Description
Here are four strong readings around the theme of leadership and followers.
The book of Joshua is more than just a history lesson, in this reading (Joshua 3:7-17) God has chosen the new leader and now everyone must come together to fulfil God’s promise. It illustrates the necessary co-operation, and co-ordination required by both the chosen leader and the chosen people and above all that the trust in God to fulfil the plan.
The Psalm often echoes the gospel reading, but this week it echoes the Joshua reading giving us extra depth and perspective allowing us to open ourselves to a telling of the story from a more personal and reflective perspective.
The 1 Thessalonians text, can stand on its own, examining the good characteristics of a Leader ((vs.9-13), and in turn exploring what makes a good follower of Jesus (v.13), all the while acknowledging that the knowledge comes beyond human understanding. In this sense it makes a good companion to the Joshua reading.
The Matthew passage (Matthew 23:1-12) is a well-known reading, in which Jesus points out the Scribes and the Pharisees leadership failings (vs. 3-7), then explores who our true teacher, rabbi, father is, concluding with the powerful reversal image of what true leadership is, in Vs 11 and 12. We are reminded as to what it is to be a follower of Jesus and who it is that is leading us.
When you bring the 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 and Matthew 23:1-12 readings together the emphasis on good Leadership and what is required to be a follower is reinforced. Both show us that it is not the earthly leader, but God who really is leading and what being a follower really looks like.
