DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday 25 October 2023
TOPIC: Undue Pressure on Leadership
TEXT: Numbers 11:10-15 (KJV)
10 Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.
11 And Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?
12 Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?
13 Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.
14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.
15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.
KEY VERSE
“Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.”
(Numbers 11:10)
DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday 25 October 2023 MESSAGE
Leaders are strong people who do more than others to earn the respect of those they lead. Naturally, we expect leaders to be ahead and show good examples while the people follow. However, some followers can, by their actions or inaction, subvert the best intentions of their leaders. Moses was a passionate leader who loved God and the people he was leading.
He was seriously disturbed by the behaviour and actions of the Israelites. The congregation, wrongly influenced by a mixed multitude, was no longer satisfied with manna that God provided. They wanted flesh and, like babies, started to cry to force Moses to provide what they needed immediately. Their demand for flesh led Moses to pray the most discouraging prayer of his entire ministry.
READ DCLM Daily Manna Tuesday 24 October 2023 – Chastened, yet Dedicated
He repeatedly confessed negative statements and at a point asked God to let him die since the pressure on him was too much. While there might be nothing wrong in asking for what we need, we must be careful that we do not push our leaders beyond a reasonable limit. Believers must be careful not to put negative pressure on their leaders. When we undermine clear instructions and guidance from our leaders, we can discourage them.
At the same time, we must be careful of the company we keep. The infiltration of the mixed multitude caused the Israelites to behave badly. Similarly, leaders must brace up for times like this when, like David, they would need to encourage themselves in the Lord. They must not allow the negative actions and confessions of their followers to destroy their confidence in God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Great congregations produce great leaders and great leaders breed great followers.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 10-12
