Ezra 5 tells us that the prophets Haggai & Zechariah prophesied and told the leaders of the Jews, Zerubabbel and Jeshua, to rebuild the house of God, despite those who opposed them. Verse 2 says that Zerubabbel and Jeshua did what the prophets told them, AND it says that “the prophets of God were with them supporting them.” That last phrase is one which all of God’s leaders should heed:
Haggai & Zechariah did not merely tell the leaders what to do, and then abandon them, and leave them to their own devices. Rather, it says they continued with them, supporting them in their work.
This is a good example of what those of us who are pastors and church leaders are to do. We are indeed to proclaim God’s word to our people, but we are not to leave it at that. We are then to go alongside them to help them as they apply His truth in the world. This says something about the nature of real discipleship: genuine leaders don’t issue “orders” from an ivory tower; instead they proclaim God’s word to His people — and then go out with them to support them, and to live it out together in the real world.
That was the example of godly leaders throughout the Bible unlike the scribes and Pharisees of whom it was said, “they tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger” (Matthew 23:4). Good thoughts, Shawn.
That’s a good cross-reference Rick; thanks!