“So the LORD said to Moses, ‘I have seen these people, and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.’” – Exodus 32:9-10
Divine Appointment of Moses
As we explore the story of Moses, we begin to see how God directly appointed him as a leader. From his humble beginnings to being chosen for a monumental task, God selected Moses not only for his unique qualities but also for the mission he was to fulfill. God saw potential in Moses that he himself did not recognize. This reminds us that our calling often comes from a place where we feel least qualified. God can use each of us as leaders in our own lives, guiding others and fulfilling His purpose.
Exodus 3:10
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:10
Exodus 3:12
“And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.’” – Exodus 3:12
Exodus 4:15
“You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do.” – Exodus 4:15
Exodus 4:27
“The LORD said to Aaron, ‘Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.’ So he met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him.” – Exodus 4:27
Acts 7:35
“This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.” – Acts 7:35
Leadership in Times of Crisis
Moses faced numerous challenges as a leader during critical moments of crisis. From facing Pharaoh to leading the Israelites through the wilderness, he demonstrated unwavering courage and determination. His ability to remain calm under pressure shows us that true leadership arises in times of need. God equipped Moses with the strength and wisdom required to lead His chosen people, which assures us that we too can rise to the occasion when faced with challenges.
Exodus 14:13
“Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.’” – Exodus 14:13
Exodus 17:9
“Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.’” – Exodus 17:9
Exodus 17:11
“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning; but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.” – Exodus 17:11
Exodus 32:11
“But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. ‘LORD,’ he said, ‘why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?’” – Exodus 32:11
Numbers 14:13
“Moses said to the LORD, ‘Then the Egyptians will hear about it. By your power, you brought these people up from among them.’” – Numbers 14:13
Faithful Intercession
Leadership also requires intercession, and Moses exemplified this through his commitment to praying for the Israelites. He often stood in the gap between God and the people, advocating for them even at personal risk. His willingness to plead with God demonstrates the importance of compassion and empathy in leadership. As we take on leadership roles, we must remember that our prayers have power, and we, too, can intercede for those we lead.
Exodus 32:32
“But now, please forgive their sin, but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” – Exodus 32:32
Numbers 14:19
“In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of this people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.” – Numbers 14:19
Exodus 9:27
“Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. ‘This time I have sinned,’ he said to them. ‘The LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong.’” – Exodus 9:27
Numbers 11:2
“When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down.” – Numbers 11:2
Deuteronomy 9:20
“And the LORD was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, but at that time I prayed for Aaron too.” – Deuteronomy 9:20
Guidance and Instruction
Moses served not only as a leader but also as a guide, ushering his people with instructions through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. He provided laws and guidelines for them to follow, promoting a community built on God’s principles. His capacity to teach reinforces that leadership involves guiding others towards a shared vision and purpose. In our lives, we, too, must take time to seek wisdom and share it with those we lead.
Exodus 18:20
“Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.” – Exodus 18:20
Deuteronomy 31:11
“When all Israel comes together and stands before the LORD your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing.” – Deuteronomy 31:11
Deuteronomy 6:6
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” – Deuteronomy 6:6
Deuteronomy 4:2
“Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.” – Deuteronomy 4:2
Exodus 34:32
“Afterward all the Israelites came near him and he gave them all the commands the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai.” – Exodus 34:32
Legacy of Leadership
Moses’ leadership journey created a legacy of faith that has lasted for generations. The impact of his leadership extended far beyond his lifetime, shaping the narrative of the Israelites and teaching timeless lessons in obedience and perseverance. As we reflect on Moses’ influence, we realize that our actions today can set the course for future generations. We, too, have the opportunity to create a positive legacy by leading with faith and integrity.
Deuteronomy 34:5
“And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said.” – Deuteronomy 34:5
Deuteronomy 34:10
“Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.” – Deuteronomy 34:10
Numbers 12:7
“But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.” – Numbers 12:7
Hebrews 11:24
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” – Hebrews 11:24
Joshua 1:1
“After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, ‘Moses’ aide.’” – Joshua 1:1
Empowerment of Others
A crucial aspect of Moses’ leadership involved empowering others. He did not carry the weight of leadership alone; he enlisted the support of Aaron and others. He understood the importance of teamwork and shared purpose. As we lead, we should recognize and cultivate the gifts of those around us. By empowering others, we create an environment where many can thrive together.
Exodus 18:21
“But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” – Exodus 18:21
Exodus 17:12
“When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” – Exodus 17:12
Numbers 11:16
“The LORD said to Moses: ‘Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people.’” – Numbers 11:16
Deuteronomy 1:13
“Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.” – Deuteronomy 1:13
Exodus 34:9
“And he said, ‘If I have found favor in your eyes, then let the LORD go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.’” – Exodus 34:9
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the leadership of Moses, we see a story filled with divine purpose, resilience, and impact. Moses was chosen by God to lead His people out of slavery, proving that leadership requires faith and courage. He displayed unwavering faith in times of crisis, demonstrating how important it is to stand firm and guide others through challenges.
Moses also taught us the value of interceding for others, showing that leadership is not only about making decisions, but also about caring for the needs of the community. His ability to provide guidance and instruction created a blueprint for future generations, reminding us that a strong leader nurtures those they lead. Ultimately, Moses left a profound legacy that empowers us to become leaders in our own right.
Leadership can take many forms, and as we strive to be effective leaders in our lives and communities, we should always remember to empower those around us. Developing the gifts of others enriches everyone. We can continue to grow in our calling by exploring more topics, such as leadership in the Bible and leading our families.