Christ in all the scriptures
"What doth the Lord require of thee?" Deuteronomy 1
So ventured the prophet Micah to the erring nation (Micah 6v8). His question was direct, and his answer just as direct, "Do justly, love mercy. walk humbly with thy God!" Moses, who, according to the last chapter of this book, was closer to God than any other person, gives similar advice to the redeemed of the Lord. words of wisdom relevant for us today. How should a people, in association with such a God, organise their lives? What is to be our response to the eternal God, the great I AM, the supreme majesty in heaven, the most high, possessor of heaven and earth, the provider, the healer, the banner, the sanctifier, the peacemaker, the commander, the pastor, the saviour, the justifier, the ever present One? In God's new society on earth, the house of God, church of the living God, pillar and foundation of the truth, how are we to conduct ourselves? The answers are as relevant today as they were to ancient Israel.
1) Impartiality in matters of judgment Deuteronomy 1v9-18 Moses indicates the need for structured leadership, strong leadership, and fair leadership. Structured, for the needs are many, and those fit to lead, "chief men, wise men and known 1v15 were recognised by all the people. There were captains over thousands, over hundreds, over fifties and over tens, as well as officers (administrators) alongside. Surely this resonates in the need for local bishops and deacons in each N/T church, as per 1st Timothy 3. Today the head is in heaven, presiding over the body on earth. There is no overriding headship on earth. Strong leadership is required, as matters arising need to be dealt with, and not swept aside as is often the case. Judgment (decisions on opposing positions) must be dealt with fairly and impartially
"Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him. Ye shall not respect persons (faces) in judgment, but ye shall hear the small mas well as the great. Ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the thing that is too hard for you, bring it unto me and I will hear it" Deuteronomy 1v16-17
There has ever been a tendency to respect those of status in matters of judgment, and this is endemic in church life today. God is no respecter of persons, as is stated no less than four times in the New Testament-Romans 2v11, Acts 10v34, Ephesians 6v9, Colossians 3v25.
The apostle James writes, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, (or who is of glory) with respect of persons"-James 2v1. This is so important in the community of saints, it needs some attention. Indeed James says that to have respect of persons, to shew favouritism to one against another is a sin-2v6, "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin and are convicted of the law as a transgressor". In the community of God there should be none of it for it is contrary to God Himself. The chapter gives the prime example, for even Moses was denied entrance to the promised land because of his rash behaviour when striking the rock in anger (Deuteronomy 1v37).
The bible is emphatic on this matter, there is to be no favouritism in the house of God, for it is contrary to the character of God.
Leviticus 19v15, ""Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty, but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour".
Deuteronomy 10v17, "For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty and terrible (awesome), which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward".
2nd Chronicles 19v57, "And He set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, and said to the judges, take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor of taking gifts".
Job 34v19, The Lord is described as, "Him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of His hands".
In 1st Timothy 5v17-21, in the context of church leadership, Paul writes, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine...against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all that others may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality".
Churches can be destroyed, and the testimony of God weakened with weak leadership, and more so with corrupt leadership, and this matter is at the very heart of God's society. Wrong appointments will result in bad practice and detract from the glory of the God we represent. James' word, discouraging the clamour for leadership, is relevant here, "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive greater condemnation"-James 3v1. Those who lead, (and it is a noble calling), must give account of their whole charge.
Partiality in judgment is serious; it is a sin of treating people based on their outward status rather than on their intrinsic worth before God. Lives can be destroyed by ungodly judgment, in the cause of favouritism, whether to family, or friends, or those of social status. None of us are lords, there is only one Lord in God's administration, and we serve under Him.
2) Courage in conflict Deuteronomy 1v19-30
"Behold the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged -v21....The Lord your God which goeth before you, He shall fight for you, according to all that He did in Egypt before your eyes"-v30.
In the journey of faith through an unbelieving world, the saints will experience conflict. For ancient Israel it was human conflict, for us today it is with unseen and formidable evil spirits. Paul wrote, ""We wrestle not with flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places"-Ephesians 6v12. On our own we are no match for them, and they are relentless in their opposition. Their intention is to rob us of our Divine heritage, and come between us and our God. The word is, "Fear not", the Lord is with you.
3) Discern the promptings of the Lord and trust Him at all times Deuteronomy 1v31-46
The Lord loves His people (v31), and supports them no matter what. However there are temporary consequences for disobedience and mistrust, as their history has proved. He will remain faithful, even when we are unfaithful, but we may suffer bitter loss on the way. Paul summed it up in 2nd Timothy 2v12/13, "If we deny Him, He also will deny us: if we believe not (are unfaithful) yet He abideth faithful, He cannot deny Himself".
No comments:
Post a Comment