How can we recognize and support God's chosen leaders in our community today? God Still Raises Leaders Picture the scene in Amos: God reminds Israel, “I raised up some of your sons as prophets, and some of your young men as Nazirites” (Amos 2:11). He literally stepped into human history, selected ordinary people, and set them apart to speak and to serve. That same, deliberate work of choosing leaders did not stop with ancient Israel. He continues to lift up shepherds, elders, teachers, and servants for His church and community today. Anchor Verse in Focus Amos 2:11 sets the pattern: • God Himself initiates the call (“I raised up”). • He chooses from within the community (“your sons… your young men”). • The call is for distinct roles—prophets to proclaim, Nazirites to model consecration. Hallmarks of a Leader God Raises Today Scripture supplies clear markers so we can spot His hand on someone: • Sound doctrine – “holding to the faithful word” (Titus 1:9). • Christlike character – “above reproach… self-controlled, respectable” (1 Timothy 3:2-7). • Evident gifting – “He gave some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints” (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Spiritual fruit – “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). • Affirmation by the body – “Do not neglect the gift… given… by the laying on of hands” (1 Timothy 4:14). • Enduring faith under pressure – “approved after testing” (1 Timothy 3:10). Practical Ways to Recognize Them in the Neighborhood 1. Compare their teaching with Scripture (Acts 17:11). 2. Observe consistent holiness at home, work, and church (1 Timothy 3:4-5). 3. Look for a servant heart that builds others up rather than building a platform (Mark 10:42-45). 4. Note confirmations—multiple believers sensing the same calling (Acts 13:2-3). 5. Watch for God’s obvious favor: doors opening, lives changing, disciples maturing (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). Ways to Support God’s Chosen Leaders • Pray regularly for wisdom, protection, and boldness (Colossians 4:3-4). • Speak words of encouragement; leaders carry unseen burdens (Proverbs 16:24). • Provide practical help—time, skills, hospitality (Acts 16:15). • Share materially; “the laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Timothy 5:17-18). • Stand with them in conflict; defend truth alongside them (Philippians 1:7). • Obey and submit where Scripture commands, doing so joyfully (Hebrews 13:17). • Guard their reputation by refusing gossip (Proverbs 10:19). • Release them to rest; honor Sabbath rhythms and vacations (Mark 6:31). Guardrails: Discernment Without Cynicism • Test everything; hold fast what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Reject personalities that contradict Scripture, no matter how gifted (Galatians 1:8). • Remember, even God’s chosen leaders are still human; offer grace (James 3:2). • Keep Christ, not any leader, as the ultimate focus (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). The Blessing That Follows Support When Israel honored God’s prophets, the nation prospered; when they silenced them, judgment followed. In the same way, churches and communities that recognize and support the leaders God raises experience: • Unity of faith (Ephesians 4:13). • Steady growth into maturity (Ephesians 4:15). • A witness that shines to the watching world (John 13:35). God is still in the business of “raising up” men and women to guide His people. By recognizing their biblical qualifications and by offering wholehearted support, we align ourselves with His ongoing work in our generation. |
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