Read to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Exodus 16-18
Exodus 18:21
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
The Bible, God’s Holy Word, is the greatest leadership training manual in the world. Its lessons are priceless, its teachings are ageless, and its outcome-based instructions are precious. Today’s verse is simple, straightforward, and safe. It gives four characteristics of rulers that assures spiritual blessings and temporal success. Someone reading this may say, “I’m not a ruler.” Yes, in fact you are. If nothing else, each person is to rule their own spirit. Proverbs 25:28 relates the importance of this. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. A ruler is one who rules. If a person cannot rule themselves, they will never be able to rule others. Oh, they may be in the position of a ruler, but it will be largely ineffective.
So, what are the four characteristics for rulers?
One: Able men. Meaning have some ability that is put to use. If time permits, go over to I Chronicles and read of the abilities of the men gathered to David in Hebron in order to make him king. They were able.
Two: Such as fear God. I know, I know, today we live under the rule of the New Testament, and many will say that we are not to fear God today. But frankly, that flies in the face of verses like I Peter 2:17. Honour all men. Love the Brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King. About a month’s worth of messages could be preached on this one verse, for these seem to be forgotten commands of God.
Three: Men of truth. Simply put, and with fear of contradiction, let this be communicated. Individuals today are in bondage for lack of truth. Either truth has been blocked from them by tyrants, or truth has been received but rejected. Proof? John 8:32. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Consider someone in bondage to financial debt. If they heard the truth about the dangers of debt and lived in light of that truth they would not be in debt. They would be free financially. If they never heard of the danger of debt, how to use it, control it, and manage it, no wonder they are in debt. For example, I personally know two very financially successful men who were taught by their fathers of the dangers of debt. Knowing the truth about debt has served them well. Truth extends far beyond money, the truth of the gospel, the Bible, personal sin, on and on and on goes the list of things about which we must know the truth.
Four: Hating covetousness. These two words are all that is needed on this point. Consider them carefully. Of covetousness Ephesians 5:3 states: … or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.
Evidently, in Israel, there were those who had these qualifications. May our homes, churches, and nation be so blessed today.
William T. Howe Ph.D.
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