“So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it. Then they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. Then he distributed to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to everyone a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins.
1 Chronicles 16:1–3
Having successfully returned the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem and placing it in the temple, David and the people worshiped the Lord with their generous offerings. They all rejoiced together for the return of the Ark, which in a very real way represented the presence of God. After this significant event David spiritually blessed the people in the name of the Lord and physically blessed them with food.
As a leader it is important that you bless the people and encourage them in the name of the Lord. When you come together speak blessings over their lives. This is why in I Corinthians 14 Paul says that we should earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesy…” Prophesy is a gift that blesses God’s people through words that build up, speak peace and comfort (I Corinthians 14:3). This gift is not solely for leaders, but it is one that every leader should desire for the sake of those they love and lead. Prior to standing up before people to lead, kneel down before God to pray, asking Him for a gift of prophesy. It is an amazing gift which builds up the Body of Christ and is available to anyone who asks.
God is God of the spiritual as well as the natural. He longs for the well being or our bodies as well as our souls. The two are intertwined. As leaders we must remember this example. One who is just interested in the soul falls short of loving the whole person. Here in Africa it is quite common for a guest speaker at a conference to provide food for the people who often come on foot for long distances and are hungry. What good is it to have people coming who are weak from hunger and thereby fail to receive all the spiritual precepts they are given? What’s more, the people need times of celebrating God’s goodness. What better way than to come together around a good meal?
Next time you prepare to share spiritual truth from the Word of God, spend some time before Him in prayer asking for a word of prophesy. It may come to you as you teach; the Lord may give you a specific verse of Scripture to share; He may give you a dream or a vision; or it may come to you as you just begin to open your mouth and speak. Ask with expectation and be open to how ever the Lord will release it through you.
