Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? And He hath brought thee near to Him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him? (Num. 16:9-11)
The Levites in rebellion sought to lead, not just in service, but as they saw Moses and Aaron, before the people. Instead of understanding that all Godly leadership in His service is servant leadership in the place He has placed His people, they sought greater authority by their own promotion and in defiance of the will and Word of God. They saw themselves as equal to Moses, not in service, but in authority and sought to promote themselves and take the leadership of Israel. God punished them for their arrogance in promoting themselves and for their rebellion against Him and against His anointed leaders. God calls His people to humble servant leadership not self-promotion.
Leaders in the church are reminded that leadership is a servant position of oversight not an authoritative position as overlord. For those who are truly following God and born again, it is also a place of service unto God for His glory, not our own. From the pastor through all the elders to the deacons, leaders are to lead people to God, teach all nations, and preach His Word in humble service to Him in the place where He has placed those who are in positions of leadership. Submitting to Him even in leadership and He will promote you in His time and for His glory according to His will and purposes. We are not to seek our own promotion or elevation, for leadership in God’s Church is not a job but a calling, and we are not to serve ourselves but serve Him who called us and the people He has given unto us. The leadership of God’s Church is service to God’s people and His purpose of missions, ministry, and discipleship until all have heard of the new birth and salvation which comes from repentance and faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.
Until God is done with His people, He has sent those of us that know Him out into this world to reach the lost that they might be saved from sin. He desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet