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Jul 07, 2022 18:30pm

My Father’s Business

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With our beloved Chick-Fil-A out of commission as they remodel to make it even better, (how can chick-fil-a not be amazing enough already?) it has us dreaming of crispy, fried nuggets dipped in our favorite sauce. Those hit-the-spot, can’t-wait-til-I-get-home-so-I-can-sneak-a-few-of-my-husband’s-waffle fries. Or that perfect sandwich that is unmatched by any competitor (as if it’s even a competition, but let’s not start that debate again, we know who clearly won).

One of the aspects of this organization that has always impressed me – their managers. Have you noticed them? They are always serving with the employees. Whether I see them at the counter, or running an order out to my car, or handing me my peach milkshake at the drive-thru (man, you have to try one of those this summer!), they are part of the team. I appreciate a leader who doesn’t put themselves on a pedestal, in a back office somewhere to never be disturbed because what they are doing is too important. Instead, they are willing to be down in the trenches, or in Chick-Fil-A’s case, out in the summer sun or the cold, winter rain and snow, serving their community.

In Deuteronomy 17, as Moses continues to remind the people of the law, and rules for daily life and worship, he gives guidelines for a king.

“When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me; Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother. But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.” (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)

First of all, God is not encouraging them to set a king over themselves. However, if they should, they will need guidelines.

There are several areas that God points out for qualifications and requirements of a king.

1. Be one of the Israelites.
2. Not to have multiple horses or do business to obtain more horses. – since most of the Israelites used mules and donkeys, horses were seen to be extravagant, a high, “I’m-better-than-you” position, and it would mean more communication and trading with Egypt, a sinful land and people.
3. Should not have more than one wife.
4. Should not multiply wealth.
5. Know the law and follow God.

Why?

Verse 20 says, “That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left:”

The Lord did not want someone over the people who would rule with their own greed and lust for power and wealth, but instead to be one of the people, humble, and to fear the Lord. If the Lord was at the center of the king’s life, his decisions and leadership would be in tune with God’s word and the people would flourish.

The king wouldn’t be above the people, but would serve them.

But as we see, as the story unfolds throughout the Bible, when the people appointed themselves a king that didn’t follow the Lord’s commands, destruction came.

And then one day, the true King came. He thought not highly of himself, instead, serving those around Him. And he didn’t ride in on a horse, but instead, a lowly donkey. This King of Kings is Jesus. And today, He offers you a spot to work right alongside Him, in the trenches, as He seeks to save the lost.

There is no greater business I’d rather be a part of than my Father’s. Will you join me?