Psalm 99 affirms the same two foundational facts that the Bible begins with. First, God is sovereign. He is in charge and everything he does is right. He orders the world according to his wisdom and the result is perfect justice and harmony. The second fact is this: God delegates his authority to us to maintain his perfect order and implement justice. With this authority comes responsibility. We are responsible for each other and the world. The reference to Moses, Aaron and Samuel points to this authority and responsibility. They had authority to intercede for their people and God answered them. But with this authority came a responsibility for these same people. They were answerable to God for whether they fulfilled this responsibility. In the same way God has given you authority through Jesus Christ, and he has made you responsible for certain areas. Your field of influence is where your authority is felt, and for this field of influence you are also responsible. If you exert a bad influence, or even if you do nothing, you will have to account for this before God. Your highest priority in each situation should not be success, renown or profit. Your highest priority should be the well-being of the people for whom you are responsible. God is sovereign, but he has made you responsible for certain situations. The Psalmist reminds us of God’s reign to shake us out of complacency. We will all have to give an account for how we have stewarded the influence we have. That is a sobering fact.
Pray for those in your field of influence.
Read Psalm 99
