“Watch me,” [Gideon] told them. “Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon.’” --Judges 7:17-18
In Everyday Discipleship for Ordinary People, Stuart Briscoe wrote:
“One of my young colleagues was officiating at the funeral of a war veteran. The dead man’s military friends wished to have a part in the service at the funeral home, so they requested the pastor to lead them down to the casket, stand with them for a solemn moment of remembrance, and then lead them out through the side door.
“This he proceeded to do, but unfortunately the effect was somewhat marred when he picked the wrong door. The result was that they marched with military precision into a broom closet, in full view of the mourners, and had to beat a hasty retreat covered with confusion.
“This true story illustrates a cardinal rule or two. First, if you’re going to lead, make sure you know where you’re going. Second, if you’re going to follow, make sure that you are following someone who knows what he is doing!”
In the Bible, God chose Gideon, an Israelite judge, to lead a group of men in overtaking the Midianites. Over and over, the Lord instructed Gideon on what to do and what steps to take. Because God ordered his steps and he obediently followed, Gideon defeated the Midianites with just 300 men.
Do you know who you’re following? Is it your pastor, Bible study leader, or friend? Is he or she obediently following the Lord? If you’re in a leadership position, are you following the Lord faithfully and thereby leading others down the right path?
Know who you’re following and where they are going. And when leading others, follow the Lord so that you will always walk through the right door.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray for those leading you in life and ask God to reveal to you the right doors you are to walk through when leading others.
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