28 March, 2024

Courage for a Reluctant Leader

by | 17 October, 2011 | 0 comments

By Mark A. Taylor

Two things amaze and encourage me when I read the story of God”s call to Moses.

The first is his excuse making in response to God”s clear commands.

The second is God”s equally persistent patience in the face of this whining.

Initially we might understand the reluctance of Moses at the burning bush. Who wouldn”t have been surprised by what God proposed to this murderer in exile turned shepherd? Nothing in his decades of sheep tending in Midian would have appeared on the résumé for nation-deliverer.

So when God said, “You will convince Pharaoh to free the whole nation of Israel now enslaved in Egypt,” anyone listening might have had trouble believing him.

But God made clear that the voice Moses heard was from the Lord himself. Nevertheless, Moses argued. And after God answered every excuse Moses could think of, Moses still begged, “Please send someone else” (Exodus 4:13). “The Lord”s anger burned” (v. 14), but he did not punish Moses. He only promised Moses a partner, his brother Aaron.

At last Moses relented.

But when Moses secured an audience with Pharaoh, instead of releasing the people, Pharaoh only made their work harder.

The Israelites blamed Moses, and Moses carried their complaint to the Lord.

God calmly replied, “Now you”ll see how my power will free your people. Tell them to trust me.” Moses tried this, but the people wouldn”t listen. In response, God simply told Moses, “Go to Pharaoh again.”

And again Moses hesitated. “If the people won”t listen to me,” he reasoned, “why should Pharaoh?”

God might have asked, “And if you won”t listen to me, I”ll just find someone who will!”

But instead God endured the words and weakness of Moses, all the while assuring Moses that his promises would prevail. And of course, finally they did.

I was talking about this with a friend, who observed, “Effective leadership is most often reluctant leadership.” When God calls one of us today to an “impossible task,” he”s not put off when we answer, “I can”t do it.” In fact, only then does he have us where he can use us best. Finally we”re ready to admit to God, “Only you can do it.”

Neither my tasks nor my faith have approached those of Moses. But when I believe God”s handed me a job I know I can”t handle, Moses is the one to remember. This reluctant leader reminds me what can happen when I stop objecting and just trust God enough to obey.

 

This column is adapted from one that first appeared November 10, 2006.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: Impact Christian Church (Moon Township, Pa.) is seeking an executive pastor. The Christian Campus Foundation (CCF) at the University of Illinois is seeking a full-time director of campus ministry. New Brighton (Minn.) Christian Church needs a new senior minister. Summit Christian College (Gering, Neb.) is accepting applications for the position of academic dean. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Easter Church Attendance’ (1949)

“This Lord’s Day will find nearly all the churches having the largest crowds of the year,” editor Burris Butler wrote in 1949. “It has become almost proverbial that many people attend church on Easter Sunday who never come at any other time” . . .

News Briefs for March 27

Ozark Christian College has updated their logo. Also, briefs from Harlan (Ky.) Christian Church, Summit Christian College, and the Common Grounds Unity Podcast.

The Best Sermon I Never Heard

“Can I tell you about the best sermon I never heard?” Matt Proctor asked the crowd at ICOM last November. “If I could time travel just once . . . I would go back to Luke 24. On that very first Easter Sunday . . . the resurrected Jesus is walking on the road to Emmaus, talking with two travelers. . . .”

KCU Announces Agreements with LBC, NEOBC

Kentucky Christian University has announced separate agreements to enable those who have earned a bachelor’s degree from Louisville Bible College or Northeast Ohio Bible College to seamlessly transition into the graduate programs offered by KCU’s Keeran School of Bible and Ministry. . . .

Follow Us