like Jesus, doesnt hope in peoples approval (John 2:2425), he hopes in God (Psalm 43:5); is not defensive, but leaves his vindication to God (Isaiah 54:17). In this post I will share with you 12 leadership principles from the life of Moses. Through an in-depth study of Moses and how Moses developed as a spiritual leader, Barton draws several lessons for contemporary spiritual leaders. He saw a leader whose potential was being throttled by " the tyranny of the urgent. Want to learn more about spiritual leadership, read more here. At times I feel inadequate in my own ability to lead people and do Gods work. Most times I feel that I do not listen, do not empathize, and do not affirm the things others say to me as well as I should. So Moses cried out to the Lordfor help, and the Lordshowed him a piece of wood. I need to have more confidence because if I am allowing Him to be in charge leading the way for me to follow, then He will do what He wants done. Jethro warned, Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee. Few historical figures have engendered such disparate interpretations as has Moses. One theory takes literally the statement in I Kings 6:1 that the Exodus from Egypt occurred 480 years before Solomon began building the Temple in Jerusalem. Moses reward was not the peoples admiration, and not even the Promised Land. Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the Lordhad done for Israel as he rescued them from the hand of the Egyptians. Throughout his 120 year lifetime, the opportunity was there for himto gain control over this temper. Yet when someone is called to serve in the Church, we can remember that the Lord has chosen this person for this calling at this time. You can submit your own article, ideas, or feedback at liahona.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Later, 70 other men were given the opportunity to see the Lord with Moses and aid in spiritual matters (see Exodus 24:910; Numbers 11:1617, 25). 6. So it will be for any man of us who will rise to lead by first falling on our knees in order to follow. And of course, the leadership characteristics of Christ and his teaching on faith overshadows all of them. Who was this leader and what contributed to his greatness? The Godly Man The authority of God's chosen leader must be respected, for to rebel against such a leader is to rebel against God himself. Then Moses led the people of Israel away from the Red Sea, and they moved out into the desert of Shur. Vol.2 Chicago: Moody Press, 1975. It was a particularly trying time in Moses leadership. Just follow the link above and get the details! Moses was one of the Israel's greatest leaders. Rev 12:17 warns us: Then the dragon . Psalm 77:19,20 WHAT ISSPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP? Intercessory prayer makes a difference. No doubt, he poured himself into teaching the younger generation through written word and voice. And all of us, as members of the Church, we need to make a conscientious effort to devote our energy and time to the things that truly matter, while uplifting our fellowmen and building the kingdom of God.6. Elder NealA. Maxwell (19262004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave good counsel about accepting callings even when we dont feel prepared: God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability!1, President ThomasS. Monson (19272018) also reminded us: When we are on the Lords errand, we are entitled to the Lords help. At first, his tendency was to do everything for those he led. We can learn many of them by studying the General Handbook. A leader must urge people to live obediently and faithfully to God. Tell the people to get moving! Please select which sections you would like to print: Emeritus Professor of Old Testament, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C. When you feel tired and worn out, God provides help. Moses saw what was happening to his fellow Hebrews, and he knew that it was not right. We need Spiritual leaders to lead us in obedience to Christ. Leaders cant always control the choices their followers make, but they can lead by example, focusing on God. Moses stared in amazement. All Church callings involve leadership responsibilities, and many also require administrative work. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. This week's Torah portion, the first segment of the Book of Exodus, tells the story of the enslavement - and the beginning of the liberation - of the Jews in Egypt. In the physical realm it is an unreduced or unbroken completeness or totality. Although God does use uneducatedindividuals to further His causes, in the case of Moses, his formaleducation was useful to his leadership calling. The Mosaic Covenant is distinct among covenants. LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES Throughout Joshua's mentorship under Moses and his management of the Israelites, several critical leadership principles surface for today's spiritual leaders to learn from and implement. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. A leader must take steps to ensure that his people are faithful and obedient to Gods teaching. We can serve as a temple patron or ordinance worker. While Moseswas away, the children of Israel become restless. . But God sweetened the water and that was great! The people got water but Moses was barred from Canaan (Numbers 20). AndHesays:The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Everyone likes stories. There is no doubt that the seeds of his greatness were plantedand nurtured during the days of his youth and early manhoodMosesrecieved remarkable spiritual training in his home. (Boice,P.57). The Hebrews united around Mount . Jesus announced the second greatest commandment was to love our neighbor as ourselves. Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Faced with a challenge that seemed beyond his capabilities, theaged Moses began making excuses for not accepting the task. (BakerEnc.,P.1491)What ran through the mind of Moses at the point of his call isopen to speculation: Perhaps the image of his encounter with theHebrew people, and his failure to be a social deliverer. Moses would not enter into the Promised Land. Michelangelos Moses statue in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome. Although her jealously later in life led to disaster, Miriam's quick wit as a young . They see us repent, make restitution, and receive Gods grace. You can find more articles like this in the April 2022 Liahona. The problem with Moses was his temper. Yes, he has rescued Israel from the powerful hand of Egypt! Look, I now teach you these decrees and regulations just as the Lordmy God commanded me, so that you may obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy. Moses was an able learner and becomes an able leader with great leadership characteristics. Were on a mission to change that. He experienced Gods miraculous grace and severe judgement. Jesus Didnt Fight His Spiritual Battles Alone. Before Moses has a chance to act Godmoves in and strikes Miriam with temporary leproscy. Spiritual leadership may be hard and heartbreaking, but it is always hopeful because of where the hope is anchored. When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lordhad unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. When you spend time with God, it will make you a better leader. Moses must pass his leadership responsibilities to Joshua (Deuteronomy 3:23-29). . Should Christians Pursue Economic Equality. Moses father-in-law visits Moses (Ex.18:1-27) and instructs himto share the mundane matters with others. 9 min read Shmot (Exodus 1:1-6:1 ) How did Moses go from lowly shepherd to vanquisher of the Egyptian empire? I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. DieterF. Uchtdorf, It Works Wonderfully!, Liahona, Nov. 2015, 22; emphasis in original. In our dispensation, we have been directed by the Savior to seek learning, even by study and also by faith and to organize yourselves, to establish a house of learning, a house of order (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118, 119; see also Doctrine and Covenants 93:36). They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. When you succeed as a leader, God is working through you. Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?. So if we believe that, who in the world would want to be a Christian leader? . So they called the place Marah (which means bitter). The two principles of leadership that this period high-lightsare: 1) Men/Women of God must be secure in their calling and 2)Men/Women of God must have a vision of Gods providence. After crossing the Red Sea, Moses must contend with restless and impatient people in the wilderness. (James 5:16). James Montgomery Boice in his book Ordinary Men called by Goddescribes the great compassion of Moses:Moses reached the top of the mountain and began to speak toGod. Moses listened to his father-in-laws advice and followed his suggestions. He asks: In Jesus model of daily prayer, it appears that he taught us to anticipate not just our needs, (Give us this day our daily bread), but also our susceptibility to sin (Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.) Moses has a unique story which showed God's divine design for his life. What are we going to drink? they demanded. Hehid the body thinking no one had seen him. Then the people complained and turned against Moses. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); ACCFS Copyright 2019 | Designed and Built by, "For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." It is accompanied with adversity and opposition. Yet in one day the 40-year-old Moses' life was again turned upside down. It is implicit in the whole story that the pharaohs palace and capital were in the area, but Thutmose III (the pharaoh in 1440) had his capital at Thebes, far to the south, and never conducted major building operations in the delta region. Return from this page to Preachology Home Page. Just stand still and watch the Lordrescue you today. Moses took great pain in instructing Israel in their importance,and the need for careful caution in their observation. 1. He did not see himself as worthy to appear before Pharaoh or to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. Faith in God was not enough; the people had to act on that faith. After a sucessful crossing by the Israelites,the waters returned to their original state, submursing Pharoahsarmies in the process. What father hasnt heard, Tell us a story, as we tuck the little ones into bed? Although recognizing a historical core beneath the Exodus and Sinai traditions, Noth believed that two different groups experienced these events and transmitted the stories independently of each other. A leader must be teachable. With Pharoah and his troops it hot pursuit, Moses neededa way of escape for himself and his people who were trapped withnowhere to go. He was a great spiritual leader who embodied the great leadership characteristics listed in the Bible and that describe not only Moses but every other great leader who followed God, including David, Nehemiah, and the Apostle Paul, to name just a few. III. Early Jewish and Christian traditions considered him the author of the Torah (Law, or Teaching), also called the Pentateuch (Five Books), comprising the first five books of the Bible, and some conservative groups still believe in Mosaic authorship. Complaining of hunger, the Israelites tell Moses theyd rather be back in Egypt where they can eat (Exodus 16:2-3). In this post I will share with you 12 leadership principles from the life of Moses. " The Lord said, 'I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to . So they grumbled against Moses, who lost his temper and struck the rock. Tenney, Merrill C. TheZondervanPictoralEncyclopediaoftheBible. Moses was hesitant because of the weaknesses he saw in himself, but he accepted the Lords invitations just the same. Prophet, priest,lawgiver, judge, intercessor, shepherd, miricle worker, and founderof a nation, (Baker Enc.,P.1489) he was all of these and more. Moses was a courageous leader. Jesus said to Peter, Satan has wanted to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you.Prayer offered in Jesus name hinders Satans ability to tempt your loved ones. Your loved ones may not have their spiritual guard up, which is why you must! In our service, we should strive to focus on our most important responsibilities. Spiritual leaders who had disciples Jesus Christ is well-known to many as one who had disciples. These are some of the lessons we learn from Moses and also from modern-day Church leaders who follow in the footsteps of the Master Leader, Jesus Christ. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Then they got sick and tired of eating boring old miracle manna. Moses was met with elation and frustration. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. HenryB. Eyring, Trust in God, Then Go and Do, Liahona, Nov. 2010, 73.5. Want resources about spiritual leadership, check out our store here. 11: 16-18). It's encouraging to see the spiritual growth in Moses' life as he stepped out in obedience to God. 4) When Moses symbolically relied on Gods strength to defeat Amalek by raising his hands, Joshua and the Israelites were winning. Whether it was from when Moses was first called by God in Exodus 3:1-3 (leadership principle #2) or Moses taking steps to ensure the people were obedient to Gods teaching in Deut. Then one day the Lord appeared to Moses (see Joseph Smith Translation, Exodus 3:2 [in Exodus 3:2, footnote a]) and called him to deliver [the people] out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land (Exodus 3:8).