" We all do. It's human. But what happens when leadership means silencing that voice, not just for yourself, but for everyone following you?
Let's picture this scene. It's dawn. The sky is just beginning to lighten, painting the landscape in shades of grey and purple. The Maccabees, a small but determined band of Jewish rebels, are facing a formidable enemy. I Maccabees, chapter 16, tells us of this moment of stark confrontation. As they rise, ready for battle, they see it: a mighty great host arrayed against them, a seemingly endless line of foot soldiers and horsemen stretching across the plain.
There's just one thing between them and the enemy: a water brook. A seemingly insignificant detail. But in that moment, it becomes a symbol of fear, a barrier that tests their resolve. Imagine the palpable tension. The men are afraid. They hesitate at the edge of the brook.
What would you do? Turn back? Look for another way?
This is where leadership truly shines. Simon Maccabeus, the leader of the Maccabees at this time, doesn't hesitate. He sees the fear in his people's eyes, and he knows he has to act. He doesn't give a rousing speech (at least, not that's recorded here). He doesn't try to reason with their fear. He simply acts.
He went first over himself.
That's it. A simple act of courage. He wades into the water, showing them that it can be done, that the barrier is not insurmountable. And what happens? The men, seeing their leader's unwavering resolve, follow him. They pass through after him.
It's a powerful image, isn't it?
Once across, Simon, ever the strategist, quickly organizes his forces. Knowing the enemy's strength lies in their numerous horsemen, he cleverly positions his own, intermingling them with the foot soldiers. This tactic would help protect them, limiting the effectiveness of the enemy's cavalry.
That brook, that moment of hesitation… it speaks to something deep within us. We all face our own "water brooks" – obstacles that seem daunting, challenges that make us question our ability to succeed. But sometimes, all it takes is seeing someone else take the first step, to find the courage to follow. And more importantly, a leader willing to show the way.