Living the Commands

The Wisdom of Waiting: Leadership

In Leviticus 19:23-25, YAH gives an intriguing command to the Israelites regarding fruit trees:

“When you enter the land and plant any kind of fruit tree, regard its fruit as forbidden. For three years you are to consider it forbidden; it must not be eaten. In the fourth year all its fruit will be holy, an offering of praise to the Lord. But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit. In this way your harvest will be increased. I am the Lord your God.”

At first glance, this instruction seems purely agricultural, but as with much of Scripture, there’s a deeper spiritual principle at work. By requiring the Israelites to wait before harvesting the fruit of a new tree, YAH was teaching patience, discipline, and the importance of allowing something to fully mature before it is used. He was also ensuring that what came forth would be sanctified and strong, producing an abundant harvest in due time.

This principle connects beautifully to 1 Timothy 3, where Paul outlines the qualifications for leaders in the body of Messiah, particularly the instruction in verse 6:

“He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.”

Just as the fruit tree requires time to grow and strengthen before it can bear fruit that is both holy and sustainable, a new believer requires time to develop their foundation in YAH. Rushing into leadership before being spiritually mature can lead to pride, burnout, and vulnerability to the enemy’s attacks.

A Personal Testimony of Rushing the Process

This truth came alive in my own life as I watched my husband’s journey. After a little over a year of following Yeshua, he was thriving—taking Bible classes, reading the Word, volunteering, and passionately pursuing YAH. People around him recognized his zeal and growth and quickly placed him in a leadership role.

At first, it seemed like a blessing. He poured himself into serving and leading, but over time, it became clear that his foundation wasn’t yet strong enough for the weight of leadership. The enemy crept in, puffing him up with pride and distracting him from his personal relationship with YAH. He was so focused on leading and serving others that he stopped being fed himself.

What started as a season of thriving turned into one of struggle. His fire for YAH dimmed, and the joy he once found in studying the Word and walking with Yeshua began to wane. It broke my heart to see this happen, but it also opened my eyes to the wisdom of YAH’s Word.

The Importance of Maturity and Timing

YAH’s instructions about fruit trees and leadership serve as reminders of the importance of spiritual maturity. Just as a tree needs years to establish strong roots and produce healthy fruit, a believer needs time to develop a deep, unshakable foundation in the Word and their relationship with YAH.

When we rush this process, whether out of zeal or because others recognize potential, we risk setting someone up for failure. Leadership without preparation can lead to pride, isolation, and spiritual exhaustion. The enemy preys on those who are in leadership without the armor to withstand the pressures and temptations that come with it.

A Prayer for Restoration

As I reflect on my husband’s experience, I pray for his restoration and for the fire he once had to return. I pray that YAH will rebuild his foundation, strengthen his faith, and reignite his passion for the Word. What the enemy sought to steal, YAH can redeem.

If you or someone you know has experienced a similar situation, take heart in knowing that YAH’s timing is perfect. Whether it’s a fruit tree or a new believer, the waiting period is not a punishment but a preparation. Trust that as we submit to His process, He will produce fruit that is abundant, holy, and lasting.

Psalm 27:14 reminds us: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Let us trust in His timing and allow Him to do His perfect work in us.