God of Order and Service

“Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.  And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.” Exodus 18:21-22

“Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." Acts 6:2-4

“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—“ Titus 1:5

God created and the world, and then created man to tend it, and all was good.  Then as part of the plan and wisdom of God, He delegated the tending of the earth to mankind as a stewardship.  Throughout His creation we see systems and cycles (science would call this an ecosystem) showing processes and structures which were designed to maintain balance on the Earth.  Then as mankind populated the Earth, families increased into nations needing similar structure to maintain resources for all people. 

We see throughout the Bible that leaders were needed to organize people and efforts.  There were fathers to lead families, overseers of estates or prisons (as in Joseph), Judges and kings to lead nations, and priests and prophets to lead the church; yet all were to be subject to God and his rule.  This soon led to groups that were too large for one leader, as we see in Moses’ case above.  Jethro wisely advised Moses to establish a system of ‘rulers’ to bear the burden together. 

In the pattern of the Bible we have placed leaders in positions to bear part of the burden, and shape the many efforts of our members into ministry.  Sunday School teachers are a great example, instructing their students in the scriptures, leading them to a deeper relationship with Jesus, and caring for their students.  Every man has his limits in resources and abilities; some manage 10 and others 100; yet each seek to minister to what God has given them.  We are continuing this cycle, establishing a structure which allows for efficient ministry and use of our resources.  Some will use their gifts to lead, others to work, subjecting ourselves to the leadership of Jesus.  Leaders will seek the Holy Spirit for a direction of ministry, and workers seek ways to use their talents, also given and directed by the Holy Spirit.  All of us when following the Holy Spirit will be seeking ministry to the unchurched.