Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Read Deuteronomy 18:15-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. Verse 16This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: "If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die." Verse 17Then the Lord replied to me: "They are right in what they have said. Verse 18I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Verse 19Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. Verse 20But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak-that prophet shall die."
Devotion
Leaders come in all ages and shapes. Mrs. Oliver was well into her 80s, living in the inner city of Chicago. Diabetic problems caused her to have both legs amputated, but she remained independent and took good care of herself.
When a new mission church opened two doors from her home, she became a charter member and regular worshipper. Strong ushers were a necessity for this church because each Sunday a part of their task was to take Mrs. Oliver in her wheelchair down the narrow stairs from her second floor flat and up the stairs of the church to worship.
Her dynamic spirit and presence was enhanced by her stated purpose for being in church: "I have to be in church to show these young people the importance of worship and to give them all the encouragement that I can.” Mrs. Oliver was always there leading and encouraging.
Prayer
Dear God, give us courage and strength to be leaders for you in our world.