Every Man Stood In His Place

As one studies God and His actions down through the centuries, it becomes obvious that He has given leadership a prominent place in all generations. Whether we consider a patriarch over a family, a national leader like Moses, special judges, kings, elders, evangelists or teachers, they have all been very important to His guidance of mankind; and be assured that leadership today is still of great importance.

In Judges 7, we have an example of leadership in action. Space does not permit us to review the entire event. This is the period of Old Testament history when God uses judges to free Israel of oppressors. Gideon divided his 300 men into three groups, stationed them in strategic places, armed them with trumpets, empty pitchers and torches, and they awaited his orders. Thus, with God’s help (trusting Him), Gideon’s leadership, and the obedience of his 300 men, the battle was won. God chose a man that could lead others to success, for we read, “And every man stood in his place” Judges 7:21.

One of the greatest needs in the church today is to have leaders and followers to stand in their place. God has assigned all a place, and to refuse to stand weakens the attack against the devil.

The Elders

From before the foundation of the world, the church was designed by God to have elders (also called bishops and pastors) to oversee and lead it (Acts 14:23). Just because millions have ignored this plan does not lessen its importance. The past has witnessed thousands of congregations that have become either weak, stunted, dead, or divided because shepherds did not stand in their God-given place. In Acts 20:28, Paul spells out the eldership’s place: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Note that there are five things representing the place of the elders:

1. Take heed to yourself. Before elders can shepherd a flock, they must have themselves right. When the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are met, these men will be ready to properly care for the needs of the flock.
2. Take heed to all the flock. Paul did not say “some of the flock” or “most of the flock,” but to “all the flock.” This means to shepherd the weak and strong, the lovable and unlovable, the good and the bad. Not a single sheep needs to be neglected.
3. Oversee by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has given complete instructions in the Word to guide elders in their care for the flock. There will never be a problem that arises among the sheep but what the principle to solve it can be found! ln the words of Peter: “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). The Word of God is capable of making the man of God “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).
4. Be overseers. This is why these men are called bishops (Philp. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1,2; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet 2:25). There is a vast difference between “overseeing” and “overlooking.” When an eldership overlooks the sins, weaknesses, unfaithfulness and special needs, they are not standing in their place.
5. Shepherd the church. This means to feed and care for the spiritual sheep. Remember, there is only one food that is acceptable with God-the Word of God! Some have felt that the pure Word is too rich, and one may flounder; but this is “devil talk,” and not of God! Such a deceptive attitude has caused many shepherds to dilute the Word with the thinking of the world and allowed preachers to preach a watered-down type of gospel. Have you not heard sermons filled with everything else except the Word? It was said of one man, “If he reads a text, you better rejoice, because this is all the Bible you will hear in his sermon!” When an eldership allows weeks and months to pass by with very little Word being taught, they are starving the flock and have stepped out of their place.

The place that God has given elders is an important one because their work involves eternal things. The Hebrew writer places a great responsibility on their shoulders in these words: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account” (Heb. 13:17). Did you get the full impact of this statement? Elders are overseeing souls in view of eternity! Remember, elders, every sheep in your congregation that becomes weak, entangled in the world, and dies from spiritual malnutrition dies eternally lost from your flock. However, those that you properly feed and keep will spend eternity with God!

What a place and honor God has given those that serve as elders and bishops of God’s flock. Stand in your place and you will receive blessings from God-both now and forever!