Thought for the Week
Moses wasn’t a natural leader. He was a vision guy—great at talking to burning bushes, not so great at talking to hoards of Hebrews. He was also passionate and strong-willed (ahem, I can relate). He tried to beg off, but God wouldn’t take לא for an answer. True, his brother Aaron was allowed to help, but Moses alone was to wield the staff of authority.
Things hit a major low when water supplies ran out (Numbers 20:3-8). So God instructed Moses and Aaron to “speak” to a particular rock, promising that when they did, water would spring forth from it. But Moses was so frustrated with the quarreling Hebrews that instead he shouted, “Must we bring forth water from this rock!” And then he whacked it with his staff. Twice. Oops.
Misrepresenting God is near the top of God’s לא List. Result? After a glimpse of the Promised Land, Moses died. Why? Because, “when the congregation quarreled,” he and Aaron failed to represent God’s true character — they placed the focus on themselves and their anger instead.
This incident has had a big impact on my understanding of spiritual leadership. I even based a scene in my fantasy novel The Wishing Map on it. But it took on new meaning for me when I started work on my feature film Notzilla. Film directing is a creative role, but it’s also a leadership role, and I sensed God whispering, “Moses is your model.”
Oh, great! I thought. I just have to do better than one of the greatest leaders in history! But then I realized I had a chance at a “Moses-Do-Over.” So I reviewed God’s instructions: “Take your staff and gather the congregation…then speak to the rock that is before them, and it will yield its water…so that they and their livestock can drink.” I saw seven key components:
- God – Don’t hatch schemes and ask God to bless them. Find out what God is doing, and sign up for that!
- Staff – Humbly and soberly accept the staff (role) you’ve been given.
- Rock – Then confidently approach the rock, the challenge set before you. Your purpose is to draw forth God’s intended results.
- Speak – Calmly but scrupulously use your authority to draw forth those results (underpinned by constant prayer, I might add).
- Water – As a symbol of the his Spirit, water represents God’s central role (you are the staff in God’s hand).
- Congregation – The water from the rock is meant to sustain and encourage believers. But there are always others present, as well…
- Livestock – God also sustains those who are unaware of his presence. They are “livestock” only in that they are oblivious to God’s role in their lives (they may, in fact, be more intellectually and creatively gifted than those in “the congregation”).
I’ve had both on my team during my film projects, many of whom I cherish and will work with again. Even if you’re in ministry, you too will end up leading believers and non-believers. You’re calling is to humbly lead and, when the congregation quarrels, to faithfully execute a Moses-Do-Over by setting aside your own will and demonstrating…
God’s true character.
Great insights
Thank you, L.G.
Well-expressed and vital points, Mitch. Thanks for sharing them.
Blessings,
Anne A.
My privilege, Anne.
Thanks for your like of my post, “Christ And Pre-Kingdom Jews – Part 5;” you are very kind .
Great post, Mitch 😎
Thank you, Darryl.
numbers chapter 45 says view upon thee & thou shall be saved
Oh, WOW, Mitch. A Moses-Do-Over—what amazing components and deep wisdom (and let me add—Christ-like common sense!) for leadership! AMEN! God bless you, dear friend.
Bless you back, Karla!
Thank you, dear Mitch! 💙
שימוש חכם בעברית😉
תודה
“…Oh, great! I thought. I just have to do better than one of the greatest leaders in history! But then I realized I had a chance at a “Moses-Do-Over.”…”
How often do we consider that we have an opportunity like Moses had?
Without knowing it, people are following us through the experience of a desert of sorts. It is given to us to be able to lead them faithfully knowing that we are following the One who will teach us how to lead.
We are “Moses(es)” in our world and space, learn by his examples, It’s why they are written.
Blessings Mitch.
Well considered and said, Pete.
A wonderful lesson from this week’s Torah portion.
Delighted to hear that, Kara.
Beautifully written well shared 👏
Thank you, Priti.
💐
This was a great read!
Thank you, Jody.