“Who made you a Ruler and a judge over us?"

Message at Praying Over our city at Open Door Church: Wednesday 01/08/20

“Who made you a Ruler and a judge over us? Exodus 2:14

Moses was raised by the pharaoh's daughter and lived in the palace, but he knew that eventually he was to be the deliverer of his people, but his timing was off. One day he killed an Egyptian when he should have been minding his own business. A few days later he viewed two Israelite men arguing and he tried to intervene. One of them asked, “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us.”

Genesis 37 Tells us of a young boy Joseph who had amazing dreams, and of course he wanted to share with his brothers. The dreams were significant of the future but the brothers were jealous and did not appreciate being told about spiritual things. So his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Of course we know the end of the story that Joseph ended up being next to the Pharaoh in authority and indeed he did rule and reign over his brothers and over the Land of Egypt.

There are times when I myself wonder if people don't think I am setting myself up as something special to sit on a throne and rule over the likes of my brothers and sisters. . .

And to be honest, YOU have felt that way too at times. You have been the spiritual go between for those who were weak in faith and needed you to bolster them up and bring them encouragement. You have prayed for others when they had no faith to pray for themselves. You have shared your belongings, food and money because they found it difficult to make ends meet. I pray that you were wise to know how much is enough to give and when to back off, because there are times when you are the ruler and they are the children.

We are here to pray over our city and the citizens who live here, many of them are on the streets. If you have ever tried to bring Jesus to someone who is really only interested if you can provide food, clothing or money for them, they have probably brushed you off when you tried to tell them “Jesus loves you.” They do doubt thought to themselves, “Who made you a ruler over me?”

God asked Cain, Where is your brother? Cain answered in a huff almost like telling God, it really is none of your business. . . Am I my brother's keeper? We know that Cain murdered his brother, but I am reminded that Jesus said we are to use caution about the words we speak about our brothers and sisters. If we use words that are harmful, we may be guilty of murder in God's sight.

WOW now that is a bit heavy sister Hazel .... John said in 1 John 3:12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's were righteous. Why did John say this? It was because those who have ill feelings towards their brothers and sisters, are guilty themselves and they need to repent.

Paul tells us in Galatians 6: To help a brother who falls into sin, and for those who are spiritual to restore him in a spirit of gentleness. However to keep watch on yourself, lest you too should be tempted. For anyone thinks he is something special, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. For each of us will need to be responsible for our own actions.

Paul continues in Romans 14:19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Daniel 2:21 Tells us that it is God who removes kings and raises up other kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. God is the one who anoints Kings to rule.

Understand that at times you will take the place of a ruler as you assist and help others. We are told in the Bible that he has made us Kings and Priests and that we are to rule and reign in life.

So be led of the Holy Spirit and use your crown with wisdom and your scepter with justice as you rule over your space in life.