Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 106:16-23
Ps 106:16-23
16 In the camp they grew envious of Moses and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the LORD. 17 The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it buried the company of Abiram. 18 Fire blazed among their followers; a flame consumed the wicked. 19 At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal. 20 They exchanged their Glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass. 21 They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, 22 miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. 23 So he said he would destroy them--had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them.
Heb 13:17
17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
In every relationship, God has established an order of authority. This does not mean he loves one more than the other or that one is inherently more brilliant or has more overall abilities. It means there is an order from God to be observed. In marriage, the husband is the head. The father is over the family and rulers are over the government, while there are overseers in the church.
But in each relationship the one(s) over the others are there for the good of those under them. Rulers are to enforce laws for the good of the people so we can live in peace with each other. In the church, the elders are to help everyone get to heaven. The husband is to love his wife as he loves himself, to cherish and nourish her, even as Christ does the church. The father is to bring his children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord so they will be faithful to God.
It is never for the aggrandizement of the one in charge or for his/her personal benefit. In the Old Testament many of the kings were rebuked because they used their position for their personal benefit and not those under them. The Priests were often rebuked because they took advantage of the masses and fathers were punished because they did not bring their children up to serve the Lord.
Heavenly Father help me always remember that whatever position you have put me in, it is to be for your glory. I understand that all authority has been given to Jesus and I am to follow his will in all things. It is such a blessing to live in a nation that was founded upon principles from your word and I ask that we will continue to follow them in the years ahead. Give us leaders that respect your word and want to honor you and that will uphold your morality. Be with your people in other nations where life is so difficult. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
