Day 34, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Exodus 4:18–7:13; 1Chronicles 6:1–4a
Early Leadership Struggles
Most people are familiar with Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States. He is considered one of the most outstanding leaders of all time! However, in his early years as president, he was severely criticized by most people and even his own party.
Perhaps some of us are called by God to do something, yet we experience difficulties early on. We are discouraged. Did God call us to do this or not? If he did, why are we experiencing so many challenges? Shouldn’t all our efforts be blessed? If any of us have felt this way, it is no surprise—the LORD is testing our faith and tenacity. We believe something is God’s will, but others are slow to buy into it. They have to be shown that this is God’s will and that he has chosen us to lead. Today’s Bible study from Moses’ life will explain early leadership struggles and how the LORD can help.
The Need for Leadership
After almost 400 years, the LORD said he was concerned about Israel’s bondage and cruel treatment. Why did he wait so long? In God’s great compassion, he gave the Amorite nation living in the land of Canaan the opportunity to turn from her extreme wickedness (Genesis 15:16). Furthermore, the Israelites were now crying out to God in their bondage (Exodus 2:23). Before then, perhaps the people didn’t fully comprehend their desperate situation and cry out to him.Is there a need for leadership in our lives? Are people crying out to God for it? The LORD wants to be needed.
God sees the misery of his people. He hears their cries from the lashings and beatings from the slave drivers. The LORD is concerned about their sufferings, and he’s coming down to rescue them! The LORD will be personally involved in saving the Israelites (notice the many times that God uses the personal pronoun “I” in Exodus 3:7-10).There are times when we, like God, personally come to the rescue of our children when they ask. Then in gratitude, they realize “Dad did this for me” or “Mom did this for me.” We do things that they can’t do for themselves, and their dependence and humble gratitude bring them closer to us.
Let’s consider helping our family members. We can observe and choose the right time to lift their burdens (we are talking about loving, not spoiling our children). This same principle could be applied in ministering to elderly parents, teachers helping students, friends helping other friends, or any of us helping neighbors and strangers.
The LORD comes to the rescue of his children, and he cares about those who are enslaved and abused. Perhaps some of us are crying out to him right now. He hears and delivers his children (those who have a personal relationship with him). Do we know him? Do we belong to him? (more...)God Chooses Leadership
God will use Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage. Moses, however, is a reluctant messenger. He has no confidence in himself or his abilities, so he asks the LORD to send someone else to deliver them. God is angry with Moses because it’s the LORD who gives the ability to lead. Still, Moses declines. Finally, the LORD convinces Moses to go to Egypt by telling him that he is appointing his brother Aaron as the spokesman and that He (God) will help them. The LORD will give us the ability to do his will if we trust him.
Adversity in Leadership
Moses and Aaron go to Egypt. They share with the Israelites that God does see their misery, and he cares. They also perform signs before them, and their spirits are lifted. When Moses and Aaron see Pharaoh, however, the man doesn’t know God or fear him. He refuses to listen to them. They try their signs on Pharaoh, but in a sort, his magicians can replicate the feats. Pharaoh is angry. He increases the Israelites’ labors and misery, and once again, the Israelites feel hopeless. They blame Moses and Aaron. God’s messengers are discouraged and disillusioned. Hadn’t God sent them to deliver the Israelites?
Moses should’ve expected opposition because God told him it would be so (Exodus 3:18-20). Now, the LORD will get greater glory by delivering his people with a mighty hand. In this way, the Israelites will know he is personally saving them (Exodus 6:1-8).God will reveal himself to the Israelites as more than just the Almighty God; he will show them he is Yahweh (LORD), the personal, self-existent (“I AM”). The Almighty is the faithful and covenant-keeping God. Perhaps immediate answers to our prayers are not forthcoming because the LORD will deliver us in a much better way. It is then that we will glorify and know him personally. Do we know him?
Tenacity in Leadership
Except for his reluctance to speak, Moses obeys everything God commands him (Exodus 6:28–7:13).He sticks to his task and returns to Pharaoh, willing to face more rejection, if necessary, to do the will of God. What about us? Leadership requires tenacity, even in times of adversity. Are we willing to keep doing the will of God, even if there is conflict? As we gain more experience in leadership, this becomes easier.
Discussion
What are some early leadership struggles? Why do their followers struggle?
Are there solutions to early leadership struggles? What are they?
How can someone be tenacious in his leadership?
Focus Verse
Psalm 31:3 (NIV) “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.”
You can watch a video of today's lesson here. It does use artistic license but seeks to capture the spirit of the story. Start at 10:00 and end at 16:47.
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
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Looking Ahead:God will deliver the Israelites as he promised, but first he must remove idols. What do Removing Idols have to do with God's deliverance? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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