Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)For hundreds of years, the Israelites were held in captivity in Egypt. After generations, the LORD heard their cries for a deliverer and sent Moses to lead them to the Promised Land. But, as they left their familiar lives for the unknown, they ‘grumbled’ against the LORD by constant complaining. As they stood at the bank of the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army approaching, they were terrified. They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?" (Exodus 14:11, NIV) Later, after three days without water in the Desert of Shur, they grumbled again to Moses saying, “What are we to drink?” (Exodus 15:24, NIV) In the Desert of Sin, when they had no food to eat, they grumbled again saying, “…you have brought us out into this desert to starve…to death.” (Exodus 16:3, NIV) Again in Exodus 17:3, the Israelites grumbled to Moses, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us… die of thirst?" (NIV)
Why did the Israelites continue to doubt Moses? Hadn’t he successfully led them this far? Hadn’t God shown himself faithful to provide? Absolutely! With Moses in charge, the Israelites were brought out of bondage in Egypt; the Red Sea was parted; the water was sweetened; and manna and quail were provided. The Israelites never lacked what they needed…except trust and confidence in God to lead them through Moses…and this was to no advantage. In fact, as they continued to complain and grumble, the LORD continued to extend their journey.
God has appointed leaders who will guide us and nurture us in our journey to the Promised Land. It is so easy to grumble against the LORD by complaining to those he has appointed as overseers because we can’t see where we are going. We know where we’ve been…and that is more comfortable than the uncharted territory into which we are headed. Why must our leaders continue to take us where we don’t want to go? So we can learn to trust in God as he continues to show himself faithful through them…and if we continue trusting without complaining, maybe God will allow us to reach our destination sooner!
Prayer Focus:
As you spend time with God this week, ask Him to reveal where you have allowed a spirit of disunity to enter your heart causing you to lack confidence in the leadership in your church, your ministry team, your families, your work, or other areas of your life. Decide to trust the leadership that God has placed in front of you.
© 2009 by Stephanie French.
Does this include the government?
ReplyDeleteI can't help but to be reminded of Jesus' rebuke of Peter for taking up his sword against the authorities who came to arrest him. What nobler purpose could exist over which to fight our government?
ReplyDeleteHere are Scriptures concerning a Christian's response to the government: Romans 13:1-7; Colossians 1:16; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17.
Also, consider the words of Daniel in Daniel 2:20-21: "Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he alone has all wisdom and power. He determines the course of world events; he removes kings and sets others on the throne. NLT
We may not serve a "king" but I trust that God has appointed our leaders to accomplish His ultimate purpose which far surpasses our own politics or agendas.
With that said, consider reading the following article by John MacArthur. It is a lengthy but thorough examination of this topic. I feel it's worth reading. http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sg45-97.htm