Disponible en Español aqui
March 5
“I charged your judges at that time: “Give the members of your community a fair hearing, and judge rightly between one person and another, whether citizen or alien. You must not be partial in judging: hear out the small and the great alike; you shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. Any case that is too hard for you, bring it to me, and I will hear it.”– Deuteronomy 1:16-17, NRSV
How important is leadership to any given community? The role of one who judges must be one who possesses specific qualities that separate them from those they have been given charge to lead. With Moses on the final leg of his life at this point and God’s chosen people swelling in numbers past 20,000, Moses knew that he could no longer lead God’s people, even with God’s help. As the community had grown, so had the frequency of disputes and quarrels. Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt and, more recently, to Mt. Sinai. But they had not yet reached the land promised to their ancestors.
In his wisdom, Moses decided to set order and establish protocols to ensure that the community would thrive according to the Lord’s will. The delegation of the wisest and most respected among them would give the community what they needed with efficient, effective and equitable leadership. With the advice that he offered to these new leaders, he gave them the assurance that they need not be concerned with any backlash from those who disagreed with any decision that they would make, because their decision was endorsed by God.
REFLECTION: Think and Act
Can God trust you to lead God’s people to their place of promise?
James Briggs
CBF Pan African Koinonia Steering Committee
Senior Pastor, Daybreak Metropolitan Church
Dallas, Texas
Love, Justice & Relationships
The 2024 Emmanuel McCall Lenten Devotional series is prepared by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship family and friends for the season of Lent. The McCall Lenten series features wonderful reflections on God’s Word, thought-provoking questions, prayers, art, music, noteworthy information and resources for action. Available in English and Spanish, this Lenten resource is intended for use by individuals, small groups and congregations.
Join us as we journey together through Lent reflecting on these devotions and their calls to pursue justice for all of God’s people.
This passage is originally found in the 2024 Emmanuel McCall Lenten Devotional series, prepared by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship family and friends. It is a project of love that is designed to be read during the season of Lent, which begins February 14, 2024. Register to receive the daily devotional here.