| Numbers 26:56-28:15; Luke 3:1-22; Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 11:16-17
“So Moses appealed to the Lord, ‘May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the community who will go out before them and come back in before them, and who will bring them out and bring them in, so that the Lord’s community won’t be like sheep without a shepherd.’ The Lord replied to Moses, ‘Take Joshua son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit on him, and lay your hands on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole community, and commission him in their sight. Confer some of your authority on him so that the entire Israelite community will obey him.” (Numbers 27:15-20)
“Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua, had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire community, laid his hands on him, and commissioned him, as the Lord had spoken through Moses.” (27:22-23)
These days it seems like many people have a problem with authority; authority in school, at home, at work, with law enforcement and in the church. God has placed people in positions of authority in order to teach, unify, secure and keep us on track. Are there some people that don’t do right, absolutely, but it doesn’t negate the goodness of God’s system.
There is something to be said about receiving the mantle of a mighty man or woman of God as well. I truly believe in the impartation of their authority and spirit by the laying on of hands in order to carry on the work that God began or continued through them.
People need leaders to guide them. They also need to understand that leaders are merely people whom God has anointed for a particular task. It is of the utmost importance that we respect the office of the person in authority while continuing to pursue a personal relationship with the Lord, always keeping our eyes on Jesus. Jesus was the only person who walked a sinless path. Men will periodically let us down, therefore it is imperative we stay focused on the Lord while doing our best to be obedient to those in positions of authority, praying for them and asking God to give them wisdom and strength to do the right thing.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You for the safety of authority. I pray for those in positions of authority: parents, teachers, officers, kings, presidents, others in the political system, pastors and everyone who has some measure of control over others. I pray for their hearts to be right with You and that they will be led by You at all times. I pray they will hear Your voice clearly and never abuse their position or those in their care. It’s such a huge responsibility so I pray that if I ever find myself in a leadership position, that You will keep me balanced and obedient to You so that I can lead well. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen. |
