“Perhaps if there were more of that intense distress for souls that leads to tears, we should more frequently see the results we desire. Sometimes it may be that while we are complaining of the hardness of the hearts of those we are seeking to benefit, the hardness of our own hearts and our feeble apprehension of the solemn reality of eternal things may be the true cause of our want of success.” (Hudson Taylor). Instead of complaining, pray! Effective leadership involves fervent prayer combined with practical wisdom as modeled in Num. 11-13.
Stop Complaining
When people complained of adversity in the hearing of the Lord, He kindled His anger and fire burned to consume some. People cried out to Moses who prayed and the fire died out. Foreigners had greedy desires and Israel wept, “Who will give us meat to eat?” They remembered the fish eatened free in Egypt along with cucumbers, melons, leeks, etc. They lost their appetite because they only looked at manna. People gathered, grind and beat the manna into mortar before boiling and making cakes with it. When dew fell on the camp at night, manna would fall with it. (Num. 11:1-9). God becomes angry when you complain about His provisions.
Ask God
The burden of the people was laid on Moses. He asked God to carry them in His bosom like a nurse carries a nursing infant. He did not know where to find meat for all the people. Moses asked God not to show his wretchedness if he found favor in His sight (Num. 11:10-15). Ask God to carry the burden so He can provide for those you are responsible.
Shared Leadership
The Lord said to gather 70 men from the elders of Israel who Moses knew so they could be brought to the tent of meeting with him. The Spirit would be placed on them to share the burden of the people with Moses. Even though they were well-off in Egypt, they rejected the Lord, limited His power and unsure if His word would come true. Moses stationed elders around the tent and the Spirit was placed upon 70 of them, including Eldad and Medad who had not gone out to tent but prophesied also (Num. 11:16-30). God helps you carry the burden of responsibility through shared leadership who shepherd His people together.
Divine Provision
Wind from the Lord brought quail three feet deep. The Lord struck the people with a severe plague because they were greedy (Num. 11:31-35). God meets your needs supernaturally.
Humble Leadership
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses questioning whether the Lord only spoke through him. Moses was more humble than any man on earth and faithful in God’s household. Aaron acknowledged his sin and Miriam was shut up outside the camp for seven days (Num. 12:1-16). Top leaders must be very humble to face jealousy concerning their leadership.
Create Ownership
The Lord told Moses to send out leaders from each tribe to spy out Canaan. Moses sent spies from the wilderness of Paran at the Lord’s command to Negev. The saw what the land was like, whether the people were strong or weak, few or many, good or bad land, open camps or fortifications in the cities, fat or lean land and whether trees grew in the land. They made an effort to get fruit of the land. (Num. 13:1-22). Involving key leaders in understanding the mission field create ownership to build God’s kingdom.
Show Fruit
In the valley of Eshcol, they cut down branch of grapes, pomegranates and figs. They reported that the land certainly flowed with milk and honey and showed the fruit. People living in the land were strong with very large fortified cities, including the descendants of Anak. Amalek, Hittities, Jebusites, Amorites and Canaanites lived by the sea and by the Jordan. (Num. 13: 23-29). Showing fruit encourages people to sacrifice in building God’s kingdom.
Communicate Victory
Caleb said they should take possession of the land as overcomers. Men accompanying Caleb said they were not able to go up against people stronger than them. As a result, they gave out a bad report of the spied-out land, which devoured its inhabitants. Comparing the large Nephilim made them look like grasshoppers in comparison (Num. 13:30-33). Communicating God’s promises in spite of the odds encourages people to believe in His victory.
Here is a checklist for effective leaders in building God’s kingdom:
1. Are you complaining about the problems? Don’t!
2. Are you asking God to carry the burden?
3. Are you asking God for other leaders to share the burden with you?
4. Do you believe that God will provide supernaturally in answer to prayer?
5. Are you a humble leader?
6. Are you involving other leaders to understand the mission field so they gain ownership in the kingdom enterprise?
7. Are you showing leaders initial fruit in the ministry so they are encouraged to continue?
8. Are you communicating God’s promises of victory in spite of the odds?
