By Editor Bob Terry
A prince of Egypt, that is whom Moses was. Reared in pharaoh’s palace, Moses knew what it was to be “special.” He experienced the homage paid to members of the royal family. He learned to expect compliance with his every wish. While others scrambled for tidbits, Moses lounged around tables loaded with the best of Egypt’s yields.
When pharaoh spoke, others obeyed. No one questioned. Any who dared would be disciplined, even to the point of death. Pharaoh’s word was law. As a prince of Egypt, Moses’ word carried authority, too. He learned to command, to control, to intimidate.
Ultimately this selfish focus was his undoing. Without thinking of consequences, he killed an abusive Egyptian and hid the body. But when the murder became known, Moses had to flee to the deserts of Midian. There he learned a new style of leadership — the style of a shepherd.
Unlearning and relearning was a long and painful process. In the desert, Moses was no longer “special.” He was an alien in a foreign land. He was not royalty but a hired hand charged with the welfare of his father-in-law’s flocks. The privileged status of his former life was gone. Now his lot was that of others — working day after toiling day to stay alive in the harsh desert.
Moses learned to be responsible for his choices. The welfare of the sheep — their food, water and safety — depended on him. He was accountable to another for those decisions, as well.
A shepherd cannot command sheep. He leads them. Nor could this “Egyptian” command those with whom he now lived. Sheep learn their shepherd’s voice. They know the shepherd and come when he calls. There is a relationship. Moses had to forsake intimidation and control for relationship with the animals committed to his care and with the people around him.
As a child in Egypt, he had been an authority. As a man in Midian, he was a learner. The leadership style of a prince of Egypt was not compatible with the way a shepherd leads.
In his book, “A Work of Heart,” Reggie McNeal makes the point that God could not use the leadership style of a prince of Egypt to free His people from slavery. God wanted a shepherd. God wanted a leader who understood the importance of relationships, who recognized he was accountable for his decisions and actions. God wanted a leader whose walk validated his words, whose example led in the right paths. God wanted a leader concerned about others, not about himself.
God looked for one who understood the awesome responsibility and stewardship of leadership. For Moses to fill that role, he had to learn to lead like a shepherd, not like a prince of Egypt.
The authoritative power and “whiplash persuasion” of Egypt have no place in God’s list of leadership resources.
In Matthew 20:24ff, Jesus explained that Gentiles lord position over one another and high officials exercise authority. He then bluntly declared, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”
Those words describe the model for leadership in the church. Christian leadership is not about command, control and intimidation. It is about relationship, persuasion and example.
The leader who declares “my way or the highway” reflects the leadership style of the prince of Egypt, not the leadership style of the shepherd.
Leadership is not easy. It wasn’t for Moses. He faced disappointment and rebellion from those he led. He exercised discipline for disobedience. He poured himself out physically for the welfare of the people. He had to have help from others to do all that was required and expected of him.
Christian leadership is not easy today. Leaders live under closer scrutiny than ever before. Cynicism abounds. Much of culture mocks Christian values. Confusion reigns and people seem to long for a clear and certain voice.
Tragically some Christian leaders, including local church leaders, resort to the world’s model of command, control and intimidation — the prince of Egypt model. They forget that such a model did not work for Moses and, ultimately, will not work for them. Jesus said Christian leaders are first of all “servants.” That emphasizes relationships, accountabilities and example.
To describe Himself, Jesus said in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd.” He proved that by laying down His life for His flock, not because He had to but because He was willing to pay the price of sin so those who believe on His name might have life eternal.
The apostle Peter, near the close of his life, wrote to his fellow elders that they “[b]e shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers” (1 Pet. 5:2). In the next verse, he cautioned “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Nowhere does the Bible have much good to say about those who choose to lead as if they are princes of Egypt. But for those willing to lead like shepherds, the Bible is filled with commendation.
Prince of Egypt or shepherd of the flock — which kind of leader will you be?
Share with others: