Unexpected Leadership
Just when things couldn't get any worse, Moses saves the people. As I read Numbers 14, I could not believe the devotion that Moses had to his people. Even when the Hebrews are on the brink of completely rejecting him as a leader, he still puts his neck out for them. A couple of specifics that really stood out. In the earliest reaches of the chapter, we find the Hebrews saying that they are ready for new leadership that will lead them back to slavery. At this point, Moses and Aaron throw themselves on the ground and plead with them to reconsider. This is amazing to me, because I know when I am really fed up and frustrated with people I am leading, the last thing I want to do is humbly submit to their wills.
The other thing that is crazy is that God actually sides with Moses' frustration. Instead of telling him to get over himself, He says that he will wipe out the Hebrews and allow Moses' offspring to replace them. Somehow, and I'm not particularly sure what he was thinking, Moses intercedes and asks God to spare them.
When we are frustrated as leaders, we should make it a rule to 1. humble ourselves and 2. pray for the people we are leading. Let's face it, we are all messed up and need grace.
Created over 2 years ago
