Daily Devotions
Speaking as the Father Has Taught
Reading for November 13th: Acts 1-3
Weekly reading for November 8-14: John 6-10
So Jesus said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me."
John 8:28
More than ever, we need men of God who will stand up and unashamedly hold up the Word of God as our only standard. Jesus said he would only speak as the Father taught him. Is our attitude the same? Or do we value popularity more than faithfulness? Are we more concerned with the approval of men than Divine approval? I want to address this devotion to those who are in a position of spiritual leadership, and particularly to elders, preachers, and fathers.
1. My appeal to elders. Shepherds are to be the leaders of the flock, not followers of the flock. When issues arise in the church, the first reaction of an eldership should be to consult the Word, not poll the congregation to see where everyone stands.
2. My appeal to preachers. Every lesson we preach should be focused on scripture. It's not what we say that matters. It is what God has revealed that matters. We are to preach the Word, not find scriptures to support what we want to say. If it was important for Jesus to say exactly what the Father said, how much more careful should we be in rightly dividing the Word of truth?
3. My appeal to fathers. We are to raise up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph 6:4). We cannot compromise the truth! That means we've got to man up and be the father. God has not called us to be their friends. It doesn't matter if they like us or not. We've been entrusted with their souls.
Father, thank you for giving us the great responsibility and privilege of shepherding your people. Help us to faithfully follow your Word!
