Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Leadership, With Fear


     One of the most important prayers we can pray for those in leadership is that God will impress His fear upon them.

    "Be wise therefore, o ye kings, be instructed, ye judges of the earth.  Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.  Kiss the Son, let He be angry and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little" (Psalm 2:10-12).

   Every position of human authority exists within and under the scope of God's rule.  Whether functioning well or poorly, leaders lead as stewards rather than as sovereigns.  At the very least, God allows their authority, and in many cases, He directly appoints and installs leaders.  "Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south, for God is the judge.  He setteth up one, and putteth down another" (Psalm 75:6-7).

   Most are not aware of their position under the Divine prerogative.  Nor are they aware of the accountability to God such stewardship involves.  He views with utmost seriousness the matter of leadership because human authorities reflect His place and position as "Lord of all" (Acts 10:36).  Moreover, leaders exercise authority over objects of God's love, namely, people.  Misuse of the position therefore places kings, judges, and authorities of every variety in a fearful place that warrants proper fearfulness of the Lord's keen oversight of those who exercise the authority given "from above" (John 19:11).

    Let us pray for the instruction of those who lead, however large or small the domain of authority.  Let us pray for the fear of God and the fearfulness of accountability to Him.  A bit of King David's request for "trembling" before the Lord seems especially in order just now for those who serve, whether knowingly or not, at the Lord's beckoning.  And let us not forget to include ourselves if He calls us to lead in any venue as the reflection of His rule, and the overseer of people whom He loves.

"Be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."
(James 3:1)

Weekly Memory Verse
    "Beloved now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
(I John 3:2)

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