2.5 million complaining people for 40 years in a scorching hot desert. Few leaders would measure up to that task, but Moses did.
As God buried Moses in the final chapters of Deuteronomy 34, there’s a great statement that sums up Moses’ life:
“Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel” (Deuteronomy 34:10-12).
That is a pretty strong endorsement for Moses’ leadership. I bet he would be elected if he were on the ballot today!
Perhaps God has some leadership attributes to teach us through His servant Moses? I’d like to offer five unique perspectives on Moses’ leadership that I hope will encourage you as Christian leaders.
1. Moses was a man of questions
Questions don’t necessarily correlate to weakness. Throughout the early years of Moses’ life, we see him asking tons of questions. Why the violence? Why’s the bush burning? Who am I that I should go? (Exodus 2:13; 3:3; 3:11). Despite the fact that many of us associate leadership with decisiveness, leadership is also about discovery. A leader needs to know the needs of his/her people in order to know the best way forward. Asking questions gives leaders the ability to make good, deeply informed decisions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions… Moses did.
2. Moses was the humblest of all
The book of Numbers refers to Moses as “more humble than anyone else on the face of earth” (Numbers 12:3). Yup, Moses wins the humility in leadership award! But the thing is, I don’t think Moses cared. In fact, Moses didn’t even want to be the leader (Exodus 3:11). In his interactions with Jethro, Aaron, Joshua, and others, Moses continually demonstrated attributes of humility.
Here’s the thing about humility in leadership: humble leaders are aware of their weaknesses, respect and promote the strengths of their followers, are flexible to adapt and change their minds, and are eager to grow. Arrogant leaders generally fail to recognize what they do not yet know and fail to unleash the potential in their followers. Good leaders embrace humility… Moses did.
3. Moses was sensitive to the needs of others
Ever work for an insensitive leader? Yeah, you remember it, don’t you! Moses led with sensitivity to the pain and injustice of others. Moses repeatedly defended the weak when they were oppressed by the powerful and advantaged. He was outraged at the injustice towards the Jewish slave (Exodus 2:11-15). He came to the defense of the daughters at that well (Exodus 2:17). He even challenged God’s commitment to justice in Exodus 5:22-23.
Great Christian leaders recognize that good leadership takes into account the lives of the vulnerable. While this requires tremendous courage and is often an unpopular or dangerous task, upholding the cause of the needy is an attribute of a good leader… Moses did. [1]
4. Moses stuck to a task he knew he wouldn’t complete
Moses was given the vision to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the land flowing with milk and honey. But he didn’t get there! In Numbers 20, when Moses is told he won’t enter the promised land due to his sin at the Desert of Zin, Moses doesn’t give up and pout. Instead, he stuck to the vision and persevered to the end even though he knew he himself wouldn’t complete it.
Leaders will not always get to see their vision come to completion. Retirement, failure, illness, and injury (to name a few) sometimes cut short the journey. However, good leaders not only share a vision but share the understanding that sometimes the next man or woman will be the one to carry it forward to completion. Pursue the vision for as long as God calls you to it and then humbly hand it over for someone else to carry… Moses did. [2]
5. Moses prayed like his ministry depended on it!
Whether you are a pastor, teacher, engineer, or politician, your primary job as a godly leader is prayer. Prayer for the people you are working with and leading. Prayer for wisdom, direction, provision, and fruitfulness. Prayer for humility. Prayer for confidence. Praying down strongholds and praying up opportunities.
Moses was surrounded by crowds of people clamoring for his time. So will we as we lead. However, Moses still prioritized time with God in prayer (Exodus 33:7-11). When leaders give in to the tyranny of the urgent, they are actually doing those they are leading a disservice. Prayer is a central attribute to good leadership. Find time to lead through prayer… Moses did. [3]
God has made you a leader
Whether you are leading a business, a church, a home, or a team of two on a project, God has made you a leader. And good leadership is hard. Though much more than the five attributes listed above could be highlighted, Moses was a leader to learn from. He led with questions, humility, sensitivity, perseverance, and prayer. May each of you embrace the opportunities that God has given you to lead and look to Him for wisdom and strength each step of the journey… just as Moses did.
Growth Point:
Moses was a leader to learn from. He led with questions, humility, sensitivity, perseverance, and prayer.
Scripture Point:
Reflect on the advice given to Moses in Exodus 18:21.
Action Point:
Identify some of the good leaders you have followed. Which of these qualities did they exhibit? What can you learn from their leadership?
Leave A Comment