Today's Reading:
Numbers 11:24-13:33
John 10:22-42
Psalm 39:1-13
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: Numbers 12:1-2
1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 2 "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?" they asked. "Hasn't he also spoken through us?" And the LORD heard this.
Insight:
Being
a leader is tough. Not only did Moses have to deal with the
complaints and discontent of the greater community, he also had to deal
with conflicts in his inner circle—even with his own brother and
sister. Aaron and Miriam were evidently having problems with two
things: first, they had personal issues with Moses' wife; and second,
they were jealous of Moses and felt he should share more authority with
them.
God was very displeased with them and made two
things very clear: first, Moses was his chosen leader and deserved
their respect and support; second, God would not tolerate their
prideful divisiveness.
Moses appealed to God on their
behalf and the incident was put behind them. Miriam and Aaron took
the rebuke to heart and never questioned Moses' leadership again.
Response and Action:
I
want to give leaders the support and respect they deserve. It isn't
easy to be a leader, so I will be careful to not undermine the service
of those who lead, especially on the grounds of jealousy or personal
issues unrelated to their leadership. Moses was a humble leader who
was clearly doing his best to follow, obey, and honor God. I want to
help and follow and stand behind leaders who clearly love, obey,
serve, and honor God. I want to seek and love God with all my heart,
soul, mind, and strength, in order to be ready to serve and lead as
God calls.
O God, thank you for
the many men and women who have done so much to lead and serve
others. Raise up leaders for your people today. Give us leaders who
seek you and shepherd your people. Strengthen them in the times when
they do not have the respect, cooperation, and support they deserve.
Help me to recognize godly leadership when I see it. Help me to love
and follow you so that I might honor you in the ways you call me to
serve and lead. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 13:7,17
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. - - - 17
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over
you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work
will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Resources:
Community and Submission
by Jan Johnson
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Respect for Leaders
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