Moses the Reluctant Leader: Pt 1

Moses is one of those biblical figures who is bigger than life. Charlton Heston made such a great Moses in the classic movie, “The Ten Commandments” – he was strong, bold, articulate, and powerful. The hero’s voice declaring the wrath of God throughout the 10 plagues on Egypt…. the staff held high above his head at the parting of the Red Sea …. and the angry face of the prophet coming down off Sinai with the stone tablets…. all these images made Hollywood’s Moses appear to be the ultimate leader of the people of Israel. Within the pages of scripture, we see a similar picture painted of this great leader and spokesman of God. Over and over again Moses distinguishes himself as a discerning decision maker (most of his choices were good), an obedient messenger of divine revelation, and an organizer of a nomadic tribe numbering over one million people.

But all was not so dynamic and effective at the beginning of his leadership journey. Imagine taking a hike all by yourself in a barren countryside. Then imagine hearing the voice of God Himself coming out of a bush that bursts into flame but does not burn up. The voice calls you to leadership and to a mission of redemption and freedom for the people. You would think your response would be one of excitement, adventure, and enthusiasm. Not so with Moses – the call was met with hesitancy and skepticism. Moses, the great was Moses the reticent.

Exodus 3:10 states God’s direct call to Moses into the mission of leadership: “So now go, I am going to send you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” Notice how clear the calling is. God is the One sending Moses – this is not an idea concocted by Moses in his old age; nor the whisper of his wife to inspire some dream of fame; nor a written appeal of the Israelites to the shepherd of Goshen. Rather this is God Himself, the Creator of the Universe, the faithful God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the All-powerful Redeemer. The purpose and mission of the calling was just as clear – Moses is being sent to Pharaoh – the ultimate authority in the land of Egypt; the absolute dictator and supreme commander of the land of the Nile. Moses, the spokesman of God, was to confront the greatest human authority within the powerful nation of the pyramids. Moses was being sent to Pharaoh in order to bring the nation of Israel out of Egypt. Pharaoh possessed the Israelites as slaves and used them mightily in the construction of his buildings. Moses, however, was going to go and set them free.

Moses’ initial response to the call was not an attitude of excitement, not a spirit of honor mixed with humility, nor a heart of enthusiasm for the opportunity. On the contrary Moses responds with five excuses and reasons why he is not the right man for the mission. Note first of all Exodus 3:11: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” The focus in this question seems to be on authority and personal insecurity. Who am I…and look at who Pharaoh is! I am an insignificant exiled shepherd; an outlaw wanted for murder; a Jew walking into the kingdom of Egypt where Jews are nothing but slaves. The fear of man had Moses by the throat and his courage is choked by the intimidation of human power.

Before I come down too hard on timid Moses, I have to be realistic and identify with this man’s lack of confidence. There have been many people in my life over the years that have intimidated me and paralyzed my leadership. Sometimes it might be the chairman of the board, or your direct report, or a strong-willed friend, or even the senior pastor of your church. God’s call may seem clear to you. You may sense a strong commitment to His message and mission and yet the thought of confrontation and going into the enemy’s camp is overwhelming to you. Obedience to the plan is muddled with the fear of man. Who are you to challenge the authorities above you?

God’s response to Moses’ initial reaction is found in Exodus 3:12: “And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain." God is proactive in his words to point out the meaninglessness of human authority. Pharaoh is not an issue. I will be with you – what more can you possibly ask for. God the Creator of Pharaoh, the giver of power to Pharaoh, and the Sovereign Lord of all of human history will walk alongside of Moses. God will hem him in…going in front….watching his back…guarding his right and left…protecting every hair on his head. God will be his armor and his weapon. And I love the proof that God provides for Moses – it the proof of faith. God promises Moses that he will return (and the people will come with him) and they will all worship God on the very spot of this conversation. God is saying – I am sending you, I am going with you and I will be waiting for you here upon your return. All authority belongs to God and He who calls you is in total control.

This message for godly leaders needs to echo in their minds. The promise of God’s presence is as certain as the air we breathe. I cannot think of any more powerful, any more comforting, any more inspiring, and more motivating words than these: I will be with you. Read them slowly and think about their rich meaning for your life…I will be with you. In times of trial and testing…I will be with you. In times of triumph and celebration….I will be with you. In times of stress and worry…I will be with you. In times of sorrow and tears….I will be with you. In times of doubt and fear…I will be with you.

Photo found at www.forthesomedaybook.wordpress.com/2010/08/12/slow-as-moses/