Against God's Man

 Bill Brinkworth

God uses men and woman for His different purposes. God has delegated many of the needs of His people to different ministries He knows are paramount. One such need that God knows is important is to have a shepherd of a local assembly of believers. That man is called a “pastor” or “preacher”.

Maybe because of jealousy that they are not called to the position of pastoring; maybe knowing they are not scripturally qualified for such a role of leadership; perhaps because they do not agree with how he is performing his ministry, or just having the belief they can do a better job than their pastor, many talk against and about their preacher. What a dangerous mistake they make when they do so.

All throughout the Bible there are examples of how God dealt with those that rose up and spoke against God’s man such as:

David would not go against King Saul, even though the King did wrong several times against him. David’s heart was, “The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: …” I Samuel 26:11. David knew it was wrong to oppose God’s man. However, today there are many that have not the fear or respect to restrain themselves from talking against or doing ill against the leader God has placed over the local church.

The pastor of any church certainly is not perfect. No one will agree with everything anyone does, let alone the many decisions the local shepherd has to make. He probably would not agree with all we do, either. However, he is the leader of the local church that God has for this time and should be obeyed, respected, and encouraged. Unless when scriptural error is involved, God takes him home, or God relocates him, he is to stay the church leader.

Belittling and questioning his ministries does much damage:

Aaron and Hur knew a principle about helping the man of God that would encourage and help any pastor today. They noticed when Moses’ arms were up while directing a battle, that Israel had the victory over the enemy. When the leader was tired and had not the strength to lift up his arms, the battle was in the favor of the enemy. Aaron and Hur made sure their leader’s arms were held high, so that they would get the victory. They physically held up their leader’s arms.

If more people would realize that honoring God’s man is honoring God and His work, and would encourage and help their pastor, more spiritual battles would be won; and more pastors would be encouraged. Lift up your leader's arms, do not force them down!

“If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything!”

 

This lesson was featured in The Bible View #279.

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