One of the hardest things in the world for all of us to do is to follow the leader that God has set over us. This text was one of the verses that was in our last Wednesday night bible study and God greatly gave me liberty to speak on Leadership. Following the Lord through a God given leader is a great responsibility and a great privilege for all of us in our life. Consider that the Israelites committed themselves to following the leader that God had given them after the death of Moses. In our day, people find it difficult to follow their pastor even with the commands in the Bible.  Hebrews 13:17 "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."

 

This does not mean that you must follow a man who does not follow the scripture and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. What it does mean is that the Lord expects his people to search the scripture and see if he is following the word of GOD and if he is -- then follow him. How does one follow the God given leader? 1. You follow him by supporting him; this means in all godly ways. 2. You follow him by praying for him and his wife -- who labor together. 3. You follow him by seeking his counsel. 4. You follow him by esteeming him for his work's sake. There are other things one can do to support their leader; but, these will suffice for now. My prayer is that -- whoever reads this; you will do as "thus saith the Lord" regarding your leaders. In closing, let me say that I have served Raleigh Springs Baptist for nineteen plus years; and, God has given us great people, who are not intimidated to follow their pastor -- for which, I am grateful.

 

Bro Jack Duplechain

2 Cor 5-17