What does "have not sought the LORD" teach about spiritual leadership priorities? Verse under the microscope “For the shepherds have become senseless; they have not sought the LORD. Therefore they have not prospered, and all their flocks are scattered.” Jeremiah 10:21 First impressions - “Shepherds” = leaders charged with protecting, feeding, guiding. - “Senseless” signals a forfeited ability to think clearly. - “Have not sought the LORD” identifies the root failure, not merely a minor oversight. - “Therefore” shows direct cause-and-effect: neglect → loss of prosperity → scattered people. Why seeking the LORD tops the priority list - God alone possesses the wisdom leaders need (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 3:5-6). - The flock is His, not theirs (Psalm 95:7); leaders serve under the Chief Shepherd. - Seeking Him acknowledges dependence; failing to seek is practical unbelief (Hebrews 11:6). - Scripture ties success to seeking: “As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success” (2 Chronicles 26:5). What happens when leaders skip this priority 1. Confused thinking – “senseless.” 2. Unfruitful ministries – “have not prospered.” 3. Broken community – “all their flocks are scattered.” 4. Loss of credibility – sheep no longer trust shepherds (Jeremiah 23:1-2). 5. Divine discipline – God Himself opposes negligent leadership (1 Chronicles 15:13). Signs a leader is truly seeking the LORD - Regular, humble engagement with Scripture (Joshua 1:8). - Prayer that precedes planning (Nehemiah 1:4-11). - Immediate obedience when God’s will is clear (Acts 13:2-3). - Willingness to repent quickly when wrong (2 Samuel 12:13). - Decisions measured by eternal, not pragmatic, outcomes (Colossians 3:23-24). Blessings that flow from God-seeking leadership • Clarity of vision – God reveals His heart (Amos 3:7). • Spiritual protection – the flock feels secure (Psalm 23:1-4). • Unified people – “one heart and one way” (Jeremiah 32:39). • Enduring fruit – “whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:3). • Favor that outlasts the leader – legacy of faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:2). Practical steps for today’s leaders - Start every agenda with Scripture reading and prayer. - Fast periodically to recalibrate priorities. - Evaluate programs by asking, “Did we consult the Lord?” - Surround yourself with godly advisers who challenge you to seek God first (Proverbs 11:14). - Teach the flock to imitate this pattern; shared seeking knits hearts together. Echoes from other Scriptures • 1 Chron 13:3 – “We did not seek Him in the days of Saul.” • 2 Chron 15:2 – “If you seek Him, He will be found by you.” • Hosea 5:4 – “Their deeds do not allow them to return to their God.” • Zephaniah 1:6 – “Those who have turned back… who have not sought the LORD.” • Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Bottom line Literal, straightforward reading of Jeremiah 10:21 reveals one unmistakable priority for spiritual leaders: seek the LORD first, or watch the flock scatter. |
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