Leading by Following the Leader.

The game of follow the leader has been enjoyed by many children throughout generations. Children love to be chosen to be the leader and make the decision to hop, skip and playfully move around the room. Other children have fun following the motions of the one who is leading. Giggles and laughter often accompany the activity of this game.

When a large group is playing this game, it may be difficult for the children in the back to actually see the leader. In this case it is important that those who can see follow as accurately as possible. That way even those at the far back of the line can imitate the leader’s actions. By following one who is following that leader precisely, all can be doing the same thing.

 The longer we walk with Jesus, the more equipped we become to lead others. As we mature in our relationship with Christ, we truly learn our roles and that we can do nothing without His strength and guidance. “I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 AMP) We come to totally rely on Jesus and aspire to do everything in the same manner that He does. Jesus only followed the will of His Father. He did this by watching closely for the fathers lead. “So Jesus answered them by saying, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does is what the Son does in the same way [in His turn].” (John 5:19 AMP) Whatever He saw, He did.

There is a saying, “Lead, follow or step out of the way.” At one time or another each of these actions will be appropriate in our relationships within the body of believers.   We can be called at various times to be the leader, the follower and sometimes to step aside, removing ourselves from the situation.

The scripture speaks of Jesus leading captivity captive. ^“Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive [He led a train of vanquished foes] and He bestowed gifts on men.” (Ephesians 4:8 AMP) He set the captives free when he died on the cross and rose again from the dead breaking the power of sin and death. His God-given ministry here on earth was to set people free. “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],” (Luke 4:18 AMP)

 Although His death and resurrection once and for all broke the power of sin and opened the way for God’s grace, many remain in bondage to wrong mindsets, hurts and even sin. The work of setting captives free continues. The Lord has now chosen believers to become His representatives in the world. We humbly share the gospel and let our lives be an example. We lead by following Jesus. Paul instructed church leaders in the appropriate manner of leading. “Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror's crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:3-4 AMP)

As the Lords representative we may be called to lead younger Christians or those struggling with an area that we have become mature in. We can remember the source of our own victory as we lead others to deliverance. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP) Always keeping this in mind will ensure that others will see Jesus through our actions and be led to a deeper relationship with Him.

 There will be some instances in which all of our concern and love for another only seems to hinder that person’s spiritual growth. At these times we must be willing to step out of the way and allow them to receive directly from our Heavenly Father all that He desires. We do not ever want to be in the way and prevent all that God has planned for another. We must be sensitive to know when to help and when not to.

 The apostle Paul, who gave much instruction concerning leadership in the body of Christ, boldly said this, ”Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah). (1 Corinthians 11:1 AMP) When we are truly seeking God’s will, we can say the same. In this manner we will point others to Jesus and not to ourselves. And the captives will be set free.

 Follow our leader, Jesus, today. In doing so you can lead those around you and the captives to freedom.