May 10
1 Sam 8:1-9:27 | PS 106:32-48 | Prov 14:34-35 | John 6:22-42
Though in the Levitical priesthood, the high priest was handed down from generation to generation within the same family, we must be careful in applying that to the church. The role of who shepherds a church must come down to a calling. This vital role can not simply be handed down to the pastor's child or even to someone who has been in the church for a long time. It can not be a matter of education and the seminary that person might have or not have went to. That is why most movements begin with a man, but over time this same movement turns into a machine, and eventually becomes a mausoleum. Sadly, pastors are often blinded to the weaknesses of their own children and are not in a proper position to be objective. Sadly, those qualities that cause one to rise in a church, things such as popularity, etc. are based on worldly characteristics rather than godly ones. Sadly, those in positions to make choices lean on their worldly decision making rather than honestly praying and seeking God to choose the next leader. That is why most churches begin to self-destruct. Eyes go off God and the specific church grouping starts to more closely resemble a worldly gathering with leaders chosen in a worldly fashion.
We see the poor choices of choosing a successor after a godly leader after Samuel, as we read in 1 Samuel 8:1-3, Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice." The leaders realized the mistake of Samuel's sons, but they made a mistake of their own, as we read in 8:4-5, "Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” They sought to be like the worldly nations, not to seek God's choice. So we get our first vision of their next king in 9:2, "And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people." Saul looked the part, so God gave the people what they wanted.
We may not like the trajectory of our nation, but we are a godless people who have erected godless leaders, which has led to a step by step elimination of what was godly and beautiful in our nation. When it comes to a place of worship, be it a denomination or a specific congregation, we had better take off our worldly eyes. The choice of a shepherd, the influence of a shepherd is huge. This choice can not be made on the grounds of sentimentality or being "one of the guys". This choice must come from a prompting of the Holy Spirit. If we desire godly leaders then they must be chosen by God. We must seek shepherds who lead others to God, and we must remember as sheep, that we are to serve and lead others, not simply take up space. If a denomination or congregation has taken a worldly trajectory, and if the leaders won't move back to the word of God and its counsel, and are not open to godly redirection, then it is time to leave. But when choosing a church, do so with godly eyes. We must not seek a church based on the entertaining qualities of a pastor, on its ministries, its youth programs, the worldly characteristics of the congregation, etc. The question is, "Is God glorified in this house?", "Is His Word held as the authority in this house?".
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: