Who do you know? Our lives are shaped by relationships. When we allow others to know us and spend time getting to know others, our life’s direction and worldview is being molded. As leaders, it is critical for us to know those whom we have the opportunity to lead.
What does it mean “to know?” Let me give you an illustration. On a trip to Israel, I met a camel. (Let’s call him Bob.) Before meeting Bob, I knew that camels have at least one hump, can store much water in their bodies, and are abundant in the desert. Yet, my understanding of camels changed when I was invited to ride through the Judean desert on the back of Bob. We now have a special relationship.
In the Hebrew language, there is a rich word that captures the essence of “knowing.” The word is yada. To yada an experience is to fully immerse oneself into the location. To yada a person is greater than a casual friendship or acquaintance.
In Joshua’s dying speech, he reminded the Israelite of the journey in which God had provided. He recalled the blessings of the Lord and reminded them of God’s faithfulness. He concluded, “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know [yada] in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.”
I know more about camels because I have been on the back of one for a trek. I know more about life in the desert wilderness of Israel because we traversed the desolate canyons. I know more about the Generations team at the church I serve because we spent 15 days together on this trip. I am thankful for every opportunity to yada God and His people.
As leaders, we must take the time to yada those God provides for us to lead. John Maxwell states this well in saying that we must “walk slowly through the halls.” Leadership can be fast paced and demanding. However, we must take time to stop and connect. Otherwise we will know “about” the people we serve but never yada their heart and soul.
In a particular Negev wadi (desert canyon), we came upon a lone bush. Our teacher explained that this bush produces an oil on it surface in the summer months that is highly flammable. Therefore when Moses saw a bush burning in the desert, he was not experiencing an uncommon event. “He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” (Exodus 3:2-4)
Moses took the time to stop. Because he paused to yada the burning bush, He experienced the intimate knowledge of God. As disciple-making leaders we must yada the Lord our God and invest in the time it takes to yada those He provides for us to lead.
Shepherding Well 