This book is a book of transitions. Our church is also in transition: considering senior pastors, particularizition, etc. While these passages speak of leaders of those times, this is still applicable for leadership. This is God's consideration for leaders.
What do leaders do
For the Israelites, we hear of the jobs of judges and kings. Judges handle disputes between parties. But there's a fair amount of overlap. Kings were seen as military leaders. There was a hierarchy to these leaders.
What qualifies a leader
Leaders need to be experienced and are to be impartial. They need to see both rich and poor equally. They are not to take bribes. But not just that, they need to pursue justice only. Not fame, not power, nothing else should distract. Not wives, not horses... In other words, not political power, not military power.
These are not qualities God desires: It is not charisma, not ministry success, not giftings, and not worldly qualifications. God desires character. But this isn't just a way to beat up our leaders. Do we value character over charisma? Do we want someone to lead with love, care, and a heart after God?
How to become qualified
You must understand and be captivated by the love of God for us. Such a Sunday school answer, right? But how does someone ignore the power of the powerful, the riches of the rich? It is by knowing that God is the most powerful, richest and He approves of us. We don't need the influence of the world's riches or power. In a hundred years, we'll all be dead. We'll be with Jesus. And the place where we will be will have streets paved with gold. How can someone with an inheritance bigger than Elon Musk be bribed? They cannot.
Addison Frank
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