Dear Family,
Today is Sunday, May 15, 2022, Day 1 of Week 5. This is the 29TH Day in our Count to Pentecost.
God purposed to give water to Israel by having Moses strike a particular rock in the area of Horeb that was some distance from the main campsite at Rephidim. Exodus 17 points out how God sent Moses and “elders of Israel” ahead of the rest of the group. Other Scriptures show that what God did to provide water from the Rock at Horeb had profound prophetic significance. The “elders” were an important part of God’s plan. At the very least, they were God’s witnesses. It is important to notice that the “elders” were from all of the tribes, not just the Levites.
Exodus 17:5-6 (5) And the Lord said unto Moses; Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. (6) Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and here shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
God had established elders among His people, at least, from the time Israel was in Egypt. We naturally expect these “elders” to have had experience, wisdom, and leadership skills because of the ways God used them. Exodus describes several ways God used this special group of Israelite leaders. Moses called them together to tell them God was going to deliver Israel (Exodus 3:15-17, also Exodus 4:27-29). These elders went with Moses to inform Pharaoh of God’s intentions (Exodus 3:18). They backed him in Pharaoh’s court and witnessed God’s miraculous interventions first hand. The elders were involved in killing the Passover Lamb and smearing the blood over the door and lintels (Exodus 12:21-22). At Horeb, they saw how God used Moses and, how God provided water.
They were able to speak with conviction and certainty about what they observed. When Israel arrived at Sinai, Moses reported God’s words to the elders before the rest of the people (Exodus 19:7-8). Then 70 elders went with Moses part way up Mt. Sinai to receive the commandments. There they “saw the God of Israel” (Exodus 24:10-11). The Old Testament records how God persisted in His use of Israel’s elders on many occasions and in many different roles. And, in the New Testament, God continued to designate “elders” and use them as His servants within His Church. Also, in the book of Revelation, we find spirit beings called “elders” at God’s throne. They are mentioned in Revelation more than 10 times. Clearly, there is a pattern to observe in God’s use of “elders.”
The Bible shows us how God uses “elders” among His people as His servants, rulers, leaders, workers, and witnesses. His Word declares how He expects us to relate to them and how they are to “rule well” by God’s standard. Let us understand and interact with them as God has intended.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (12) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; (13) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
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