What to Glean from Moses’ Leadership

Leadership is an essential part of any society, and where it is not given ultimate attention, trouble will loom, and knowledge will be crammed beyond comprehension. In essence, the world needs leaders who will rise above societal pressures and be determined to change the course of things in their time and generation. 

The Bible is rich with examples of leaders, from judges to kings, priests, prophets, and finally, the apostles. One particular character, however, stands out uniquely: Moses. With his distinct role and actions, Moses can be a beacon of insight in understanding biblical leadership.  

Moses’ Background

Moses was born in very turbulent times during the Egyptian enslavement. The children of Israel had gone to Egypt during the rule of Joseph (Genesis 47:1-27) when he was second in command after Pharaoh. However, after the death of Joseph and Pharaoh, another Pharaoh who did not know Joseph arose (Exodus 1:8-22). He was cruel to the children of Israel; he hated them and wanted to get rid of the Jews from the land. God saved Moses from birth by guiding the mother and sister to place him in the river Nile, flowing into the very presence of Pharoah’s palace (Exodus 2:1-10). As a child of the Pharoah, Moses was probably taught the ways of the Egyptians, but God had different plans for him as it unfolds in the rest of the book of Exodus (Exodus 2:11-22). God had started the journey of a renowned leader in the wilderness of Midian to Egypt and then to the promised land. So, how did Moses lead, and what can we glean from his style?

Guided By God’s Vision (Exodus 3:1-22)

Leadership is guiding people towards a specific direction and for a particular purpose. Biblical or godly leadership guides people towards God’s direction and for God’s purposes. Moses’ leadership was characterized by a clear sight of God’s vision. Exodus 3:1-6 tells us of the strange burning bush that kicked off Moses’ leadership journey. The angel of the LORD spoke from the bush and gave Moses clarity on what was required of him. He told Moses what heaven thought about slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3:7), what God intended to do about it (Exodus 3:8-9), and how God was going to accomplish it (Exodus 3:10). God painted the vision to Moses and explained clearly what was going to take place and how Moses would be a part of it. Throughout his ministry, Moses stuck to this goal (Exodus 40:16). He understood that if he was going to accomplish what God wanted, he had to know and follow God’s vision. 

For leaders to lead in a way that glorifies God, they must clearly understand God’s vision for the work at hand. Do you know why you are in your leadership position today? How did you end up there? Was it for personal gain and glory or because God showed you his vision for the moment? Understanding God’s vision must begin with Scripture. 

Dependent Upon God’s Empowerment (Exodus 4:1-17)

Moses followed the LORD with unwavering courage and determination. However, this was not his initial response. When God called him, Moses gave excuses, for he felt too small for the task ahead.

1. He Had No Leadership Qualifications.

Moses’ initial complaint was rooted in an inferiority complex: ‘I am not that convincing in my qualifications.’ He doubted the people would believe him (Exodus 4:1), perhaps because he was just a random guy from the wilderness. However, God transformed his perspective by showing Moses that he (God) can use whatever small and insignificant thing for his great purposes (Exodus 4:1-9). The Lord does not need our qualifications since he is the one who qualifies all those he calls. 

2. He Gave God His Staff.

Moses pointed to his lack of qualifications and suggested that he had nothing to offer that would make him a credible messenger. God quickly redirected Moses to what he had in his hands, a staff (Exodus 4:2). Initially, Moses never considered the staff as anything significant. However, once it became part of God’s plan, the staff would catalyse all the miraculous works that Israel would witness in Egypt and beyond, even to the edge of the Jordan (Exodus 4:3-9). What do you have in your hands? Do not underestimate it; give it to God and see how much he can accomplish through it. 

3. He Knew His Shortcomings.

Moses pointed God to his stammering speech to deter God from going on with the plan. If I cannot speak, I am not a good messenger and, therefore, incapable of being the mouthpiece God wanted. But again, God had to change Moses’ perspective (Exodus 4:10-16). God is the one who created our mouths and gives us speech. Therefore, like Moses, we must remember that God’s purposes in our lives cannot be thwarted even by our limitations (Job 42:2). 

In all these scenarios, God reminded Moses that his success was not in what he (Moses) could do but rather in the empowerment that comes from God. Indeed, it was not going to be by might or by power but by the Spirit of the Lord in Moses (Zechariah 4:6, Psalm 33:16, Psalm 44:3). 

Spoke God’s Instructions Fully (Exodus 5:1)

Godly leadership, as seen in Moses’ life, is all about reiterating what God has instructed. After reading the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, one cannot help but notice how many times Moses is recorded as doing everything just as God told him: “And Moses did all that the LORD had commanded.” How admirable? He led the people of Israel, not as he thought and felt but according to the instructions he received from the LORD. Exodus 39 and 40 capture these moments (Exodus 39:32, 42-43, 40:17-23 etc). Jesus exemplified this type of leadership as well. He did all the Father wanted done (John 5:19, 30, 8:28, 12:49, 14:10). If you are to lead God’s people towards God’s destination, you must always follow God’s instructions to the latter. 

Practised Delegation (Exodus 18:1-27)

After they had crossed the Red Sea, Moses found himself with more on his plate than he could handle as a leader. Praise God for older and wiser people around us. Jethro, his father-in-law, called him and advised him on how to handle things moving forward: delegation. Moses chose leaders upon whom God’s counsel rested to help judge the people and their issues (Exodus 18:24-26). This act fosters the principle of interdependence: realizing that we can achieve much more together than individually. As is usually said in leadership circles, if you want to go fast, go solo. But if you want to go far, go with a team. Moses took the advice, and it worked wonders.

Walked in Humility (Numbers 12:1-16)

Finally, Moses’ humility held all these leadership qualities and styles together. Numbers 12:3 records that he was very meek, more than all the people on the earth. When Moses’ siblings rose to oppose him and his leadership, he did not retaliate but instead went ahead before the LORD and laid the matter bare, just in case he was also in error. God vindicated him and punished Aaron and Miriam. The New Testament is open about the virtue of humility, especially in leadership. Jesus started his ministry by stating that the humble will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). The Psalmist reminds us that God takes pleasure and exalts the humble (Psalm 147:6, 149:4). James and Peter call us to pursue a heart of humility if we want to see God’s exaltation as his leaders (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6). Humility is rooted in quiet confidence and reliance on the LORD alone. The humble at heart are the servants of all (Matthew 23:11). Leadership is about servanthood. 

What can you apply today from Moses’s life and leadership styles? Pick up a lesson or two and see how the LORD will transform your leadership for his glory and your joy.

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