The Obligation of a Leader

“The Lord is my shepherd” Psalm 23:1

Shepherd – One of the most ancient words in the Bible is this Hebrew word, ro’eh.  It is an extremely important word because it tells us something about the role of the leader that we absolutely must know.  Since 2300 BC this word has described what a leader is called to do.  Dozens of cultures and millions of people understood just how important this word was.  But today we no longer venerate ancient history.  As a result, our idea of leadership is shortsighted and confused.

Translations of this word have not helped.  The root word first occurs in Genesis 29:7 where it is translated as “feed”.  But from that point on there is considerable confusion among the English translations.  This same word is translated “kept”, “eat”, “wander”, “devour” and “tended” with no apparent rationale.  No wonder we miss the picture.

The root word has the meaning “to pasture”.  It is the principal role of the shepherd to bring his flock to pasture, to nourish them.  For twenty-three centuries this role was considered a title of royalty, an official designation of the king.  A true leader was a shepherd.  He pastured his people.  With this majestic concept in mind, the first thought of this famous psalm takes on its proper meaning.  “God is my king”, says David.  “He plays the role of shepherd in my life.  He pastures me.”  David designates the Lord as Majesty by using this very old title of royal office.

Skip forward fifteen centuries.  What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “I am the good shepherd”?  He was speaking royal language.  He might as well have said, “I am the true King”.  The impact of his claim was not lost on those who heard his words.  Ro’eh had a history that they knew very well.

Just in case the power of this word hasn’t yet hit you between the eyes, do you remember the last event in the gospel of John?  Jesus says to Peter, “Feed my sheep”.  What role do you suppose Jesus intended for Peter?  The true leader is the one who pastures the flock.  You cannot lead God’s way if you are not nourishing those under your care with the bread of heaven.  You might be a great leader in the world’s opinion.  But so was Caesar.  God’s great leaders are shepherds, not sovereigns.