People living by the grace of God. ~Bob Hoekstra

Living by God's Grace in the Old Testament

And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes…"If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us…Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land…the LORD is with us."(Numbers 14:6, 8-9)

Throughout the Old Testament, we can find examples of people living by the grace of God. They may not have been able to describe their experience in terms of grace. Yet, their reliance upon God to work on their behalf was just as valid as ours. Living by grace is about God at work in people's lives. Even though they may have been born under the law, they could not live by means of the law. The law supplied no resource for life. Without God at work, the only resource is from the flesh, from natural human sufficiency. This has always been inadequate for living as God intended. Joshua and Caleb realized that God's sufficiency (His grace) was the only reliable hope.

Twelve Israelites had just returned from spying out the Promised Land. Ten of them had a similar perspective. "We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey…Nevertheless the peoplewho dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and verylarge…We are not able to go up against the people, for they arestronger than we" (Numbers 13:27-28, 31). Their bad report was based upon what they saw, measured against their own resources. By this evaluation, they concluded: "We are not able to go up against the people." They were comparing two sets of human resources. "They arestronger than we."

Joshua and Caleb were deeply distressed by this inappropriate evaluation. "And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes." They knew that this outlook ignored what God had promised and what God could do. "If the LORD delights in us, then Hewill bring us into this land and give it to us." They realized that this majority report, which was based on human sight and human capabilities, was actually a form of rebellion against the Lord. "Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land." Their rebellion was in fearing man and not trusting God. All the children of Israel needed to do was remember the Lord was committed to them."The LORD is with us." The Lord was willing and able to give them the land.

Lord God Almighty, I am reminded that the majority report is so often based on human sight and earthly resources. Help me to be like Joshua and Caleb. I want a perspective that is based upon what You have promised and what You are able to do, Amen.

Leadership: Does the end justify the means? (82-1)~Barry Werner

Does the end justify the means? (82-1)

August 10th, 2009 in Character, Commitment, Integrity, Leadership Principles, Loyalty | leave a response

The actions of effective godly leaders demonstrate their basic understanding that faithfulness precedes fruitfulness, character precedes conduct and responsibilities precede results. Read Ruth 1-4.

The book of Ruth reminds leaders that God honors the qualities of loyalty, commitment and integrity. Ruth remained committed to doing the right thing, and God surprised her by meeting her every need and more. The book of Ruth illustrates that when leaders focus on doing what is right, God will bless the fruit of their labor. The book of Ruth is testimony to the fact that leaders need to put “being” before “doing.”

Godly leaders will have their leadership flow out of their very being as a natural outgrowth of who they are in Christ. And yet most leaders struggle at exactly this point. By definition leaders are results oriented. They jump immediately to the visible and measurable, to the exterior results that people affirm. Very few times have I ever heard someone being praised after the “big event” for their character but many times I have heard people being praised for “the bottom line results.” It takes years before people will affirm the private personal disciplines of a leader.

Most leaders agree that character is important but with the pressure for results, too many leaders compromise their integrity feeling that “the end justifies the means.” The book of Ruth illustrates God’s loving concern for people who cling to His character and promises in the midst of adverse circumstances. It is a heartwarming story of God’s tender concern and involvement in the lives of unassuming people.

Memorize Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

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