How can we apply the principle of divine choice in our church leadership? The Verse in Focus “Hosah, a Merarite, had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father appointed him the first)” (1 Chronicles 26:10) Key Observations • God allowed Hosah to bypass the customary right of the firstborn. • Leadership was assigned by spiritual discernment, not by birth order. • The choice served the welfare of the temple and honored God’s purposes. Principles About Divine Choice • God’s selection is sovereign; He is free to elevate whomever He wills (Psalm 75:6-7). • Calling outweighs chronology—spiritual readiness matters more than age or tenure (Jeremiah 1:4-7). • Gifts and character confirm the call (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Timothy 3:1-7). Connecting Scriptures • David over his brothers—“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). • Matthias chosen by prayer and casting lots (Acts 1:24-26) displays reliance on God’s decision. • Titus left in Crete to “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5-9) according to clear, Spirit-guided qualifications. Applying the Principle in Our Church • Evaluate potential leaders biblically, not merely by longevity, popularity, or family ties. • Affirm that each role—elder, deacon, ministry head—is ultimately God’s assignment, received with humility. • Expect unconventional choices; the Spirit may raise up a “Shimri” whom no committee had on its radar. Practical Steps for Selecting Leaders 1. Pray corporately for God to reveal whom He has chosen (Acts 13:2-3). 2. Measure candidates against the character standards of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. 3. Look for evident spiritual gifting (Ephesians 4:11-12) and faithful service already underway. 4. Invite congregational affirmation while making clear that final confirmation rests on God’s will, not a popularity vote. 5. Install leaders publicly, laying on hands as a sign of recognizing divine appointment (1 Timothy 4:14). Encouragement for Leaders and Congregation • Leaders: serve confidently; the same God who chose you will equip you (1 Thessalonians 5:24). • Congregation: honor God’s choices, supporting leaders in prayer and cooperation (Hebrews 13:17). • All: trust that when God selects, He supplies—so His church thrives under His wise, sometimes surprising, arrangement. |
    |