Tuesday, April 22, 2014

 

DAILY?READINGS: Numbers 2; Psalms 146-147; Mark 12:18-44

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers…governments. 1 Corinthians 12:28

The word “governments” comes from a word that means “to steer”—a shipmaster, a helmsman. This pictures what spiritual leaders do in the local assembly. They are to keep the ship in the channel, away from dangers. The Lord in His wisdom has appointed and gifted those who can do this. An assembly without “government” is like a ship without a helmsman. We should pray for those who guide the saints and allow them to steer us, guided by the Lord. And those who govern need to study the charts (the Word) and keep a sharp eye out for dangers. —Carl Knott

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me, over life’s tempestuous sea,
Unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treacherous shoal,
Chart and compass come from Thee: Jesus, Saviour, pilot me. —E. Hopper