April 2026 | Possessing & Taking Over New Territories
Elders’ Weekend
Ministering: Pastor Olusegun Joseph.
Text: 3 John 1-4.
“1 The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth: 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” NKJV
2 Chronicles 10:6-19 is a pathetic story of King Rehoboam neglecting elders’ advice and hearkening to the evil counsel of his young counterparts. Rehoboam broke the covenant but for the sake of God’s covenant with David, a remnant was preserved.
An elder is an older person with quality life experience, thus, are spiritually matured to shepherd God’s flock. Seeking their counsel is a life advantage. Prov. 1:5 says “a wise man will hear, and increase in learning …….”. Isaiah 33:6 says wisdom and knowledge shall the stability of our time and the strength to salvation and the fear of tThe Lord…”
Biblical counsel is by walking with the wise – Prov. 13:20-22. Lines fall in pleasant places to those who follow the advice of elders. With elders is great understanding thus their advice is always a Treasure. Job 12:11-13.
James 3:17 tells us of the Heavenly wisdom which is very pure, peaceful and gentle, such was what the elders brought to King Rehoboam, but unfortunately, he hearkened to the earthly counsel of self-ambition and falsehood of his fellow youthful counterparts.
The elders are usually more righteous because they are less likely to be lured into temptation (lust, greed, etc.) that easily ensnare the youths.
Qualities of Excellent Elders
- An Excellent Elder is an under-shepherd (like a pastor). 1 Peter 5:2.
- Excellent Elders are like mothers caring and nourishing their children. 1 Thess. 2:7-8
- Excellent Elders live sacrificial lives for the sake of their children.
- Excellent Elders lift others up with godly counsel. They don’t oppress like King Rehoboam. Prov. 12:5
- Excellent Elders foster God’s love in their environment so everyone can serve one another. Gal. 5:13
- Excellent Elders are watchful so no wolves can come to scatter their sheep.
- Excellent Elders instruct, correct and discipline as the occasion serves. Heb. 12:11
- Excellent Elders create time and are ever available to guide their flock.
- Excellent Elders are not only available but also actively involved in their sheep’s lives
- Excellent Elders give rapt attention and very vigilant over everything.
- Excellent Elders take accountability and responsibility for everything in their flock’s lives.
- Excellent Elders are intercessors, always praying for the total wellbeing of their flock.
In closing, Psalm 144:12 says “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: 13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14 That our oxen may be strong to labor; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. 15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.
God Bless You, Richly!
Leave a Reply