Ecclesiastes 1:1. “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.”
ROLES WE FILL. THE PREACHER WHO SPEAKS FOR GOD His message is not his own. His warnings cannot be ignored. His words have to be understood. He can’t speak so listeners are bored. His words are to be clear and plain. He must take time to think what he says. His heart should be touched in advance. He speaks from his heart, not his head. His warnings must be based on true facts; his entreaties from the God that he serves. His talk must be supported by acts; his warmth sensed by the people he loves. His labor goes on day by day. His field is the whole living world. His ears hear what others may say; his answers are from God’s living Word. His prayers go up in the night. His sleep comes when the work is all done. His concern is, did he give the truth right. His longing is for souls to be won. His trust is in the Spirit of God; his assurance – the Word will prevail. His song is “Power in the blood.” His faith is that God cannot fail. His grace is seen by compassion; his love seen by earnest desire. His spare time is for intercession; his voice reflects Holy Ghost fire. His joy is when God blesses His word. His hope is in his God alone. His eye is looking up for his Lord. His reward when he hears, “Well done.”
THE SON WHO REFLECTS HIS FATHER My father was a man of his word: I wonder if I’m like that too? My father was a man who worked hard: is it “like father like son” that I show? My father was a man who loved God: is my love for God on display? My father read his Bible for food: am I wanting to hear what God says? My father prayed in the morning: are my mornings with God showing through? My father never stopped his learning: am I learning from God how to grow? My father was a good, kindly leader: I wonder how folks perceive me? My father was a real soul winner: is my love for souls there to see? My father really loved my mother: does my wife know I love her so much? My father cared for his children: do my children and grandchildren know such? My father was not known as a gossip: do I guard each day what I say? My father was gracious with others: am I known as a man who has grace? My father loved God’s people intently: do they know that I care for each one? My father knew God intimately: does God see my love for His Son? My father to me spoke of heaven: what message do my loved hear from me? My father is now in the glory: can others, now through me, father see?
THE KING WHO LEADS OTHERS The leader himself must take time to know; before to others the way he can show. The leader cannot just make his self-centered plans; then on others lay out his many demands. The leader himself must be the true model; of what he intends for those who come after to follow. The leader of men is a shepherd of sheep; and of his love for them they will gladly speak. The leader is one who really cares; the followers then will know what to share. The leader knows God has trusted him; the followers will trust such true-hearted men. The leader is a man of true compassion: those who follow his lead know who loves them. The leader attends to other’s needs; those who follow behind gladly go where he leads. The leader will spend much time in prayer; followers sense he’s already been there. The leader won’t make snap judgments too fast; followers then know who they can trust. The leader who knows he can’t do it all; followers will come to him when he calls. The leader who faithfully encourages each one; followers will respond to him like a son. The leader who feels the others’ pain: will from those who follow deep respect gain. The leader who makes quite reasonable demands: will find by him many willing hands. The leader who has a vision that’s real: will find followers moved by his gracious appeal. The leader who knows when the time comes to quit: will find others ready whom God has made quite fit.
“O God who has made us each what You want us to be: please give me the ability to fill the role I am in at the moment with grace and dignity. I need to respond to each calling with assurance and respect. Whether a preacher or a son or a leader – help me to understand the worth of each calling: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”