We Readjust the Bodies' Work Load, Part 1

Scripture: Exodus 18:21-22

"Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. "Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 

Insights:  The next aspect of the passage deals with the readjustment of the bodies’ work load.  Moses had to readjust his work load and as a result the body life of the people of Israel also needed to be readjusted.  The same is often times true in the body of Christ.  There were four character traits required of those who were supposed to fulfill this role as judges and the reality is if one is truly born again, then these same traits ought to be exemplified in their own lives.  Today we will look at the first two traits and tomorrow we will look at the last two traits.  The first trait is ability.  In a New Testament context when one receives the gift of eternal life found in Jesus Christ then the Gift, which is the Holy Spirit, comes in one’s life and seals them for the day of redemption.  Now that the Spirit is living within you, He manifests gifts in your life.  You may have the gift of teaching or intercession or any number of other gifts mentioned throughout the New Testament.  The primary point is you are gifted which makes you able to carry out the Lord’s commands.  The second trait is that of fear toward God.  I have often spoken and written about our twenty-first century lack of fear as it pertains to the Lord.  Psalm 130:4 states, “But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared (NIV).”  That verse almost sounds contradictory in nature, but if we understand that forgiveness can only come from the gracious act of a sovereign Lord, then we are better able to understand the need for fear to be present in our lives as believers of such a powerful Lord.  His power and might saved us from a retched end and there ought to be awe in regards to His majestic grace.  If your life is not characterized by these first two traits of an individual established for service, then you need to ask the Lord if you are really His child. 

Questions:

1. Do you know in which ways the Lord has manifest His giftedness in you?
2. Do you have the proper fear of the Lord which testifies to His sovereignty?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the ways in which You work in my life.  You are worthy to be feared because of Your sovereign forgiveness.  Help me to serve You through the giftedness You have given to me.  Amen.