4 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Deuteronomy 33-34
Luke 5:27-39

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Deuteronomy 33:1 (CSB): “This is the blessing that Moses, the man of God, gave the Israelites before his death.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

The designation “man of God” appears quite a few times in the Old Testament. Not only was Moses called “the man of God” in the verse I have chosen for today, but others were also given that title. The prophet, Samuel, was called a “man of God” (1 Samuel 9:6). Both Elijah (1 Kings 17:24) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:9) were called men of God. Another unnamed prophet was also assigned this title (1 Kings 13).

As we look at who wore this title, we observe that it was given to men who God put into a place of leadership and influence. They were men that God selected to lead His people.

But this designation was not limited to the Old Testament. It appears in New Testament letters that Paul wrote to his protégé, Timothy.

1 Timothy 6:11 (CSB): “But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.” (emphasis mine)

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CSB): “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (emphasis mine)

Once again, we observe that the designation “man of God” was used for someone God had chosen to be a person of influence to lead His people. Timothy, in his role as pastor, was a man of God.

So, who gets to wear this title? Only Old Testament prophets and leaders? Only New Testament pastors? Isn’t anyone else allowed into this select group?

All we need to do is consult the Bible to see if anyone else is chosen to be a person set apart for God’s use.

1 Peter 2:9-10 (CSB): “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (emphasis mine)

While the specific designation “man of God” does not appear in the previous verses, it clearly provides the same idea, especially when the writer of Hebrews called his readers “God’s people” or “people of God.”

So, my friend, the designation “man of God” is no longer limited to a select group. It is now broader. If you are trusting in Jesus Christ alone to make your right in God’s eyes, then you are a man or woman, boy or girl, of God. You have been called by Him and have a very specific ministry to engage in. You are called by God, you belong to Him, and He desires for you to influence the world around you for the benefit of His kingdom.

Put your shoulders back. Lift up your chin. If you are saved, you are a person of God!

But don’t get proud. Let your confidence always be rooted in the humility of knowing that it is Jesus who has done all of these things for you. Let your renewed worth and purpose move you to humility before the Lord and gratitude to the Lord!

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you see yourself, not as you or others see you, but as He sees you.
  • Ask God to enable you to act like who you truly are in Christ.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into what it means to be a man of God, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What does it mean to be a man of God?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)