Faithful Leadership Amidst Internal and External Opposition
Summary
In Exodus 17, the people of Israel face two kinds of opposition: internal and external. Internally, the Israelites grumble and accuse Moses of leading them into the wilderness to die of thirst, despite God’s daily provision of manna and guidance by cloud and fire. Their complaints escalate from mere dissatisfaction to outright accusation, revealing a deeper issue—not just with Moses, but with their trust in God’s presence and provision. This moment becomes a test, not only for the people but for Moses as a leader. Moses models what it means to be a self-differentiated leader: someone who remains rooted in their calling and identity, able to hear from God and stay emotionally present with others without being swept up in their anxiety or opposition.
Moses’ response is to turn to God in prayer, seeking wisdom and strength rather than reacting defensively or giving up. God instructs Moses to strike the rock with his staff, and water miraculously flows, meeting the people’s need and reaffirming God’s presence. The staff itself becomes a powerful symbol throughout Exodus—representing God’s presence, power, judgment, provision, leadership, and intercession. The place is named Massah and Meribah, a warning for future generations about the dangers of testing God and hardening one’s heart.
The narrative then shifts to external opposition as the Amalekites attack. Here, the Israelites, untrained and ill-equipped, must fight a battle they are not prepared for. Moses, with the help of Aaron and Hur, intercedes on a hilltop, holding up the staff. As long as his hands are raised, Israel prevails; when he tires, Aaron and Hur support him, and the victory is secured. This scene is a vivid picture of intercessory prayer and the need for community support in the face of spiritual warfare. The victory is memorialized, and God is revealed as Jehovah Nissi—“The Lord is my banner”—the one under whom we rally, who gives us victory and strength.
The journey through opposition—both from within and without—teaches us about the necessity of faith, the importance of spiritual leadership rooted in God’s voice, and the power of prayerful dependence on God. It also reminds us that God’s deliverance is not just for escape, but so that we might dwell in His presence and become a people who remember, trust, and obey.
Key Takeaways
- Self-differentiation is essential for spiritual leadership. Remaining rooted in God’s calling and identity allows us to stay emotionally present with others without being controlled by their anxiety, opposition, or dysfunction. This clarity enables us to lead with conviction, even when misunderstood or resisted, and to discern when feedback is helpful versus when it is simply opposition rooted in others’ unresolved issues. [07:50]
- True leadership often means being willing to stand alone, holding fast to God’s direction even when consensus is lacking. Consensus is overrated; what matters most is faithfulness to what God has spoken. Sometimes, obedience to God will create conflict, but a leader’s task is to remain gracious, non-anxious, and clear about the direction God has set. [12:28]
- The staff in Moses’ hand is a multi-layered symbol: it represents God’s presence, power, judgment, provision, leadership, and intercession. God works through human weakness, and the visible reminders of His faithfulness—like the staff or the manna—help us remember that victory and provision come from Him, not from our own strength or ingenuity. [21:15]
- Spiritual battles are not won by human effort alone but through dependence on God and the support of community. Moses’ raised hands, supported by Aaron and Hur, illustrate the necessity of intercessory prayer and the reality that even the strongest leaders need others to hold them up. Our victories are communal, not individual, and God calls each of us to support and pray for one another. [36:58]
- Doubt and grumbling often mask a deeper struggle to trust God’s presence and provision. The Israelites’ question, “Is the Lord among us or not?” is a warning for us not to take God’s daily miracles for granted or to let hardship blind us to His faithfulness. Remembering and memorializing God’s past deliverance strengthens our faith for present and future challenges. [25:12]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:54] - District Fellows Relaunch
[01:57] - Introduction to Exodus 17: Delivered to Dwell
[02:13] - Facing Internal Opposition
[04:17] - God’s Presence and Provision in the Wilderness
[05:20] - The Escalation of Grumbling
[07:19] - Lessons in Self-Differentiation
[08:39] - The Test of Leadership and Calling
[09:29] - Personal Story: Leading Through Resistance
[11:23] - Emotional Systems and Non-Anxious Presence
[13:46] - Moses’ Response: Turning to God
[17:05] - The Deeper Issue: Trusting God
[20:40] - The Symbolism of the Staff
[25:12] - Massah and Meribah: The Danger of Testing God
[28:31] - External Opposition: The Amalekite Attack
[32:33] - Intercessory Prayer and Community Support
[38:54] - Jehovah Nissi: The Lord is My Banner
[40:44] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Exodus 17 – Delivered to Dwell
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### Bible Reading
- Exodus 17:1-16 (The Israelites at Massah and Meribah; the battle with the Amalekites)
- Psalm 95:6-9 (“Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness…”)
- Ephesians 6:10-18 (The armor of God and spiritual warfare)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Exodus 17, what were the two main types of opposition the Israelites faced, and how did they respond to each? [02:13]
2. What did Moses do when the people accused him and threatened to stone him? How did God respond to Moses’ prayer? [15:31]
3. What role did the staff play in both the provision of water and the battle against the Amalekites? [21:15]
4. According to Psalm 95, what warning does God give about the events at Massah and Meribah? Why is this significant? [26:35]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The Israelites’ grumbling escalated from complaining to accusing Moses of trying to kill them. What does this reveal about their trust in God’s presence and provision? [06:36]
2. Moses is described as a “self-differentiated leader.” What does this mean, and why is it important for spiritual leadership, especially in times of conflict? [07:50]
3. Why do you think God chose to use Moses’ staff as a symbol in these stories? What might God be teaching the people (and us) through visible reminders like the staff or manna? [21:15]
4. In the battle with the Amalekites, why was it necessary for Aaron and Hur to support Moses’ hands? What does this teach about community and spiritual warfare? [36:58]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you faced “internal opposition”—maybe from family, coworkers, or even within yourself. How did you respond? Looking back, would you do anything differently after hearing this sermon? [05:49]
2. The sermon talked about “self-differentiation”—staying rooted in your calling and identity even when others are anxious or upset. Is there a situation right now where you need to practice this? What would it look like for you to be a “non-anxious presence”? [07:50]
3. Moses turned to God in prayer instead of reacting defensively or giving up. When you feel attacked or misunderstood, what is your first instinct? How can you make prayer your first response? [15:31]
4. The staff was a visible reminder of God’s power and presence. Do you have any “visible reminders” in your life that help you remember God’s faithfulness? If not, what could you create or set up this week? [24:37]
5. In the battle, Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands. Who are the “Aaron and Hur” in your life—people who support you when you’re tired or discouraged? How can you intentionally invite others to support you, or be that support for someone else? [36:58]
6. The Israelites questioned, “Is the Lord among us or not?” Have you ever found yourself doubting God’s presence during a hard season? What helps you remember and trust that God is with you, even when it’s not obvious? [25:12]
7. The sermon said, “Consensus is overrated; what matters most is faithfulness to what God has spoken.” Is there an area where you feel called to obey God, even if others don’t understand or agree? What step of faith could you take this week? [12:28]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another—especially for courage to trust God’s presence, for strength to lead or serve faithfully, and for the humility to support and be supported by others in the community.
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God in the Wilderness of Opposition
When faced with difficult circumstances and opposition, it is easy to grumble, complain, or even blame those in leadership, just as the Israelites did with Moses in the desert. Yet, these moments of testing are opportunities to examine whether our hearts are truly trusting God or longing for the comfort of old ways. God’s presence and provision may not always look the way we expect, but He is always faithful, even when we are tempted to doubt or accuse. In the wilderness, God is shaping our faith and character, calling us to trust Him more deeply rather than reverting to fear or blame. [17:22]
Exodus 17:1-7 (ESV)
All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” And the Lord said to Moses, “Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to grumble or blame others instead of trusting God’s presence and provision? What would it look like to turn that complaint into a prayer of trust today?
Day 2: The Power of Self-Differentiated Leadership
True leadership, whether in the home, workplace, or church, requires the ability to stay rooted in your God-given calling even when facing criticism, misunderstanding, or emotional chaos. A self-differentiated leader listens to others without being swept away by their anxiety, remains connected to people while holding fast to God’s direction, and is willing to stand alone if necessary. This kind of leadership is not about seeking consensus or avoiding conflict, but about faithfully following God’s voice and leading with clarity, humility, and a non-anxious presence. [12:45]
Philippians 2:14-16 (ESV)
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to practice self-differentiation—staying true to God’s calling for you while remaining lovingly present with those who may not understand or agree?
Day 3: Remembering God’s Presence and Power
God often gives us visible reminders—like Moses’ staff or the manna in a jar—to help us remember His faithfulness, power, and provision. These symbols are not just for the past; they are meant to anchor us in the present and give us courage for the future. When we are tempted to doubt or forget what God has done, we are called to worship, give thanks, and recall the daily miracles He provides. Remembering God’s presence is a safeguard against hardening our hearts and missing His ongoing work in our lives. [24:54]
Psalm 95:6-9 (ESV)
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
when your fathers put me to the test
and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally remember and give thanks for God’s faithfulness in your life today—perhaps through a symbol, a journal entry, or a prayer of praise?
Day 4: The Call to Intercessory Prayer and Spiritual Warfare
The battle against external opposition is not fought with physical weapons, but through prayer and dependence on God’s strength. Just as Moses’ raised hands and the support of Aaron and Hur brought victory over the Amalekites, so too are we called to lift one another up in prayer, to persevere in intercession, and to recognize that our true struggle is against spiritual forces. Prayer is labor—it is where we fight the real battles, find God’s direction, and receive the strength to stand firm. [34:45]
Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Reflection: Who is God calling you to support in prayer this week, and how can you practically “hold up their arms” through encouragement, intercession, or service?
Day 5: The Lord Is Our Banner—Claiming God’s Victory
God is not only present with us; He is the banner under which we fight, the source of our strength, and the giver of victory. When we rally under His name—Jehovah Nissi—we are reminded that the battles we face are not ours alone, but the Lord’s. Building altars of remembrance, sharing stories of God’s deliverance, and passing them on to the next generation help us and others to keep fighting with courage and faith. The Lord is our rallying point, our signal pole, and the assurance that His victory is for all who trust in Him. [39:10]
Exodus 17:14-16 (ESV)
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”
Reflection: What “altar” or act of remembrance can you create this week to celebrate a victory God has given you, and how can you share that story to encourage someone else’s faith?
Quotes
Every leader in the Bible faced opposition. And it's no different for you or for me today. You don't have to be a minister to face opposition. You could just simply be a parent. Can I get an amen from any parents watching? You can just be um an employer or even just an employee who's serving customers. Um a student faces opposition, teachers face opposition. You what whatever your sector that you work in, you have to learn the art of self differentiation, which is being able to stay connected to your calling even in the face of resistance or misunderstanding. [00:09:00]
A self-differentiated leader knows who they are and what they're called to do and doesn't lose that clarity under pressure, criticism, or emotional chaos. He taught me that the first thing that that we must do as a Christian, but especially that that I must do as someone called to ministry is to be able to hear from God. that you have to as a Christian, but especially as a pastor, you have to have a prayer life where you're able to hear the voice of God or at minimum know what he has already spoken to us through his word and be able to apply it to real situations in our life. [00:07:57]
A non-differentiated leader gets inshed in the emotional system of those who are grumbling. A non-differentiated leader starts getting defensive and thinking that the conflict is about them. A non-ifferiated leader might check out, raise the white flag, and say, "I quit. We're not going." And just give up. But a self-differentiated leader maintains a clear sense of self and purpose while staying connected to others, especially in an anxious or emotionally reactive system. [00:11:25]
What is more important is defining what God has said clearly and then being faithful to the voice of God even if it causes conflict and tension. I it it's being it's me being able to say this is where we're going on the trip this summer. This is where we sense God's God leading us as a youth group. These are the plans and prep preparations that we have made for our safety. And if you and your teenager are not in a place to commit to this trip right now, that's totally fine. There's no pressure, right? [00:12:36]
A healthy self-differentiated leader knows how to remain emotionally present with people without being without getting emotionally hooked in to their unhealthy system, which usually has to do with their dysfunctional family system that's that's coming out on you. And the way that you maintain presence without being unhealthily hooked is by being what Edwin Freriedman calls a non-anxious presence. This is a non-judgmental presence. [00:13:24]
The capacity to be a non- anxious presence is the single most important attribute of effective leadership. This is you saying, "I hear you. I'm with you. I love you. And and I see that you may be worked up, and that's okay. You can have a tantrum in front of me, and I'll still love you. But don't think that I'm going to allow your tantrum to manipulate me into changing the plan that we have made that God has shown us." [00:14:05]
Moses here is dealing with serious opposition. And it is a test of whether he is able to practice self-differentiation to stay connected to the people that God has called him to love and to serve while staying connected to the voice of God who has given him clear instructions of what to do and where to go. It's humbly declaring, I am trying to lead you to the best of my ability. [00:15:26]
What God was trying to do was to build their faith and character in the wilderness so that they would not worship idols later in the promised land. But the reality is that their hearts were still in Egypt. They were guilty of ingratitude and unbelief. They wanted to go back to their old way of life. And as a result, they kept failing the test of faith and the test of obedience. [00:17:12]
Leadership is about taking people to a new place that they currently are. It's about leading change. It's not management, making the existing system more efficient. It's taking people from slavery in Egypt to the land that God has promised where they're going to have lots of kids and their blessings are going to get passed down to future generations. [00:19:00]
The staff symbolizes many things. Uh, one is it symbolizes God's presence. God says, "Take the staff in your hand and I will stand there before you by the rock." the the staff often accompanies God's manifest presence just like we see here in verse six at the rock and orb uh to to make it clear in front of everyone that the miracle is from God and not Moses or some other little god or idol. [00:20:48]
The staff is also a symbol of not just judgment, but of God's provision. And in in today's text, Exodus 17, we see Moses strike a rock with the staff and miraculously water flows out for the people to drink. Jehovah Gyra, the Lord will provide. It's also a symbol of divine leadership. Moses raises the staff and God parts the waters of the Red Sea for Israel to cross um cross the Red Sea, but also uh raises the staff against Amalik, which we're going to see in a minute. [00:22:34]
For the Israelites to doubt God's presence seemed it seems ridiculous to us today because we read and it's like it was so obvious. Cloud by day, fire by night, miraculous mana provided each day. It was right there in front of their face all the time. But don't we do the same thing? Don't we miss the daily miracles that God is doing for us in our lives? We take them for granted, which is one of the reasons we worship and we pray and we praise God because our praise prompts our remembrance. [00:27:05]
Once they were delivered from bondage, they discovered that they had enemies. And isn't this true in the Christian life that once you identify yourself as a follower of Jesus and you go public in your faith through baptism, then God's enemies become your enemies. spiritual attack begins or even attack happens from your family or for for those um your friends who now don't understand why you don't party and sleep around anymore. [00:29:42]
The enemy often attacks you just after you've experienced God's blessings, after you've experienced salvation or healing or deliverance. And the Amalachites who attacked the Israelites here were descendants of Amalach, um a grandson of Esau. So this conflict dates all the way back to the Esau Jacob rivalry in Genesis. The Amalachites were a fierce nomadic tribe that lived in the region around the Dead Sea. [00:30:15]
It was important that the Israelites understand that the only reason that they could win against the Amalachites was that God was fighting for them, that God was giving them the victory. And so the staff functioned in this case of the battle just as it had done with the plagues. As long as the staff was raised high, the miraculous plagues and the miracle of water from the the rock would proceed. [00:32:58]
So, so Jehovani means the Lord, the Lord is the one under whom we rally. It the Lord is the one who fights for us. The Lord is the one who brings us victory. In other words, God is not just with you. That's what they just learned about with the water. He's not just with you. He is the banner you fight under the strength that you rely on and the victory that you must claim. [00:40:19]
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