Quote:
Originally Posted by Nell
To be an authority is to represent God. Whether it be in wrath or mercy, an authority must always be like God. If, in such a position, we do anything wrong, we should acknowledge it as our own doing. We ought never draw God into our own fault. Because Moses misrepresented God, he had to be judged. If anyone in authority misrepresents God and does not confess it, God will have to vindicate Himself.
To Be a Delegated Authority Is a Serious Matter. Nothing is more serious nor regarded more severely than for a delegated authority to do wrongly. Every time we execute authority we must ask to be united with God. If a mistake is made let us swiftly separate it from God lest we incur His judgment.
|
The Bible does make it clear that some men of God
are placed in authority, and as such they represent God. Actually all God's children represent Him to some degree, and should be keenly aware that their failures bring shame to His name. Even more so are the failures of those called by God to be leaders of His people. Leaders in the O.T. such as Moses and David brought much honor to God, yet the Bible is faithful to also record their failures. Peter likewise in the N.T. brought much glory to the Lord, yet his own failures were made public. W. Nee's words here are a sobering reminder to all Christian leaders.
First of all, leaders should
never elevate themselves above all others in the eyes of God's people. The Lord Jesus clearly opposed this in the Gospels. No minister should ever assume a position over all of God's church. The early apostles never did this. There is no justification whatsoever for a "vicar of Christ," a pope, "our brother," the holy see, the minister of the age, or whatever imaginative title men might dream up.
Hebrews makes it clear that Moses was a type of Christ (Hebrews 3.1-6) building God's house, and
never a type of N.T. leaders. Using the pattern of Moses to establish your power base has no scriptural authority. There are no "delegated authorities" in the N.T. of the order of Moses. Paul, Peter, and John were some of the many apostles of God.
The LC's under Witness Lee became a strong counter-example of why the Bible is written as it was. In a word, power corrupts men, and power definitely corrupts even Christian men. Jesus Christ
alone is Head of the church, our Great Shepherd, the
Minister of the Ages, and today's Moses, today's Noah, today's David, today's Solomon, etc. Witness Lee abused the authority he had from God. He damaged others, and brought shame to His holy name. Within LSM and the Recovery, Lee even exalted his own reprobate and profligate son Philip above the Lord, while destroying other men of God placed in authority. All this was done to preserve his own reputation, and save himself from repentance. Sounds like base gain and filthy lucre.