Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

PERILS OF LEADERSHIP

July 31, 2009

Many of us aspire to leadership. Yet a caution. You can "get it" both ways.

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."
-Number 20:12 TNIV

Numbers 20 is one of the most famous stories in the Old Testament. The Israelites, as they are in the habit of doing, whine and complain about God and the leadership--"No fruit, no good food, no water! We're sick of it." To which Moses and Aaron appeal to God, and God provides them all still another miracle: Moses strikes his staff against a rock, and water pours out, more than enough for everyone and every need. For a short while, Moses pleases the people he leads. But he ticks off God! "You didn't show the Lord for who I really am, holy! Instead you caved to the people." Imagine a pastor placating people as opposed to God. Such a thought.

Yet it was a tragic error on Moses' part. It prevented him from ever entering the Promised Land. He led the people to a place he'd never himself be privileged to inhabit. The perils of leadership.
Joyfully,

Dale Patterson