In what ways can we recognize God's appointed leaders in our lives today? A Quick Look at Acts 7:35 “ This Moses whom they rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one God sent to be their ruler and deliverer through the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.” Moses was not self-selected; he was divinely commissioned, authenticated by signs, and ultimately embraced by the people he once served from the margins. The same God still appoints leaders for His people today. A Leader Commissioned, Not Self-Appointed • God’s pattern: He sends, then people recognize. (Exodus 3:10; Jeremiah 1:5) • Genuine leaders can testify to a clear sense of calling, confirmed over time. • 1 Timothy 3:1—desire is present, but appointment is from God through the church. Evidence of the Calling • Supernatural affirmation: while we may not see burning bushes, we still see unmistakable providence—open doors, spiritual gifts, and timely confirmations. • Acts 13:2—“Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul…” The Spirit still singles out servants. • Inner compulsion coupled with external affirmation guards against self-promotion. A Servant’s Posture • Matthew 20:26—“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” • Leaders wash feet before they wield authority (John 13:14-15). • Note Moses: forty years of tending sheep before shepherding Israel; humility precedes influence (Numbers 12:3). Alignment With Scripture • God’s leaders uphold God’s Word without compromise. • Titus 1:9—“holding firmly to the trustworthy word.” • When a leader’s teaching drifts from Scripture, God has not endorsed that drift (Galatians 1:8). Fruit That Endures • Matthew 7:16—“By their fruit you will recognize them.” • Look for: – Growth in holiness among those they lead. – Gospel clarity. – Reconciliation and unity rather than division driven by ego. • Moses’ fruit: Israel delivered, Law received, tabernacle pattern given. Affirmation by the Body of Christ • Acts 6:3—early church chose “men of good reputation.” • Hebrews 13:7—leaders patterned by faith worth imitating. • Local congregations, elders, and mature believers confirm a leader’s character and gifting. The Ultimate Test: Pointing to Christ • John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice.” True leaders echo the Shepherd’s voice. • Moses pointed ahead to “a Prophet like me” (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 7:37). • Today’s God-appointed leaders direct attention away from themselves and toward Jesus, the “author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Putting It Together Recognize God’s appointed leaders by tracing the same divine fingerprints seen in Moses: a clear call, humble service, unwavering Scripture fidelity, visible and lasting fruit, corporate affirmation, and a Christ-centered focus. Honor such leaders, pray for them, and imitate their faith as they follow the Lord. |
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