Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Title: Take Me To Your Leader
Text: Luke 6:39 (NIV)
39He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?
Have you ever been on a road trip where your vehicle is only one of several on the journey? During my time in youth ministry I have been a part of more caravans than I could possibly count. It is always a stressful time as you pull out of the parking lot on the way to your destination, but it is especially stressful if you are the lead vehicle. There is something about knowing that there are other carloads of people behind you as you head down the road. The way you end up being the front car is usually due to someone in that car actually has a clue how to get to the finish line in a way that is safe, quick and efficient. However, as the lead car you just know that there are people in the other cars who are questioning just about everything you are doing. “Why are they going this way? Why didn’t they take that exit? They’re driving too slow. They’re driving too fast.” You have either heard those things or you may have even said those things. Being the leader of the pack is a tough job, and if you are that leader, or your claim to be the leader, there is one thing you better know for certain. You better know where you’re going and how to get those following you there.
Our faith journey is very similar to that situation. If you are announcing or have the idea that you want to be a leader in your faith, then you have to be able to successful navigate the path you’re on and help those following you feel that you are the quality person who is qualified to get them from Point A to Point B. I mean, these people are obviously following you, the leader, because you have convinced them that you know what you’re doing and where you’re going. It cannot be a case of “the Blind leader the Blind”. If we choose to embrace the call of leading others in the name of Jesus Christ, to help them grow in their faith, realize the Godly purpose for their lives and hopefully nurture them to become true and authentic leaders for Christ, we must also understand that we have to know where we are going. We have to prepare ourselves for the journey ourselves instead of standing by and pointing into the distance. True leaders will do all they can to make sure they are on the appropriate path, and therefore enable those following to navigate their journey as well.
How in the world can we ever direct others toward God if we aren’t on the journey ourselves? How can we point the lost toward the unconditional love and acceptance of Christ of we don’t even know how to get there? How can we stand confidently in the line of questioning about our faith and our active lives for the Kingdom, if we have not prepared ourselves for the journey? Leaders must continue to be equipped and prepared to successfully lead others, but it is up to us to do those things. God will not force it on us.
We are on a long road trip toward an eternal life with our Creator. I only hope that I have been the type of Godly leader than can step out of my vehicle at the gates of Heaven and look behind me and see that all those who have put their trust in me to lead them on their journey are standing there as well, present and accounted for. Don’t you?
Something to Think About:
· Do you consider yourself a leader for God? Why?
· What tools or gifts do you possess that make you a good leader? Are you using those gifts?
· How could you better prepare yourself for the call of leading others on their journey with God?
· You have the ability to lead others for God. Embrace it. What can you do now to truly lead others to a relationship with Christ?
A Few Minutes with God:
God, I pray that from this moment forward I will begin to prepare myself understand how to get to you. I want to lead others toward you and toward and more fulfilling life and relationship with you. Thank you for your call on my life. I also thank you for those who are leading me. Please strengthen them and help them to seek you as you continue to use them in leading others. Amen.
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