Leadership Lessons from the life of Moses

Moses had the tremendous task of leading the nation of Israel out of their 430 years of Egyptian bondage to the Promised Land.  Moses was set apart from his birth for this task when his life was miraculously spared by the Princess in Pharaoh’s house who found him in a specially made basket floating in the river.  Some have joked that Moses was a “basket case” from the beginning and there were a couple incidents in his life that may have confirmed this label. 

Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s palace, given a fine education and lived a life that was very different from his fellow Israelites who were slaves.  Yet Moses never lost touch with his people and as he grew older the oppression that he observed stirred him to take action.  In his anger he killed an Egyptian who was abusing one of his fellow Israelites.  Though his actions were wrong, we see something in the heart of Moses that I believe God placed there and that was his desire to see his people set free from the horrible treatment of the Egyptians.  His plan to be an individual sniper was short sighted and ill planned and caused him to flee for his life.  His 40 years in the lap of luxury were over and he found himself in the desert far removed from the life he had known as well as the people he wanted to help.  Moses must have felt like a complete failure, that his life was pretty much over and did not have much hope of ever returning to his people.

But God had not forgotten Moses, he still had a plan for his life to fulfill the desire he had to deliver his people.  The mistakes of our past may delay some things from happening but it does not mean that they never will be accomplished in our lives.  Moses is a great example of one who had a desire to do something great but attempted it in the wrong way.  He spend 40 years living with his father-in-law Jethro and his wife.  He raised a family and lived a normal life in a foreign country until the day he had a divine encounter that changed everything.

Spiritual Leaders are called by God not self-appointed

God had a calling on Moses’ life to lead his people out of captivity.  Spiritual Leadership begins with God’s calling not man’s desire to be lording over people.  God is the one who appoints spiritual leaders.  Moses the murderer was the man God wanted, a strange choice it would seem for many but not for God.  God knew Moses’ failures but also his potential that Moses did not even understand.  Moses did not feel qualified to be the leader.

Exo 3:11  But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?"

Often God calls people into leadership to address a specific need or situation.  It was not something they were seeking but God was seeking them and saw their potential. Some may question his choice and those he chooses often feel overwhelmed by the calling.

“Once Saint Francis of Assisi was confronted by a brother who asked him repeatedly, ‘Why you? Why you?  Francis responded, in today’s terms ‘Why me what?’  ‘Why does everyone want to see you? Hear you? Obey you? You are not so handsome, nor learned, nor from a noble family.  Yet the world seems to want to follow you, ‘the brother said.

Then Francis raised his eyes to heaven, knelt in praise to God, and turned to his interrogator:

‘You want to know?  It is because the eyes of the Most High have willed it so.  He continually watches the good and the wicked, and as His most holy eyes have not found among sinners any smaller man, nor any more insufficient and sinful, therefore He has chosen me to accomplish the marvelous work which God has undertaken; He chose me because He could find none more worthless and He wished to confound the nobility and grandeur, the strength, the beauty and the learning of this world.’

Oswald Sanders: Spiritual Leadership

Someone said God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called.”  This is true in some ways but God also naturally gifts people to serve in a leadership role.

Spiritual Leaders depend upon God

Moses had doubts about his ability to lead but God gave him the assurance that he could do it because he was going to be with him.  Spiritual leadership is marked by dependence upon God.  The task God had called him to do was not achievable on his own wisdom or plans.  Leaders in God’s kingdom have to constantly depend upon God to be with them, to go before them to lead the way. The way to successful spiritual leadership is found in submission to God.  God is in charge and leaders must always let him lead.  The task of the leader is to be in a position of hearing God’s voice, seeking his plans and following his counsel.  Throughout the ordeal with Pharaoh Moses followed this.  He heard God’s voice and understood the plan God had given to him and followed his advice.  Moses’ plan was to simply carry out God’s plan. After leaving Egypt Moses continually sought God’s counsel and advice.   Provision for a million plus people of food and water is a mind boggling task.  It is estimated that they needed 100,000,000 gallons of water each week.  Moses had to depend upon God as did all the people.  It was a training ground for everyone to see if they would trust him to provide for them.  When you have a million people living in harsh conditions there is bound to be numerous conflicts that arise.  Moses had to depend upon God’s wisdom to help settle the disputes justly.

Spiritual leaders face challenges with God’s promises

As God’s appointed leader Moses faced many challenges.  The promises God gave him would be his constant encouragement when things were not happening as fast as he thought or as fast as the people wanted them to happen.  From the initial calling of Moses God gave him specific words to reassure him that the plan would be successful.

The promise of his return to the very location God called him.

Exo 3:12  He said, "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain."

The promise to bring the people out and bring them in to the Promised Land.

Exo. 3.16-17 "I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey."'

The promise of opposition but also of being released.

Exo 3:19-20  But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go.

The promise of favor and provision

Exo 3:21-22  And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty,  but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians."

The call to spiritual leadership is not an easy calling.  It is not for everyone and those who are called will face many challenges that can be very discouraging if one does not keep in mind the promises God has given.  Moses needed this assurance to be able to stand against all the opposition that he would receive from both Pharaoh as well as the Israelites who would lose confidence in Moses when things got worse for them.

The promise of fulfilling the covenant

Later on Moses faced another challenge by the people in captivity.  Pharaoh was not complying with Moses’ request to let the people go.  He decided to make life worse for them and this made the people question whether Moses’ was doing any good.  Their confidence in him in the public opinion polls was down to zero. 

"The LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us."

Exo 5:22-23  Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, "O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all."

This bothered Moses and he brought his concern to the Lord.  God again reassured him of the covenant he had made with the Patriarchs would be fulfilled and he promised that Pharaoh would drive them out of Egypt after God’s judgments on them were rendered.  Further God confirmed that he was LORD and he was in control.

Exo 6:1  But the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land." God spoke to Moses and said to him, "I am the LORD.

Spiritual leaders must be people of great faith in God.  Moses had to have faith that the promised God had given to him would be fulfilled.  The Israelites did not have the faith that Moses had, they constantly doubted and murmured about their circumstances.  Moses held fast to the promises God had given him and used them to overcome the negative feedback he was given by the people and encouraged them to trust God to be faithful to his promises.

Spiritual leaders cannot hide behind excuses.

Moses angered God when he tried to excuse himself from being God’s spokesman. 

Exo 4:10  But Moses said to the LORD, "Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue."

The perceived speech impediment was not an issue for God but what was the issue was his faith in God’s ability to work through his limitations. 

Exo 4:12  Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.

God conceded Moses’ request to have his brother Aaron be the spokesman but his preference was to have Moses be his mouthpiece.  Eventually Moses was the spokesperson that God wanted him to be and in hindsight Moses realized that his excuse was not valid and that he missed out on something God wanted him to experience.  Excuses are often the result of lack of faith in God’s ability to work in the situation.  Our lack of faith not our lack of ability will limit God. Just as God promised Moses that he would be his teacher, he will do the same for us in the areas that we feel inadequate or unprepared.  Spiritual leaders do not let perceived weaknesses become excuses for not responding in faith in God’s ability.

Spiritual leaders provide encouragement to people facing adversity.

When Pharaoh finally released the Israelites to leave their country, it did not take long for him to change his mind and pursue them.  This caused great fear among the Israelites and they complained to Moses about the death trap they were in.  Moses heard their cry but responded in a way to give them encouragement.

Exo 14:13-14  And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."

By this time Moses was 100% confident that God was going to save and deliver them.  The circumstances did not look good but God’s promises were going to be fulfilled and Moses placed his confidence in the Lord.

There would be many more adverse circumstances that the Israelites would face on the journey to the Promised Land.  Their murmurings and complaints were numerous but each time Moses would encourage them that God was going to see them through and perform miracles for them.  He never sided with them and joined the complaint department.  He looked to God for the answers and continually encouraged the people.

A leader has to rise above the circumstances and not let the complaints drag him into a mindset of negative thoughts.  The seemingly darkest hours are the moments when true leaders must take a stand and declare God’s promises to encourage the people. The leader who cowers will lose the confidence of his people but the leader who leads in front of the adversity will inspire his people to follow.

A story is told of George Washington’s leadership during the French-Indian War in the U.S.A. Washington was fighting with the British troops and they were being slaughter because they were using warfare rules that the Indians did not know or care to follow.  The British style was to line up in rows and take aim at the enemy who agreed to the same warfare rule. The Indians used guerilla warfare, hiding behind trees and rocks.  Washington’s men quickly adapted their strategy to minimize their loses.  Washington was on his horse riding back and forth in the battle, exposed to enemy fire to encourage his soldiers.  The Indian chief later recounted that he told his braves to fire at the leaders, and they did but none of the bullets entered Washington’s body.  He had holes in his jacket and had 2 horses shot out from under him but rode away unscathed.  Washington was a great example of courage and encouragement to his men.

Spiritual leaders develop an intimate relationship with God. 

When Moses met God, he did not really know God.  He would become Israel’s first spiritual leader of the newly formed nation.  When he met God he had to ask Him how he should identify him to the Israelites. Moses’ relationship with God was in its infant stages and he had much to learn. Yet over time Moses came to know God’s character and nature. He eventually was called the man who knew God face to face. Moses spent time with God on Mount Sinai, two 40 day visits being taught by God.  The laws he was given to teach the people helped him understand God’s holiness, justice, mercy and his love.  When Moses came down from the mountain he was a changed man.  His face radiated the presence of God such that he had to cover it for the sake of the people.  Moses sought God for wisdom in deciding cases that were brought before him.  He reached the point in his life that the presence of God became more important to him than life itself.

Exo 33:11-17  Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. Moses said to the LORD, "See, you say to me, 'Bring up this people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.' Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people." And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." And he said to him, "If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?" And the LORD said to Moses, "This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name."

Moses’ relationship with God was one of intimacy.  God knew him by name and gave him favor.  Spiritual leaders must spend time with God.  If they are too busy then they are too busy and must make decisions to prioritize their lives to give time to be with God.  Without his presence in our lives we have little to offer those who are serving under our leadership.  If our spiritual tank is running on empty we will quickly burn out and not be of value to the people we serve.  A daily connection and a continual connection to the Lord are needed to keep us filled to help us give to others.  Moses experienced burn out when he was taking on too much work deciding cases between people.  His father-in-law saved the day by giving him advice how to delegate the work to other capable leaders. Overworking can be a real problem in ministry.  There is always something you could be doing.  There has to be a disconnect from our work so that we can be refreshed in the presence of the Lord. It seems to be a greater challenge today with all of the communication devices that beckon us 24 hours a day.  As convenient and helpful as they are, they can also be a great distraction and hindrance from setting aside time to be in God’s presence.  The spirituality of the leader has a great influence in the lives of those under their leadership. Paul like Moses set the example for the churches under his leadership and boldly told them to follow him as he followed after Christ.

 A spiritual leader must be an intercessor for his people.

Moses interceded for his people on several occasions. When Amalek was at war against Israel, Moses stood at the top of the hill and raised the rod of God over the battlefield.  He was interceding for his people asking for God’s intervention and power to be displayed to overcome the enemy.  Moses was fulfilling a priestly role as he interceded for the people.(Exodus 17:8-15)

When Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain where he was spending time with God, the people decided to make their own god, a golden calf. (Exodus 32) This caused God reached a point where he was willing to wipe out the nation of Israel and start over.  Their hard hearts, stiff necks and at times empty heads reached the tipping point with God. 

Exo 32:10  Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you."

In spite of all the hassles these people gave Moses, he rose to their defense and interceded for them that God would not destroy them.  Moses was bonded to his people and he pleaded with God to not wipe them out. God knew that Moses would intercede for the people or he would not have asked Moses to “let me go.” He appealed to God’s character and reputation among the other nations who would conclude that God had brought them out to kill them.  Moses reminded God of his covenant with the patriarchs that he promised to fulfill.

The prayer life of a leader for his/her personal life, ministry and the people he or she serves has to become a regular part of daily life.  The definitive feature of every spiritual leader is that they are people of prayer.

"Our prayer must not be self-centered. It must arise not only because we feel our own need as a burden we must lay upon God, but also because we are so bound up in love for our fellow men that we feel their need as acutely as our own. To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them." John Calvin