Who Are the Leaders?
(a Steve Orr Bible reflection)
When we were kids, we played a game called "Follow the Leader." It was a mimicking game: We had to match what the leader did, go where the leader went, in exact imitation. Anyone who failed to mimic accurately the path and actions of the leader was "out" and had to leave the line. The last person still following the leader was the winner and the new leader.
As adults we also follow leaders: at work, at church, in the community, the state, the nation, and others. We may be told who our leaders are, but sometimes we choose them or participate in an election in which the majority decides. We understand what is expected of us with regard to our leaders, and we do it.
Who is a leader? How do we identify that person? There’s a great little book with the intriguing name You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader. Author Mark Sanborn suggests that, similar to our childhood game, real-life leaders are the ones people are following. Most experts agree with that generalization. What makes Sanborn stand out is that he calls for people to just go ahead and lead, not waiting for someone to make it official.
But what about all those who are elected or appointed? That question brings us to this week's Joshua selection. Moses has recently died, just short of the Promised Land. Israel no longer has a leader. When the book opens, God tells Joshua that he will become the new leader. That’s not much of a surprise. He has been part of the general leadership for several years and Moses’ second-in-command.
Joshua immediately begins to perform the duties of the office—with God’s help. In chapter 3, God has Joshua instruct the priests to walk into the Jordan River. What follows is a miracle like the parting of the Red Sea: The Jordan piles up in a heap to the north, and the entire nation of Israel crosses over on dry ground. Then, after everyone crosses and Joshua commands the priests to come up out of the river, the waters come flooding back.
After that, all of the Israelites were in awe of Joshua—for the rest of his life! With that miracle, God begins drawing followers to Joshua. In chapter 1, God formally appoints Joshua the leader. In chapter 3, God ensures Joshua has followers.
Not all people are “leaders” in the official sense. But even if we are not the appointed leader, we can display leadership qualities by following well. Like Joshua while Moses still lived: Joshua followed Moses, and Moses followed God.
Look about: Who are people following? Those are leaders, regardless of whether they have a title or occupy an office. We can use the same simple test to identify the leaders in our own lives.
Who are you following?
________________________
I hope you can Join us Friday morning for DaySpring’s Lectionary Breakfast. We meet at 8:00 on Zoom* and in Waco at Our Breakfast Place. We enjoy food, scripture, and each other.
It is an hour like no other.
Blessings,
Steve
*Zoom link (Zoom allows you to mute the camera and the microphone if you don’t wish to be seen or heard):
SCRIPTURES FOR SUNDAY AND THE COMING WEEK
Proper 26 (31) (Sunday, November 1, 2026)
Joshua 3:7-17
Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
Micah 3:5-12
Psalm 43
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
Matthew 23:1-12
All Saints Day (November 1, 2026)
Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 34:1-10, 22
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
