Respect for Leaders

 Today's Reading:
Numbers 11:24-13:33
John 10:22-42
Psalm 39:1-13
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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