Truths to be Considered in Numbers 11
Leadership is one of the most misunderstood offices and ministries in the Word and the Church. Some people think it means ―Dictatorship – lording it over the people, as opposed to being an example (See 1 Peter 5:1-6). Others think it means―Promotion for them and therefore grasp at it, rather than seeing it as a service to the people, (See James 3:1). Finally, there are those who see it as a way to be the―Servant of the People‖ and therefore never exercise their authority, (See Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 3:5). Our desire to be accepted and loved can cause us to try to be everyone‘s friend and thereby undermine and weaken true Biblical leadership, (John 12:43). Consider these points concerning leadership:
1. God‘s desire is to spread the burden and responsibility of leadership, 11:17.
2. The leader must also desire and be willing to see the workload shared, 11:29-30.
3. God may anoint someone that we have not considered, 11:26-28.
4. He/she must also be anointed with the Spirit of God, 11:24-25.
Insights Regarding Good Leadership
insight 1: God uses people to look after His creation – Psalm 8:6
God uses people to look after His creation – Psalm 8:6 God‘s three main ‘channels’ are: His Spirit His Word His Man. This takes place consistently throughout His Word. Genesis 1:2,26, ―…God said, let us make man…he will have dominion over… God channels the working and operation of His Spirit through His creation, both man and nature. We may often underplay the significance that God places upon human instrumentality. It is people that depict His work and kingdom here on earth. In most instances, God chooses to use His people as His representatives, to display His power and mercy through us (read 2 Corinthians 5:19c-20).
insight 2: People need leadership.
People are like sheep and need to be led,Luke 24:50; Acts 7:36.Without proper leadership they cannot function together in order (as a united group), rather, they revert back to ‘chaos’, Zechariah 13:7, ―…smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter.‖ That is why, if the leader will not lead, then the sheep will make their own leader.
insight 3: Leaders must re-learn and teach their people to do the same
We have ―standards that are very often no longer valid or useful, some of which may have worked in the past, but now God has moved the church on and revealed more of His purposes and ways.
Leaders are generally too busy as a result of the wrong standards that are set and also because they feel threatened by capable people and try to do all the work themselves.
It is important that leaders choose to delegate and share the burden of leadership, as seen in Numbers 11. Equipping others to do the work will relieve and share the burden, Ephesians 4:11,12.
Stop and reflect:
Leaders must be able to motivate others and impart vision that God reveals to us. Read 2 Corinthians 8 & 9. In what way does Paul motivate the church to give from their hearts and to share the responsibility of giving?
