Leading the Flock …

I just finished reading, “While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks”, by Dr. Timothy S. Laniak, and wanted to share some “nuggets” that I gleaned from it.

It is a book of reflections on biblical leadership and is based on Bedouin shepherding. The lifestyle and culture of the Bedouin, and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for their flocks, were eye-opening and heart convicting!

“Three key Hebrew verbs are used for leading a flock. Nahal means leading with tenderness and can refer to bringing a flock to a place of rest and refreshment. Nakhah is a straightforward guidance verb. Nahag suggests the kind of directive herding accomplished best from the back of the flock, when the will of the shepherd has to be imposed.”

In God’s Word, both in the Old and New Testament books, we read that He … lead, guides, directs, etc. …

God is “the kind of shepherd who varied his leadership style to ensure that his treasured flock would make it safely home.”  Is HE leading you with tenderness today, is HE straightforwardly guiding you, or is HE herding you from the back of the flock – pushing you along to make sure you make it safely home?

Whatever method of “leading” – Nahal, Nakhah, or Nahag – that HE is using in your life – trust HIM in it!