August 22, 2022

“Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and the unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.” Ezekiel 22:26

“For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, and people should seek the law from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But you have departed from the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law…because you have not kept My ways but have shown partiality in the law.” Malachi 2:7,8a,9b

Strong, Biblical leadership is essential in the collective life of God’s people. This is by God’s design, for He has made us social beings. There is no substitute for true fellowship within the community of faith. Throughout history, we find “heroes” who chose to love and honor God through personal obedience. Their obedience elevated them to powerful positions of leadership, ushering blessings into the lives of countless millions since.

In the face of the downward spiral of today’s general ruin, there are still pastors and leaders who, in a deep sense of gratitude toward God, cultivate a genuine affection for the example of His faithful shepherds of the past. Like them, today’s faithful leaders “swim against the current” to align their lives with the instructions of Jehovah. Let each of us engage in prayerful support of our leaders.

Clearly, the Spirit of the Lord strengthens and guides them, but simultaneously they are the explicit targets of Satan. As they make clear distinctions between right and wrong, holy and unholy, clean and unclean—and the rest of us benefit from their example—we may collectively stand firmly against the enemy’s onslaught. While all individuals are free to choose for themselves, the influence of godly leadership is priceless beyond measure.

So what does it mean that God is profaned among them? It means that, because of ungodly examples, many perceive God as going along with altered, lowered standards. The error of human standards elevated above God’s is deadly. Let us consider the perfect example who came into the world. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

“I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:10b