The beginning of Genesis laid down the very clear notion that God is a God of order. He created the world in perfect order, and he placed human beings in charge to maintain that order. We see the same concern for order in all God’s dealings with his people and this includes the leadership structures, which is the key theme in these chapters of the book of Numbers. Chapter 18 is a reconfirmation of God’s leadership order in Israel. Although we no longer have a priesthood under the New Covenant the principle of leadership that is established here is still poignant to us. Spiritual leadership is taken very seriously in the New Testament and was also taken very seriously in the early church. The importance of spiritual leadership is often downplayed today, particularly in ‘evangelical’ churches, because of its abuse over the centuries. But we should not let its abuse rob us of its benefits. Leadership is not a matter of one being more privileged than another. God set up leadership in Israel, and now in his church, so that his blessing would flow through people to people. God works through all people, but some have a more primary responsibility than others. It is like a system of pipes from a reservoir to individual homes and then to individual rooms. All the pipes carry the same water, but some flow to more places than others. Honour those who have greater responsibility so that God’s blessing can flow to you and through you.
Pray for your church leaders.
Read Numbers 18
