I am the good shepherd, I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me. As the Father knows Me, I know the Father; I will give My life for the sheep.
Observation
Jesus exemplifies the way to lead others in John 10. He speaks to them with soothing, encouraging, and instructional words. He gives all of Himself to the sheep; willingly dying for the sheep . There are those that will also try to lead the sheep, but they are only hired hands. When life gets tough and they have to sacrificially give of themselves, they cannot and they run away. When Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, He is also identifying you and I. When Christ lives in us we also have the power through His Spirit to become the Good Shepherd. To lead others the way that Christ lead, you have to be willing to lay your life down for the sheep.
Application
I meet many people that want to be a leader. I think we associate leader with the highest rung on the ladder of success. However, when it comes to laying down their life for the sheep, some conveniently become just a hired hand, not willing to go the distance that leadership requires. I throw lots of grace their way, because I know the sacrifice that you have to make as a leader will take your breath away, crush your heart, and steal time from you that seems never to be redeemed. Even though on the outside leadership looks like the pinnacle of success, on the inside the leader is taking hits for the team that no one will ever see.
Sounds like parenting doesn't it? Your children will never know the nights you've spent crying out to God on their behalf. They will never comprehend the love you have for them in your heart. You would gladly and willingly lay down your life to save theirs. You do so, because God has given you an unexplained love and nothing could snatch that love away.
If you ask God to pour out His love for His people into your heart, He will give you a love for them that cannot be snatched away. People won't understand how you can put up with so much or invest so much, with seemingly little return. But because of the love God has poured into your heart, you see the eyes of faith and you know there is eternal fruit growing inside of them.
I am not saying that a leader is a martyr. I have given of myself so much to ministry that my physical and spiritual health as well as my family have suffered for it. I can only give of myself if I am receiving from Christ and doing His will each day.
As a leader I know that I am not alone in this self-sacrifice. Many others have gone before me and walk with me. I am so thankful for the leaders that have given up portions of themselves for me. I am thankful for the leaders that have taken battle wounds for and from me. I am grateful for the leaders that have laid down their lives for me. Most of all I'm thankful for You Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for laying Your life down for me. Thank You for pouring Your love into my heart and asking me to love sacrificially. Please continue to pour Your love and wisdom into my heart so that I will not run away from the sacrificial leadership that You have called me to.
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