ENCOURAGE YOUR LEADERS.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
Our God is a God of order. He always chooses some to be leaders in his cause, and especially so, when he is accomplishing some special work; as the bringing of Israel from Egypt to Canaan, the restoring of them from their captivity in Babylon, the beginning of the proclamation of a crucified and risen Saviour, and the closing of probation preparatory to the second advent. Moses, Aaron and Joshua, Ezra and Nehemiah, John the Baptist and the chosen twelve, respectively were chosen to lead out and bear a responsibility in the special work of the Lord in their day. They were called and qualified to do that part in the work that others could not do. But though others could not do the work that belonged especially to them, they could aid in the work, encourage them, and move with and assist them in accomplishing the great work. When Israel were brought back from their captivity in Babylon in the time of Ezra, they found themselves in a great trespass against the Lord, which called for a great work of reform. Ezra felt the need of reform, and the responsibility resting upon him, which he manifested in praying, confessing and weeping before the Lord. When Shechaniah saw this, he did not withhold his influence, but was ready to encourage him in the arduous work of reform. Said he, “We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land; yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing. Now let us make a covenant with our God,” &c. “Arise; for this matter belongeth to thee: we also will be with thee; be of good courage and do it.” This had the ring of the true metal. The burden of the work rested upon Ezra. It belonged to him to lead out in the matters; but others could give him support and encouragement. So let it be now. The Lord is doing an exceeding great work; the work of preparing a people for translation. Let us encourage our leaders, and be with them in the work. R. F. COTTRELL.