TUESDAY, JANUARY 24
NUMBERS 13:26-33
EXODUS 3:12

"Certainly I will be with thee..."

LEADERS, DO NOT APOSTATIZE!

Apostasy among leaders can create much havoc and confusion in churches. The effects are far more damaging than the apostasy of members in the pews because of the leaders’ greater influence. If they fall away, they may cause believers to stumble, backslide or lose their faith. The body of Christ will be affected and the testimony of faithful believers tarnished. Above all, the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will be shamed.

One of the initiating factors in apostasy is doubt in God’s promises. The ten spies saw the difficulty of invading the land of Canaan because they did not believe in the words of the LORD given to Moses. God already made it plain to them that the land would be theirs. Joshua and Caleb believed God and had faith in Him. The heathens in Canaan might be men of great sizes and shapes, and mighty warriors of the land, and their cities have great walls, but they were all no match for the power of God.

Leaders, the Lord did not place you in a leadership position for your own name’s sake. He gave you the opportunity to serve Him because the Lord has equipped you with enough wisdom, talents and abilities to lead His people. When God called Moses, the LORD assured him, "Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain" (Exod 3:12). He encouraged Joshua to continue on. He was with Joshua, David, Zerubabbel, Nehemiah and the rest of those whom He appointed leaders over His children. Do not forsake your appointment. God has enabled you to face the challenges ahead. Do not leave your flock nor abandon your office. You are the under-shepherd and He is the real Shepherd of the flock. Trust in the Lord always!

THOUGHT: Am I leading the flock as an under-shepherd?
PRAYER: "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD" (Ps 31:24).