“And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go” (I Samuel 9:6).

How do we find our way in the jungle out there? Although it isn’t easy, there is a way; find a true man of God and follow him. The identity of several men of God makes for an all-star cast: Moses, Elijah, Elisha, David, and Timothy. But there were others such as Shemaiah and Igdaliah who spoke for God but are not as well known today.

Notice that our study verse gives us three traits that are found in such people. First, a man of God must be an honorable person. “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor” (John 12:26). Secondly, a godly man’s words must come to pass. “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him” (Deuteronomy 18:22). That prophet shall die: “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die” (v.20). Thirdly, a godly man should be an instructor. “And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God” (I Samuel 9:27).

Paul expands our understanding of this office: “But thou, O man of God, flee these things [previous verses on pride]; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (I Timothy 6:11). In the jungle or city, look for a man of God to follow or, better still, become that person of God that others can follow. KBC