“Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased” (Numbers 11:10).
TEXT — Numbers 11:10-15
Message
Leaders are strong people who do more than others to earn the respect of those they lead. Naturally, we expect leaders to be ahead and show good examples while the people follow. However, some followers can, by their actions or inaction, subvert the best intentions of their leaders.
Moses was a passionate leader who loved God and the people he was leading. He was seriously disturbed by the behaviour and actions of the Israelites. The congregation, wrongly influenced by a mixed multitude, was no longer satisfied with manna that God provided. They wanted flesh and, like babies, started to cry to force Moses to provide what they needed immediately.
Their demand for flesh led Moses to pray the most discouraging prayer of his entire ministry. He repeatedly confessed negative statements and at a point asked God to let him die since the pressure on him was too much. While there might be nothing wrong in asking for what we need, we must be careful that we do not push our leaders beyond a reasonable limit.
Believers must be careful not to put negative pressure on their leaders. When we undermine clear instructions and guidance from our leaders, we can discourage them. At the same time, we must be careful of the company we keep. The infiltration of the mixed multitude caused the Israelites to behave badly. Similarly, leaders must brace up for times like this when, like David, they would need to encourage themselves in the Lord. They must not allow the negative actions and confessions of their followers to destroy their confidence in God.
Thought for the day
Great congregations produce great leaders and great leaders breed great followers.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
Much appreciated