Posted by
txag007 on Sunday, March 23, 2008 10:17:08 PM
On the day in which we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, I thought it might be worthwhile to take a look at the first biblical republic and the criteria by which their leaders were chosen.
14Now when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, "What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?"
15Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God.
16"When they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws."
17Moses' father-in-law said to him, "The thing that you are doing is not good.
18"You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.
19"Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people's representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God,
20then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do.
21"Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.
22"Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.
23"If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace."
Exodus 18:14-23
How different would our nation be if we took these instructions to heart?