March 29: THE HORSE GATE

Above the Horse Gate the priests carried out repairs, each in front of his house. (Nehemiah 3:28 NAU)

The Horse Gate is identified by historians with the Guard Gate. This gate was associated with the prison. This was also from whence the palace guard kept watch over the king and other leaders of Israel. They were the Secret Service of ancient Israel. It was their job to make sure the King and his officials were safe from enemy intrusion.

I want to highlight some of the ways we are instructed to protect and care for our leaders.

PRAYING FOR OUR LEADERS

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV)

SUBMITTING TO OUR LEADERS

The Apostle Paul, living under one of the cruelest of the Roman Caesars, taught us the value of respecting and submitting to our civic authorities. If Paul thought it important to submit to rulers like Nero and his successors, how much more should we submit to our leaders, even when we don’t agree with their position.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. (Romans 13:1 NIV)

TRUSTING IN OUR LEADERS THROUGH GOD

If we find ourselves under the care of a spiritual leader who is not being sensitive to God, there are guidelines given in the Pastoral Epistles to deal with such a leader. Even then, it must be done with a gentleness and humility. Too often, a haughty attitude on the part of the exhorter destroys any good which could come from attempting to correct a brother or sister. We tend to forget the process of correction is to be redemptive not destructive.

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: (1 Peter 2:13 NIV)

THINK ABOUT IT.
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