God’s Chosen Leader

In Numbers 16, Korah and other Israelites decided that Moses wasn’t the chosen leader for the people. They not only rebelled in their own hearts, they influenced the entire congregation against God’s chosen leader. It’s one of the most dramatic stories in the Bible, as God clearly revealed the difference between those who were chosen versus those who were not.

After offering incense to the Lord, Moses told the people to step away from the tents of Korah and the other rebellious people. The ground literally opened up and swallowed entire families, then closed up like the tents were never there. This had to be one of the most chaotic scenes ever displayed in the Bible. Later on God allowed a miracle of Aaron’s staff producing blossoms and ripe almonds to show that they were indeed God’s chosen leaders.

In this age of grace, we don’t have the same experiences (good or bad) of the Israelites. However, we do have a responsibility to respect and hold our spiritual leaders in high esteem. Paul encouraged us to “respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). We are called to honor and pray for them as God uses them to intercede and lead us in the right spiritual direction.

There are obviously wolves disguised as shepherds that attempt to deceive God’s people. However, there are many more shepherds and true pastors who want to lead their ministries in the path that God has for them. As lay people we must resist the temptation to gossip, ridicule, or take our pastors for granted. These are God’s chosen leaders, and we will be blessed as we give them due honor.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray for my pastor to hear and follow Your leading. Help me to be a strong encourager of their leadership and walk with You. Amen.

In His Service,

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