Scripture Reading: Psalm 23
Introduction
A. When we have good leadership, we don’t expect our problems to go away, but we do find it much easier to get through them.
B. As we learn from Israel’s history, however, there are few things worse than absent or ineffective leadership (Matthew 9:36).
Discussion
I. As went the leadership, so went the nation of Israel.
A. When Israel had godly leaders, the people typically followed and prospered (Joshua 24:31; Judges 2:18; 2 Kings 18:7–8).
B. When Israel had wicked leaders, wickedness would always abound (1 Kings 14:15–16; 2 Chronicles 28:5–8, 19–25).
C. The prophets often rebuked Israel’s leaders for neglecting their responsibilities (Ezekiel 34:1–10; Isaiah 56:9–12; Jeremiah 50:6).
II. As goes the leadership, so goes the home.
A. Strong parents tend to raise godly children (Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 22:6–8; 2 Timothy 1:5).
B. Weak parents tend to produce worthless children (1 Samuel 2:13–25; 3:13).
III. As goes the leadership, so goes the church.
A. Jesus understood this need for leadership in the church (Luke 22:31–32).
B. This explains Paul’s strong appeal to the elders of the church at Ephesus (Acts 20:28; cf. 1 Timothy 1:3; 3:1–7; Revelation 2:4–5).
C. Peter knew that in order for the church to survive in Asia, their leaders would need to be strong (1 Peter 5:1–7).
Conclusion
A. We must never underestimate the value of godly leadership.
B. We will always find good leadership for our souls in Jesus Christ (John 10:14–16, 25–29), and with His direction, we can lead others.