just short of the Promised Land. Israel no longer has a leader. When the book of Joshua opens, God tells Joshua that he will become the leader of the Israelites. That’s not much of a surprise, not to us and almost certainly not to Joshua. He has been part of the general leadership for several years and Moses’ second-in-command.
To his credit, Joshua immediately begins to perform the duties of the office. Which makes the statements in the opening verses of Joshua chapter 3 seem a bit odd. It sounds like God is repeating Himself. But there is a different process at work. God is not repeating Joshua’s appointment as leader of Israel.
By having Joshua be the one who instructs the priests to walk into the Jordan River, God started the process of drawing followers to Joshua. The miracle that followed became associated with Joshua's leadership, and it did indeed "exalt" Joshua in the sight of Israel. Then, after everyone crossed over to dry ground and Joshua commanded the priests to come up out of the Jordan River, the waters came flooding back. "That day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life, just as they had stood in awe of Moses." Here's the difference: In chapter 1, God formally appointed Joshua the leader. In chapter 3, God ensured Joshua had followers.
Not all people are leaders. But all people are followers. Even if you are not the appointed leader, you can always follow well. Like Joshua while Moses still lived: Joshua followed Moses, and Moses followed God.
Look about you: Whom are people following? Those are leaders, regardless of whether they have a title or occupy an office. You can use the same simple test to identify the leaders in your life. Whom are you following?
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PHOTO: Paducah Tilghman High School Marching Band, circa 1968
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I hope you can Join us Friday morning for DaySpring’s Lectionary Breakfast. We meet at 8:00 on Zoom** and in person at Our Breakfast Place. We enjoy food, scripture, and each other.
It is an hour like no other.
Blessings,
Steve
**Contact me for the Zoom link
NOTE: Zoom allows you to mute the camera and the microphone if you don’t wish to be seen or heard.
SCRIPTURES FOR SUNDAY AND THE COMING WEEK
Find them here:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=167
Print them from here:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/pdf//Ax_Proper26.pdf
Joshua 3:7-17
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
Micah 3:5-12
Psalm 43
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Matthew 23:1-12
Proper 26 (31) (November 5, 2023)
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