daily bible readings

Federal headship within the covenant is not well understood in churches today, largely because our rugged desire for individualism negates any sense of corporate responsibility. But, federal headship is a major part of the Scriptures and of the covenant that God makes with His people.

Federal headship basically states that the head of the family or the unit or the nation is responsible for the state of that family or unit or nation. The blessings or curses that come to the federal head of the family, unit or group flow to the everyone else under that head.

This concept of federal headship helps us to understand why the sin of Adam could be imputed to the entire human race. He is our federal head. It also explains why the victory and blessings of Jesus can be given to all who have faith in Him. He is our federal head before God.

This concept goes a long way to helping us comprehend the situation in Israel during the volatile period of the kings. As the kings sin against God, their federal headship means that the people under their rule are cursed along with the king.

In 2 Chronicles 17:7–9, King Jehoshaphat takes his reign seriously and seeks to teach the people the Word of God. “In the third year of his reign he sent his officials Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah to teach in the towns of Judah. 8 With them were certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah and Tob-Adonijah—and the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9 They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.”

The rest of the chapter spells out the covenantal blessings of God upon the king and upon the nation. The kingdoms around Judah were struck with a deep fear of the Lord and the entire nation enjoyed peace. No one dared declare war on Judah. They even brought gifts and silver as a tribute to King Jehoshaphat. The Arabs brought him flocks, 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats. He fortified the cities and filled great store houses and had many many thousands of men sign up for military duty. God was with him.

Leaders in the church today need to understand this principle of headship. Their obedience or sinfulness can affect the entire area of service in which they lead. Rugged individualism does not come into play in the church. We are responsible for each other and our lifestyle, even behind closed doors, matters. What we do outside of “church time” actually affects the church and those who minister and serve with us.

But, we need to also understand that covenantal obedience and faithfulness is not just for leaders of churches and various ministries. Obedience and covenantal faithfulness is for every believer in Christ Jesus. Our unity and oneness in Christ does not negate our individual responsibility.

Prayer:

Adoration:

• Adore God that He loves us and lavishes us with blessings.
• Adore God that His holiness demands our holiness.

Confession:

• Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and to ask for forgiveness

Thanks:

• Thank God that you have every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus because He is your federal head.
• Thank God that He remains faithful even if His people prove to be unfaithful.

Supplication:

• Pray that our Small Groups would grow in wisdom, in strength, in love and knowledge and in servant-mindedness.
• Pray that more and more people in your congregation would desire to be in a Small Group and that God would provide the leadership necessary for more Small Groups to form.

Discussion Questions

1. Which of the blessings given to Jehoshaphat affected the nation and which ones affect him personally?
2. How has the concept of federal headship affected your view of Christian leadership?
3. Where else in the Bible do you see the principle of federal headship existing? Read Ephesians 5:22ff if you are stuck.