A leader, as exemplified in the Bible, holds a transformative power when creating a new community, house, or kingdom. Moses, a remarkable leader, guided the Israelites as they evolved into a new nation. Yet, Yeshua’s leadership surpasses even that of Moses, leading humanity into a new creation by renewing our hearts. The role of a leader is not confined to mere authority. It encompasses guiding the community toward life, navigating conflicts alongside the community, and removing obstacles by paving a path for those who follow.
Micah 7:19: He will again have compassion on us and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
In Genesis 1:26, God instructs Adam to ‘kabash, a term that signifies ‘subdue’ or ‘bring into subjection.’ This concept of ‘kabash’ is further illustrated in the above verse, which describes God as bringing our sins into subjection. God utilizes humble leaders to guide people to Himself. Another translation of kabash is to tread down a path. As a parent, when you walk on a pathway, you metaphorically flatten out weeds and remove rocks and obstacles so that your children walking behind you have an easier time. Kids most likely repeat familial patterns because you have made those paths easier to walk on. As a person in authority, you have to tread down a path.
When coming out of addiction or the house of bondage, you must take multiple steps to freedom. A recap thus far would be:
1) Recognize a need and ask for help.
2) Turn toxic shame into healthy shame by saying, “I’m sorry” for any pride or rebellion.
3) Allow Yeshua to restore you to your authentic self of bearing God’s image.
4) Follow the leader on the path of right choices, blessings, and life.
Every step towards life gets more and more difficult. At this point, it may seem like everything is fighting you, making you feel like throwing in the towel. If Yeshua learned obedience through suffering, we may also learn obedience through hardship (Hb 5.8). Friends who benefit from your addiction may discourage you from getting better. Your flesh or nefesh will scream at you that it is hungry because you have fed it for so long, and daily rituals become struggles because you have to learn new ways of being. If every time you are sad, happy, afraid, lonely, or stressed, you feed your nefesh, then you have to learn how to deal with all of your feelings, emotions, and disappointments healthily. Don’t stop. Keep trying. Even if you make daily mistakes, the only actual failure would be to quit trying.
Galatians 6:9: So let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we don’t give up.
As leaders, Moses and Yeshua set out a path, defeated enemies, and drew us near to the Holy One by giving divine instructions and mediating worship to God. A true leader must always point us to God. Moses’ outstretched arms over the Red Sea overcame Israel’s enemies of Pharaoh and his minions. Yeshua’s arms were open wide on Calvary’s tree to defeat our enemies of sin and death.
Exodus 14:21: Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided.
Mark 15:24-25: Then they crucify Him and divide up His clothing among themselves, casting lots for them to see who should take what. Now it was the third hour when they nailed Him on the stake.
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