What qualities should we seek in leaders, based on Deuteronomy 18:15? The Verse in Focus “ ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him.’ ” (Deuteronomy 18:15) Listen First: A Leader Worth Hearing • God’s first requirement is clear: “You must listen to him.” • Authority flows from God’s voice, not personal charisma. • Leaders should speak so that listening becomes worshipful obedience (John 10:27). Raised Up by God, Not Self-Appointed • “The LORD your God will raise up…” — true leadership is God-initiated. • Moses did not volunteer; he was called (Exodus 3:10-12). • We look for men and women whose ministry bears evidence of divine appointment, not self-promotion (Acts 20:28). Among Your Brothers: Humble Identification • “From among your brothers” stresses shared life. • A leader remains connected to the people—accessible, not aloof (1 Peter 5:3). • He or she understands everyday burdens because they live in the same covenant community (Hebrews 2:17). Like Moses: Reflecting Christ Moses foreshadows Jesus (Acts 3:22-23). Therefore, leaders should mirror Christlike traits Moses modeled: 1. Intercession—standing in the gap (Exodus 32:31-32). 2. Meekness—“very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). 3. Obedient courage—confronting Pharaoh, trusting God’s power (Hebrews 11:27). 4. Servant-hearted endurance—forty years of shepherding a difficult people (Deuteronomy 34:7-8). Speaking God’s Word With Accuracy • A prophet “like Moses” delivers exactly what God says (Numbers 12:7-8). • Leaders must handle Scripture “accurately” (2 Timothy 2:15) and refuse to dilute truth for popularity (Jeremiah 23:28-29). • Their messages align fully with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). A Prophetic Heart: Guiding Toward Obedience • The end goal of prophetic leadership is covenant faithfulness. • Leaders stir hearts to obey, not just to feel inspired (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). • They point continually to the greater Prophet, Jesus, who fulfills every promise (John 12:49-50). How These Qualities Shape Our Choices Today When evaluating potential leaders—pastors, elders, teachers, mentors—look for: • Evident calling and affirmation by God’s people • A life lived among the flock, sharing joys and trials • Christlike humility and a servant’s towel, not a scepter • Holy boldness rooted in Scripture, not personal opinion • Messages that drive us toward obedience and deeper fellowship with the Lord In Short Seek leaders God has raised up, who walk among us, echo Christ, and speak His Word so faithfully that listening to them draws us into obedient friendship with Him. |
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