What qualities does God seek in leaders, according to Psalm 89:19? The Vision That Reveals God’s Criteria “Once You spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said: ‘I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people.’ ” (Psalm 89:19) God Looks for Faithful Hearts • “to Your godly ones” – God speaks to people who are already walking in reverence and loyalty to Him. • Leaders must spring from a life that is consistently devoted (Psalm 101:6; 2 Chronicles 16:9). • Faithfulness precedes commissioning; God entrusts leadership to those who have proven trustworthy in smaller arenas (Luke 16:10). Courageous Strength: “a warrior” • The word pictures a valiant, courageous fighter—someone willing to confront opposition for the sake of righteousness (Joshua 1:9). • Spiritual leadership involves battle: contending for truth, protecting the flock, resisting evil (Ephesians 6:10-13). • Courage is married to dependence: “I have bestowed help” – the strength is God-given, not self-generated (Psalm 18:32-34). A Leader Made for the People • “one chosen from the people” – God does not search for detached elites but for servants raised from within the community (Deuteronomy 17:15). • Identifies with the struggles, language, and needs of ordinary people (Hebrews 2:17). • Servant-minded, approachable, empathetic (Mark 10:42-45). Raised Up by God, Not Self-Promoted • “I have exalted” – promotion comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6-7). • True leaders wait for God’s timing as David did (1 Samuel 16:1, 13; 2 Samuel 5:3). • This guards against pride and ensures the leader’s authority rests on God’s appointment, not human maneuvering. Putting It All Together Qualities God seeks in leaders, distilled from Psalm 89:19: 1. Faithful devotion to Him. 2. God-dependent courage and strength. 3. Genuine identification with the people they serve. 4. Humble willingness to wait for God’s exaltation. When these traits converge, God gladly “bestows help” and empowers that person to lead for His glory and the good of His people. |
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