Learning from Moses, the great spiritual leader

 Learning from Moses, the great spiritual leader 

The backbone of FMPB is prayer and prayer group leaders. Prayer groups throughout the world are the base in which FMPB till today stands and moves forward trusting God. So, we have to give importance to the Prayer groups and their leaders. One of the things that threaten us is, lack of young leadership. Most of the leaders are getting old and the second line leadership growth is very less to our expectations. Let us pray so that God can raise many young leaders who will have the same vision and commitment as the early leaders. They should own FMPB and love this big family.

The first greatest spiritual leader of the Bible was the prophet, Moses. He was a role model and a prayer warrior in human history. He had the vision of redeeming his people, which was the plan of God. So, God fulfilled His plan of redeeming the people of God from Egyptian slavery. He was an outstanding leader because God chose him and guided him throughout the God-given mission. God stood behind Moses. In the history of FMPB we see hundreds of committed people took the leadership as prayer group leaders. In mission leadership, it is God who takes initiative. Are you a leader called and chosen by God to fulfil His mission.

The leadership character of Moses that led to success

1. Take a Stand for God’s mission

Even though Moses was raised in the Pharaoh’s palace as a prince, when he saw slavery and injustice, he took a stand for God. We read in Hebrew 11:24,25 “ By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,  choosing rather suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin”.  Today the challenge before us is to help the people of a great nation India to tase God giving eternal redemption. Still, our nation seeks and wanders to enjoy the Salvation of God. Are you called by God to involve in this mission as a leader? May the Lord help you to take the right decision today to meet this great challenge of God ‘ to feed the people of our nation’ with the spiritual food of the Gospel of Christ.

2. Persistence in the mission of God

“Let my people go,” was the repeated slogan and vision of Moses when he confronts Pharaoh. When he saw the power of Pharaoh and his hardened heart Moses could easily have given up, that it was not possible. But he knew very well this was God’s mission, so in midst of difficulties and challenges, he move forward and encountered the Pharaoh. Behind his persistence was faith and obedience to God. As a leader will you focus only on God’s mission, neglecting all the things that distract us? Never give up because of petty things and lose the God-given vision.

3. Find Your Core purpose of life

Moses did not have another choice but to accept God’s call toward the redemption of his own people. He without any doubt knew why God created him, called, and chose him. The purpose of his existence was to liberate the people from the clutches of slavery. He does not have the wearing mind but is very clear in his goal. Do you know the very purpose of your living today? Only one life that will soon pass away, what you have done for the Lord will lost forever. What stimulates your leadership? What are your core values?

4. Moses took the risk to fulfil God-given task

God spoke to Moses' face to face and he totally obeyed Him. When Israelites sins against God, Moses stood between God and men then God stopped the plague. He even prepares his mind, for his name to be deleted from the Book of life for saving the people of God. This was the way he risked his life. Personal life, family nothing hindered him to take a risk.  When have you taken a big risk?

 5. Moses always connected with the People

Moses maintained the relationship with his co-workers as well as the people of God. He boldly communicated the God-given Ten Commandments teaching and embodying the law. As a leader, we should involve with the people of God. Participating in the joyful and sorrowful occasions of the people, thus winning their confidence is more important. Listen to the people and share with the people the vision of God. About God’s doing in the mission fields to motivate them to grow in the Lord. How do you connect with people?

 6. Moses had clarity about His mission

We are involved in the building of God’s Kingdom in our Land. We are not helping FMPB, we as FMPB meeting the big challenges God put before us, meeting the spiritual need of the land. God given mission to Moses was “Let my people go so they may serve me.” And he had clarity of conviction and vision. Moses’ faith gave him the clarity. And he put it to good use. Are you clear about what you want out of your leadership?

  7.Find a Good co-worker or team

Moses and Aaron, however, get along. Even though he is the elder brother, Aaron becomes Moses’ deputy and mouthpiece. He speaks for Moses before Pharaoh. He fills in for Moses when Moses is called to speak to God. He is the peacemaker when Moses loses his temper. The teamwork of Moses and Aaron gave an opportunity to fulfil the God-given task. Do you have a good deputy? What needs is he or she filling?

8. Be Transparent Where it Counts

Moses won the confidence of the people, so they obeyed and followed him. Moses was astonishingly transparent, he did not abuse his power but glorified God. His transparency gave the people greater confidence in his leadership. How are use God given authority and power today? Where do you need to be transparent?

9. Get the Right People on Board to be your successor

Father in law of Moses gave counsel to populate his leadership team with family and reputable figures. Moses spoke first to the leaders and then through them, the message was communicated to the people. It is the right time to find a Joshua to be your successor. Are you training faithful people as leaders, if not you can not be true leader?  What are the steps we are taking to pass on the vision to the next generation? Who are identified people for secondary leadership? Do you have the right people on board?

10. Moses allowed God to defend him

Romans 12:19 says that “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” God gave him the leadership and the authority, When it was challenged, God punished the culprits. Moses did not take the law in his hand and he was not a legalistic too. But, Moses remained focused and look forwarded throughout his life. He loved and cared for the people of God. Let us not be defensive towards any challenge. When you are challenged and criticized, what is your reaction?

11. Moses made his conversation face to face

Many times we fail to face the people but use the alternative like e-mail, letter, phone etc. E-mail is a great gift. It allows us to connect with people all over the world. Yet, it can also create distance between people who sit right next to one another. Virtual interaction loses the gestures, body movement and inexplicable sense we get when we encounter someone in person. When Moses confronts Pharaoh, he does so in person. When Moses and God speak, they often, according to the text, talk face to face. Let us build our personal relationship in person and solve the dispute/difference opinion by our personal talk. Do you agree the importance of personal conversations by face to face?

12. Delegate Wisely

Moses father-in-law Jethro was the first management consultant.  When Moses lacked the time and energy to focus on the important tasks only he can do. Jethro’s advice created lower courts and officials to handle the smaller disputes. Deal only with the problems that no one else can solve. Consult with God when you can’t figure it out for yourself. Moses became more effective. He was probably better rested and happier as a leader.  Where do you need to delegate better?

13. Identify and use the Gifts of the people

Moses knows his own limitations and knows the strengths and weaknesses of the people he leads. God gave him the task of building the tabernacle, then Moses identified the talents and gifts of the people and used them to finish the God-given task. Overall design and construction responsibilities are given to Bezalel, who is blessed with artistic genius. We all have a unique gift. So do the people with whom we work. Great leaders find ways to match the gifts of the people with the needs of the moment.

Did you identify the gifts of people and use them for building the Kingdom of God.

Let us not be defensive towards any challenge

 

1.      Jesus rejected the powerful ministries presented by Satan—the sensational, the spectacular and the speedy. Jesus chose the low road of suffering and the cross. He did not storm Israel by messianic force. He refused to flaunt his power or knowledge to “show people” who is the Lord. Instead, he knocked quietly at Israel’s door—little by little. In fact, Jesus deplored religion that did show business, preferring to do his work quietly, inconspicuously and in a measured fashion—unlike the false Messiahs of his day. He often withdrew or commanded people to silence, seeking to be hidden and not looking to be well-known. Lord, grant me the grace to reject the temptations of going fast and big.

2.       Jesus purposefully chose a path of humility. Jesus chose to be born in a manger and to live in obscurity in Nazareth. His first miracle was a miracle of humility as he joined us in the human race in the deep waters of repentance at the hand of John the Baptist. In fact, the centre of his ministry took place in the backwoods of Galilee (“the sticks”) and not strategically in Jerusalem. Lord, help me choose humility today.