Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview
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LEADERSHIP FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for
the sheep.” John 10:11 From the pages of antiquity comes a
pungent lesson of leadership for modern day
people of God. It is portrayed by the occupational mindset of animal
husbandry. Think about it!
Saul of the Old Testament was the first king of Israel. He was the kind of man who filled the desires of a people more bent on human reliance than on God. He was easy on the eyes, head and shoulders larger than others of the Hebrews, and considered to be a prize after the flesh. But, he was a man about donkeys. What does this convey? The purpose of those animals was purely, personal economics. They produced no clothing material. They were not good for food. They are stubborn, wild, and difficult to manage. Men used them to harness their natural strength for personal gain, and to move heavy objects.
On the other hand, the second king of the Hebrews was David. He was small of stature, considered to be a poor choice as a warrior, and a man about sheep. What does this convey? The purpose of sheep was to produce wool for clothing, and they were good for food. They were humble in nature, defenseless, and required a shepherd of compassion and care. The mindset of a shepherd is quite different to the mindset of one who tends donkeys.
It is interesting then that those animals that were used largely as sacrificial offerings, depicting the Lamb of God and His offering, were considered so differently. While a sheep was altogether acceptable to the Lord, the donkey was not. In fact, if the first-fruits that belonged to the Lord, and were to be so given, was a donkey, the owner must redeem it with money or another animal, or else break its neck. Under no circumstances would God accept a donkey as an offering, Exo. 13:13.
Could it also be that the mindset of people, some as sheep, others as donkeys find much the same acceptance or rejection of the Lord? Obviously, the mindset of the donkey rancher did not work well in leadership to Israel, but the mindset of the shepherd did. This is still true for leadership today.
FOR THOUGHT: Have you seen both shepherd and mule driver mindsets in leadership positions? What were the outcomes of them? In relationship to the Lord, are you a sheep or more like a donkey? Which
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