Leading Men, as He Lead Us

How can one lead and not walk in faith? How can one lead and not trust the Word of GOD?

Hearing and heeding ADONAI's Word is a vigorous process that involves attentive listening, spiritual discernment, and faithful obedience. It is through this process that believers grow in their relationship with GOD, experience His blessings, and fulfill their calling as His people.

Over the many years I have submitted to and served my Holy King, I can and will say in extreme confidence, IT HAS BEEN TOUGH! I have failed to obey, and I believe that in some ways, I have pleased Him. Am I able to quantify the obedience? Not at all. I struggle more than anything. Even 35 years later.

Early on, I was contemplating something. I asked the LORD about it. He told me “NOT do it.” However, to save face and some major embarrassment, I ignored His instructional warning. My decision COST me for years! I’ve shared that sinful error over the past 24 years. I have taken the opportunity to share that story several times, but only when He prompts me. It is a pain filled reminder of the need to obey and do so completely and quickly.

I have learned the term "yiqhah" is used to suggest the notion of obedience or compliance, particularly in the context of adhering to GOD-inspired Commandments or Instructions. It emphasizes a willing and attentive response to HIS authority, as revealed in the Scriptures.

By now, you the reader, know that I like to weave in the Biblical culture into what I share. Why is that? That culture has its origins in the Hebrew, Chaldean language and history.  By employing the proper language and context, there is no need to attempt to translate or transliterate words to hopefully get a good message across. Sticking with the culture and language of the people ADONAI chose and placed in Canaan, a godly man will know that the Truth and Ways of GOD will always be clearly understood.  

The belief and background of obedience was and yet is a central view of the covenant relationship between GOD and His people. The Israelites (and those who were inserted in by faith and obedience) were called to obey GOD's Laws as a demonstration of their faithfulness and commitment to Him. This concept of obedience was not merely about following rules but was deeply tied to the objective of living in harmony with ADONAI's will and purpose. The Hebrew culture placed a strong emphasis on communal and individual adherence to the Torah—which led to blessing and spiritual prosperity.

When we follow His Ways, we can learn how to lead others in these same Ways. Today, and years prior, we can all see how watered down and “Greek” the leaders are trying to make Yeshua (Jesus). He is not and was not Greek or a Roman. He was from Judah.

The word "nachal (nakol)" predominantly means “to lead or guide”, often with a sense of bringing someone to a place of rest or refreshment. It can also imply providing sustenance or care, as a shepherd would lead sheep to water or pasture. This is what Jesus (Yeshua) does for those men who obey Him, as they seek to know and understand Him. As for today’s churches… Well, the current state speaks for itself. 

NOTE: The body of Messiah is lost and is in search of His Truth in places it will not be found.

When we follow the Words of ADONAI and then turn to lead others in the same manner we are being led, that indicates that we trust and believe the Sheep Herder. Yes! Yeshua is a Sheep Herder (Shepherd).

Walking in belief & faith is not an easy choice.

The concepts of “belief,” “trust,” and “faith” are intricately connected through the shared root word:

Belief = EMONA

Trust = EMON

Faith = EMONA

That root is also where the word “amen” comes from. This is why when you end a prayer, you end it with “amen,” which screams, “I trust.”

In Biblical times (near east), the imagery of a shepherd leading sheep was a common metaphor for leadership and care. Shepherds (sheep herders) were responsible for guiding their flocks to safe pastures and water sources, ensuring their well-being. This faithful act reflected the pastoral (pastural) lifestyle of the Israelites and their dependence on GOD's provision and guidance. 

However, despite today’s common distortion, faith isn’t just a stubborn conviction in the absence of reason; faith is a way of knowing that is rooted in experience. We men (people) learn by doing (working, struggling and fighting), not through words and thoughts alone.

It’s like a 50-year-old trying to explain heartache to a 7-year-old, who has not a clue of love and commitment. No amount or manner of words and metaphors could ever do it justice. Such an experience can only be fully appreciated by tasting and feeling what comes with that level of mature emotion.

Similarly, when it comes to faith, there is a degree of understanding and recognition that comes only through the performance of the acts and practices prescribed by the Word of GOD.

This is the meaning of the proclamation of the Israelites (and mixed multitudes) at Sinai when they accepted the Torah (Law of ADONAI) with the exclamation, “We will do and [and through doing] we will understand”. 

Herein lies a paradigm shift at the heart of the peoples’ understanding of faith. It is not that the more we understand and believe, the more we will do; rather, the more we do, the more we come to understand and believe.

When we experience the LORD, we will start to want to know Him. As we know Him, He grants understanding of His Ways. Those ways teach us to follow Him by faith. It is THEN, we are truly able to lead others to and down the Path of Righteousness.  

The people often found themselves in need of divine direction, whether during their Exodus from Egypt, their wanderings in the wilderness, or their quest to establish a nation in the Promised Land. The imagery of GOD as a Shepherd leading His flock is a recurring theme in the Hebrew Scriptures.

This is much the same as a godly man’s journey: both physically and spiritually. We must follow the Shepherd.