God's First Requirement for Spiritual Leadership

    Last week, during a Bible reading in Deuteronomy, the passage in Chapter 17 about God's Law concerning Kings stood out to me. Particularly vs 18-20

    "And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, (WHY?)  that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel." (ESV Translation)

    I remember being amazed by this passage when I read it during my CSBS in Mexico (2015-2016). But due to my studies, I had put it aside. This time, it made a great impression on my heart that I cannot dismiss. Today, when a new pastor or church official is elected, the members present that leader with a new Bible. (It's very traditional.) But back in Biblical times, the Priest's weren't supposed to give the king a brand new Torah copy with his name on it. He was supposed to write it down with his own hand. And it was supposed to be the very first responsibility and act of a new king. And then after he wrote it all down, according to direct Jewish translation, he was supposed to read the Torah every day! He didn't get to set it aside as a past accomplishment. He was accountable to read and study it every day for his entire reign.

     While I had been meditating on this passage for the past several days, my pastors sermon in church today was about the requirements and marks of spiritual leaders. And of course, according to what the Apostles' said to look for was 'of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.' How does a person get to be this way? By knowing and meditating on God's Word.

    Now I know that many would argue that doesn't mean such a person has to have copied and studied God's Word to be so. But I would have to argue back that, when you study the customs and practices of the Jewish people you will learn that they began teaching their children the entire Torah beginning about age five. This is their primary education growing up, and most scholars agree it probably began during Israel's 40 year wandering in the desert back in Exodus. By the time they reach the age of 13, most of them would have many passages, if not entire books, memorized. The first leaders of the Modern Church were Jews. I cannot see how it could be possible that they had not grown up reading and studying the Torah and their history as Israel.

     I realized that, regardless of Old Testament or New Testament, the most important requirement for the spiritual leaders of the people was to first read and study the Word of God, and to be applying God's Word to their own life, and that of their families. It doesn't matter if you a King, a Priest, or an Assistant -the first priority in your leadership role is to know and live out God's commandments and statutes. Basically saying that, any kind of leader in the church body should know and live out the Word of God. (If this wasn't so important, then why are we trying so hard to get Bible's to people throughout the entire world, and to get them translated into every language?)

     As a Christian, I had already come to recognize the need of truly knowing God's Word in my life. As a Missionary, I have come to understand how important it is for me to understand God's Word in my life -and in others. I cannot teach to others what I do not know and understand for myself. I am accountable to know the Word of God, not just for my own sake, but for others as well. I know I will never understand everything, but I have had access to the Bible, and many studies all of my life. There is no excuse for me not to read and study the Bible. And there is no reason why I cannot record the entire Bible down for myself. On the contrary, because I have the privilege of having access to so many Bible translations alone, I believe it is really my responsibility to record it.

    I was greatly challenged by this.

    And after much meditation and prayer, I do not believe this is a sudden idea I've had. Given the pattern of my thoughts this past year, I believe the Lord was preparing my heart and mind to do this. In fact, I am convinced that the Lord wants me to do this. As a Christian and spiritual leader, I believe I am accountable to. -And I am actually eager to.

    I had been thinking for several months now that I would like to find a Bible to read that does not have chapters and verses. So, what better way to acquire such a Bible than to write it down myself? (Of course, I probably won't actually 'write' down the whole Bible. I'm sure Microsoft Word is good enough.) ;)

     So, tonight I will meditate and pray over which translation I will use (likely it will be KJV), and tomorrow I will begin recording in the Book of Genesis. I think I may even use the Chronological Book order we used in my CSBS. This will double as both my Chronological read-through and reviewing previous studies as I go along.

    I invite you to hold me accountable in this. I do need your prayers as well. I know from previous experience that, to read the Bible so thoroughly and follow Its history and people in chronological order, is a very intimate and difficult thing to do. Please encourage me in this.

    I will keep you updated on my progress. Blessings!