The Leader Needs a Shadow (Pastor Mendes)

Leaders need a shadow.

As we walk on a sunny day, our shadow is always with us, accompanying us the entire way. As children, we even used to play with our shadows, sometimes trying to get rid of them, but it was impossible. Childhood games can teach us a lesson today: leaders need a shadow. In addition to being with us all the time, our shadow imitates the simplest movements we make.

Moses, the great leader of the Old Testament, had Joshua as his shadow, because he would be the one chosen to do whatever was necessary to lead God’s people to the Promised Land. "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent." Exodus 33:11

While Moses was in the Tent of Meeting listening to God’s voice, his shadow, his disciple, did not leave the tent where Moses was. No leader should neglect the importance of his legacy and how it is carried forward.

When leaders care about their legacy, they are testifying that they have done, within human limitations, what God asked of them. This concern also shows zeal for history and full confidence in their calling to lead.

Passing the baton so someone else can continue the work demonstrates humility and a full awareness that the task does not belong to you; it belongs to the One who called you. Jesus invested in twelve "shadows" who shook—and will continue to shake—the world until He returns.