Leadership and Authority
Open Your Bible
Deuteronomy 16:18-22, Deuteronomy 17:1-20, Deuteronomy 18:1-22, Philippians 2:3-4
BY Jasmine Holmes
By the end of this year, I will have three little boys—ages five, three, and a newborn. As is already the case with my older two, I imagine that I’ll have a lot of disputes to mediate and a lot of catastrophic disagreements to mitigate. Already, my five- and three-year-old come to me with lips pursed in outrage, chubby fingers pointing at one another and insisting the righteousness of their cause.
My sons could not be more different. One of them resembles a younger version of me—tender-hearted, quick-tempered, and full of big emotions. The other resembles a younger version of his father—tough-minded, resilient, and calculating. And yet, as their mother, I would never be able to pick a favorite. I love them both fiercely, whether they’re piling into my bed every morning for our ritual “snugs” or bickering in their room that same afternoon, looking for a referee.
In our current cultural climate, thoughts of justice can bring up all manner of emotions. A word and concept that is mentioned countless times in God’s Word has taken on very partisan, rather than biblical, connotations. Whether we’re arguing about social justice, criminal justice reform, or seeking justice for the persecuted, for many of us, the word conjures up ballot boxes, picket lines, and picket signs rather than the impartial God of the universe.
One thought that helps preserve the beauty of justice in my mind is the fact that our God is the patient Father of His earthly children. Though it doesn’t seem possible to me, He loves us infinitely more than I love my thumb-sucking little prizefighters. Like a tender parent, it is His desire to see His children walking in unity (Psalm 133:1). Like a wise parent, as Israel makes her way out of Egypt and towards the promised land, God is making provision for this unity through earthly mediators whose job is to echo His lovingkindness.
He requires righteous judgment (Deuteronomy 16:18), not hampered by partiality or bribes. He requires righteousness (Deuteronomy 16:19), and a pursuit of His justice alone, not personal glory or gain. And to ensure that justice and righteousness are the only pursuit of the judge, the accused, and the accuser, He requires single-hearted worship of Him alone (Deuteronomy 17:2-7). This call is even higher for the Levitical priests, who are called to mediate in especially difficult cases because of their close walk and relationship with the Father (Deuteronomy 18:1-8).
We live in an age so different from that first trek into the promised land, but God shows us in Philippians 2:3-4 that the heart of His calls for justice still ring true: we are to be looking out for the interest of others. Whatever our blood relationship, familial bond, party affiliation, or political views, we are to see one another as more important than ourselves—as family—as sweet, lisping children, if that’s what it takes to show the tender mercy God requires.
30 thoughts on "Leadership and Authority"
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Today was a lot. Lots to think through and pray for. Thank you for your prayers. My step mom is now not feeling well and is to be tested today. My father in law needs dialysis which I guess can happen after a transplant. They want to discharge him, but we really want him to stay longer. Pray for grace and strength. Thanks sisters
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Lord I pray for unity in our country and peace in our world. Do only what You can do!! I can’t believe we just finished chapter 18 of Deuteronomy! We are flying through this book! I hope everyone has a lovely weekend and lifting up all the prayer requests <3
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I’m printing this devotional out so I can keep it. May I be an instrument for God’s kind of justice in my home, my church, and my community.
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It’s good to be reminded of what true justice looks like.
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Excellent devotional! Certainly something to pray about & try to exemplify by our own words & actions.
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Powerful thoughts and words for today. God loves us all equally! We should give Him, in return, no less than to do the same to everyone…even if we disagree with them.
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Judgment and authority …. Hot topics for these times … Praying for leaders, judges, those in any position of authority (parents, teachers), all of us really … Love the Lord and others, remember and obey, be honest with yourself, the Lord (He already knows) and others, follow the golden rule, don’t believe/follow everything you hear/read that claims to be from God – check it to see if it lines up with or goes against His Word. Lord, I pray for wisdom in these areas.
Regarding helping those on street corners and other places from yesterday’s posts – that’s a hard one for me. I have given many times, sometimes a little and other times a lot, sometimes cash and sometimes gift cards, sometimes gas or food (at the time of purchase), sometimes a need stated on their sign (like socks). I’ve been thanked profusely for $1 and I’ve been looked at with disgust for much more than that (if it wasn’t what they wanted – such as gave gift card and they wanted cash). I still give, praying for wisdom along the way.
MELANIE – praying for your father in law and dad, and your husband also as the helping can be difficult.
JANE K – congrats on the new grand! And praying for your husband and daughter in their recovery from covid.
TRACY GENDRON – praying for your husband!
TINA – Two hours, what an amazing thing it must have been to see all that giving!
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Oh, Jasmine, sooo true! So much real injustice in this world. So much is more like spoiled children throwing tantrums because they have been stopped from doing what is right in their own eyes. Lord give us Your eyes to see how to implement Your justice and impartiality in this world so that the the people will see Your mercy and grace in their lives.
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