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Testimonies for the Church Volume 9
matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they
shall bear the burden with thee.
“If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou
shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place
in peace.
“So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did
all that he had said. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel,
and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of
hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And they judged the
people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but
every small matter they judged themselves.”
Exodus 18:13-26
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In the first chapter of Acts, also, instruction is given regarding the
choosing of men to bear responsibilities in the church. The apostasy
of Judas had left one place vacant in the ranks of the apostles, and it
was necessary that another be chosen to take this place. Speaking of
this, Peter said:
“Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the
time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from
the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from
us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed
Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which
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knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two Thou hast
chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from
which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he
was numbered with the eleven apostles.”
Acts 1:21-26
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From these scriptures we learn that the Lord has certain men to
fill certain positions. God will teach His people to move carefully
and to make wise choice of men who will not betray sacred trusts.
If in Christ’s day the believers needed to be guarded in their choice
of men for positions of responsibility, we who are living in this time
certainly need to move with great discretion. We are to present every
case before God and in earnest prayer ask Him to choose for us.
The Lord God of heaven has chosen experienced men to bear
responsibilities in His cause. These men are to have special influ-
ence. If all are accorded the power given to these chosen men, a halt
will have to be called. Those who are chosen to bear burdens in the