Day Seven: That we would joyously be lead
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13:17 ESV)
John Brown, the 18th century Scottish author and pastor, once encouraged a newly ordained young man with these words:
“I know the vanity of your heart, and that you will feel mortified that your congregation is very small, in comparison with those of your brethren around you; but assure yourself on the word of an old man, that when you come to give an account of them to the Lord Christ, at His judgment-seat, you will think you have had enough.”
Brown is correct. Pastors will give an account to God for their flock. This means that pastors bear a weight that those without that charge cannot fully feel*. In light of this truth, the author to Hebrews encourages his readers to obey and submit to their leaders in such a way that helps them fulfill their calling joyously. There is much which could be said here about abuse of power and the like. Yet, let us not lose the beauty of this text because it has been abused. Our ability to submit, honor, and obey those in leadership is a reflection of our ability to submit, honor, and obey the Lord. It is to our advantage to pursue the joy of those leading us.
Lord, we thank you for good biblical leaders. We thank you for those who care for us and watch over us and fight for our joy in Christ. We pray today that you would help them to have joy in you. Give us the desire to be intentional about helping our leaders be satisfied in you. Help us to be a joy to lead. May we honor you in the way we honor our leaders. Amen.
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*Of course there is a weight those who are not pastors will bear that we pastors do not carry.
