Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. (Deuteronomy 33:1)
In this verse, Moses is called “the man of God.” This is the first time in Scripture that this term is used in reference to anyone but it is not the last time; it was used again to speak of Moses (see Joshua 14:6 and Psalm 90). There are other times in Scripture the term is used, most notably in Paul’s letters to Timothy, in which the learned apostle once referred to the young minister as “man of God.” It occurs to me that, even though this designation may be alluded to in certain scriptures, it is not specifically used except for a few occasions. The point being, to declare someone as a “man (or woman) of God” should not be done flippantly.
This brings us to the issue of just what a man of God really is, according to Scripture. Obviously Moses demonstrates many qualities and attributes that are present in such a man — meekness, obedience and faithfulness just to name a few. Paul elaborated a bit further when addressing Timothy telling him that, as a man of God, he was to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” and to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:11-12). Considering the lofty standards established for such a moniker, we may conclude that working in ministry does not, in and of itself, determine someone to be a man of God. In other words, the term is not a title denoting position but an acknowledgment of their lifestyle — in thought, word and deed.
Finally, it would prove impossible to be a man of God without guidance from the Word of God. Those who would be labeled as such must certainly be those intimately acquainted with principles and precepts contained in the Word of God, and by that I mean, more than committing verses to memory; the man of God will do what is written. With that said, let’s close with these thoughts, again, from Paul who said to Timothy:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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