ESOCS Devotional 15 February 2026 – Godly Leadership
MEMORY VERSE: “”For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.” Jeremiah 10:21 KJV
TEXT: JEREMIAH 10:15-END
They are futile, a work of errors;
In the time of their punishment they shall perish.
16 The Portion of Jacob is not like them,
For He is the Maker of all things,
And Israel is the tribe of His inheritance;
The Lord of hosts is His name.
17 Gather up your wares from the land,
O inhabitant of the fortress!
18 For thus says the Lord:
“Behold, I will throw out at this time
The inhabitants of the land,
And will distress them,
That they may find it so.”
19 Woe is me for my hurt!
My wound is severe.
But I say, “Truly this is an infirmity,
And I must bear it.”
20 My tent is plundered,
And all my cords are broken;
My children have gone from me,
And they are no more.
There is no one to pitch my tent anymore,
Or set up my curtains.
21 For the shepherds have become dull-hearted,
And have not sought the Lord;
Therefore they shall not prosper,
And all their flocks shall be scattered.
22 Behold, the noise of the report has come,
And a great commotion out of the north country,
To make the cities of Judah desolate, a den of jackals.
23 O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
24 O Lord, correct me, but with justice;
Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing.
25 Pour out Your fury on the Gentiles, who do not know You,
And on the families who do not call on Your name;
For they have eaten up Jacob,
Devoured him and consumed him,
And made his dwelling place desolate.
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This is a message of condemnation of corrupt and senseless leaders, or shepherds. It declares that the leaders have become foolish and not seeking divine guidance, which is why they will not be successful. They are destined for failure. Their people (flocks) will be scattered. This serves as a sober reminder for us all, especially those who lead, to pursue the Lord first. By seeking His wisdom, we can ensure that our lives and the lives of those we influence, lead to genuine prosperity and spiritual unity, rather than scattering and disaster.
For every pastor or whoever that has any leadership responsibilities among God’s people in any way, the first responsibility as a leader among God’s people is to inquire of the Lord. The leader is to seek him in prayer; to listen to His Word; meditate on it; memorize it; hide it in his heart; and live and lead according to it; and to follow his leadership in such a way that God will lead His people through him – Not you leading the people, but God leading the people.
Note also, a good leader remembers that he/she is working for the Lord. He is humble, having the mindset of a servant, does not tolerate wrongdoing, leads by example, puts aside his pride and seeks good counsel, and thinks of others and puts them first. He must be trustworthy and cannot be bribed, etc.
Just as the leaders in Jeremiah’s time failed to seek the Lord, modern leaders (both spiritual and otherwise) must prioritize God’s counsel in all decisions. Prayer is not just asking for things but a profound act of seeking God’s wisdom and aligning one’s heart with His will. Those in positions of influence, whether in the church or society, have a responsibility to safeguard the well-being of the people entrusted to their care.
Those who diligently seek the Lord and pray will experience wisdom, spiritual well-being, and guidance that prevents their “flocks” from being scattered. So, just think about even your relationships in your home or your influence in any way on other people that God has put in your life. Ensure to influence them in ways that point them to God.
Reflections
- Are you a leader according to the heart of God?
Prayer
- My Father, help me to lead well that I may not lead your people astray.
Further Reading: Isaiah 63:7-14; Luke 5:1-15; 1 Corinthians 4:14-End
ESOCS Devotional 15 February 2026
