God Defends His Servants
ICS Daily Devotions
1 Timothy 5:17 (NKJV) Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine.
God has called individuals to establish the different ministries in church in order to fulfil His purposes, and everyone has a special calling and gift to do that. God called Moses to deliver the people of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Likewise, the church’s mission today is to save souls until Jesus returns. For this purpose, He has called the Pastor to be the spiritual authority in the church. The teaching from the Word is to give double honour to those who labour among us, especially those who preach and teach the Word of God, and we are to honour them in speech and action.
Just like leaders of any company, the Pastor needs supporters, diligent workers, and team players. It is God who has appointed governing authorities over us—in governments, churches, and businesses, and because He is a holy God, He despises rebellion against leadership, which is what Lucifer committed against God. Just like Miriam and Aaron, we could easily engage in divisive work that will disrupt the plan of God.
Numbers 12:1-2 (NKJV) Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman. So they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it.
Therefore, we need to check whether we are speaking evil of the leaders who are put in place by God because our divisive words can destroy a Pastor and the church ministry. Engaging in such behaviour is unhealthy for the individuals, their families, jobs and businesses, and they are also stepping into the devil’s playground by opening the door for demons to fire shots at them as they walk out of God’s protection. The Word says that such a person will not enjoy good days.
1 Peter 3:10-12 (NKJV) For “He who would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
The secret to seeing good days is to refrain our tongue from speaking evil and deceit. We could see good days if we clean up our words regarding what we say about spiritual authorities. Just like God heard when Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, God is listening to every conversation, comment, remark, sarcasm, and attack against those whom He has called and set apart to serve Him full time.
Sermon Series: Cell Group Campaign 2023
