Humility and Leadership: Lessons from Moses
Summary
Taking a moment to reflect on the message shared, we find ourselves deeply immersed in the story of Moses from Numbers 12. This narrative is not just about the events that transpired between Moses, Miriam, and Aaron, but it is a profound exploration of humility, leadership, and intimacy with God. Moses, despite being the leader of Israel, is described as the most humble man on earth. This humility is not about self-deprecation or self-pity, but a genuine recognition of one's place before God and others. It is this humility that fosters an unparalleled intimacy with God, where Moses is spoken to face-to-face, unlike any other prophet.
The story begins with Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses, questioning his unique position and authority. Their gossip and jealousy reveal a deeper issue of discontent with God's chosen order. God’s response is swift and severe, striking Miriam with leprosy, which underscores the seriousness with which God views gossip and disrespect towards His appointed leaders. Yet, Moses' reaction is one of grace and intercession, praying for Miriam's healing despite her actions against him. This act of humility and forgiveness exemplifies the heart of a true leader.
Leadership, as illustrated in this passage, is not about seeking glory or authority for oneself but about serving others with humility and reverence for God's order. It is a reminder that those in positions of leadership are placed there by God and should be respected as such. This respect extends beyond church leadership to all governing authorities, recognizing that God’s sovereignty places individuals in their respective roles.
The narrative challenges us to pursue humility, not for the sake of being lifted up, but for the deeper reward of intimacy with God. It is a call to examine our hearts, to desire a relationship with God that is marked by closeness and communication, as seen in Moses' life. This intimacy is the true reward of humility, a treasure far greater than any earthly accolade.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Essence of Humility: True humility is not self-pity or self-degradation but a genuine acknowledgment of one's position before God. It is about recognizing God's greatness and our dependence on Him, which leads to a deeper intimacy with Him. [26:55]
2. The Weight of Leadership: Leadership in God's kingdom is a position of service and responsibility, not personal glory. Those in leadership are placed there by God and should be respected, understanding that their role comes with greater accountability. [36:06]
3. The Danger of Gossip: Gossip and speaking against God's appointed leaders is a serious offense. It reflects a lack of respect for God's order and can lead to severe consequences, as seen in Miriam's punishment. [31:33]
4. Intimacy with God as the Reward for Humility: The greatest reward for humility is not earthly recognition but a close, personal relationship with God. Moses' life exemplifies this, as his humility led to a unique intimacy with God. [47:38]
5. Respect for Authority: Respecting authority, whether in the church or in government, is a biblical mandate. It acknowledges God's sovereignty in placing individuals in their roles and calls us to submit to His divine order. [39:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [17:40] - Prayer of Thanksgiving for Ron
- [19:01] - Ron's New Journey
- [19:56] - Kingdom Focus
- [20:26] - Introduction to Numbers 12
- [21:42] - Moses' Humility
- [22:47] - Miriam and Aaron's Discontent
- [25:00] - The Real Issue of Gossip
- [26:34] - The Beauty of Moses' Humility
- [28:35] - God's Defense of Moses
- [30:14] - Intimacy with God
- [32:19] - Consequences of Gossip
- [35:11] - The Fear of Leadership
- [39:02] - Respect for Authority
- [47:38] - The Reward of Humility
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Numbers 12:1-15
- Romans 13:1
- 1 Samuel 24:6
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the initial complaint that Miriam and Aaron had against Moses, and what deeper issue did it reveal? ([25:00])
2. How does God describe His relationship with Moses compared to other prophets? ([30:14])
3. What was Moses' response when Miriam was struck with leprosy, and what does this reveal about his character? ([33:54])
4. How does the story of David and Saul illustrate the concept of respecting God's appointed leaders? ([42:06])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do you think God reacted so strongly to Miriam and Aaron's gossip about Moses? What does this tell us about God's view on leadership and authority? ([31:33])
2. How does Moses' humility contribute to his unique relationship with God, and what can we learn from this about the nature of humility? ([47:38])
3. In what ways does the story of Miriam and Aaron challenge our understanding of gossip and its consequences within a community? ([31:51])
4. How does the example of David's respect for Saul, despite Saul's faults, inform our approach to respecting authority figures today? ([42:06])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you may have spoken against a leader. How can you approach such situations differently in the future, considering the story of Miriam and Aaron? ([31:33])
2. Moses is described as the most humble man on earth. What practical steps can you take to cultivate humility in your own life? ([26:55])
3. How can you foster a deeper intimacy with God, similar to what Moses experienced? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine to prioritize this relationship? ([47:38])
4. Consider the authorities in your life, both in the church and in government. How can you show respect and submission to them, even when you disagree with their decisions? ([39:02])
5. Gossip can have serious consequences, as seen in Miriam's punishment. How can you actively work to prevent gossip in your community or workplace? ([31:33])
6. David chose not to harm Saul, respecting him as the Lord's anointed. How can you apply this principle of respect and restraint in your interactions with others, especially those in leadership? ([42:06])
7. Reflect on the idea that humility leads to intimacy with God. What specific actions can you take this week to humble yourself before God and others? ([47:38])
Devotional
Day 1: The Depth of True Humility
True humility is not about diminishing oneself but recognizing one's rightful place before God and others. It is an acknowledgment of God's greatness and our dependence on Him, which fosters a deeper intimacy with Him. Moses exemplifies this humility, as he is described as the most humble man on earth, leading to a unique relationship with God where he is spoken to face-to-face. This humility is not self-deprecation but a profound understanding of one's role in God's plan. [26:55]
Numbers 12:3-8 (ESV): "Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. And suddenly the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, 'Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.' And the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. And he said, 'Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge your dependence on God more fully, and how can this lead to a deeper intimacy with Him today?
Day 2: Servant Leadership in God's Kingdom
Leadership in God's kingdom is characterized by service and responsibility rather than personal glory. Those in leadership are placed there by God and should be respected, understanding that their role comes with greater accountability. Moses' leadership is marked by humility and intercession, as he prays for Miriam's healing despite her actions against him. This demonstrates that true leadership is about serving others and upholding God's order. [36:06]
1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."
Reflection: How can you serve those around you with humility and responsibility, recognizing the role God has given you in your community or family?
Day 3: The Seriousness of Gossip
Gossip and speaking against God's appointed leaders is a serious offense that reflects a lack of respect for God's order. Miriam and Aaron's gossip against Moses reveals their discontent with God's chosen order, leading to severe consequences for Miriam. This narrative underscores the importance of respecting God's appointed leaders and the dangers of allowing jealousy and discontent to manifest in harmful speech. [31:33]
Proverbs 16:28 (ESV): "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends."
Reflection: Is there someone you have spoken against or gossiped about? How can you seek reconciliation and choose to speak words that build up rather than tear down?
Day 4: The Reward of Intimacy with God
The greatest reward for humility is not earthly recognition but a close, personal relationship with God. Moses' life exemplifies this, as his humility led to a unique intimacy with God. This narrative challenges us to pursue humility, not for the sake of being lifted up, but for the deeper reward of intimacy with God, which is a treasure far greater than any earthly accolade. [47:38]
James 4:8-10 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to draw nearer to God, seeking a deeper relationship with Him through humility and prayer?
Day 5: Respecting God's Sovereign Order
Respecting authority, whether in the church or in government, is a biblical mandate that acknowledges God's sovereignty in placing individuals in their roles. This respect extends beyond church leadership to all governing authorities, recognizing that God’s sovereignty places individuals in their respective roles. It calls us to submit to His divine order, understanding that respect for authority is ultimately respect for God’s plan. [39:02]
Romans 13:1-2 (ESV): "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."
Reflection: How can you show respect for the authorities in your life today, whether in your workplace, community, or government, as an act of submission to God's sovereign order?
Quotes
Moses was a very humble man more humble than anyone else on the face of the Earth see I when I think about Moses I think about this powerful leader right he was just the leader of Israel but the thing that made him so great was he was the most humble man on Earth on the planet. [00:26:34]
I mean if someone speaks negatively about you and then God punishes them feels pretty good doesn't it you know I mean let's admit it I mean that's why I used to love this passage I thought that's so cool you know but MOS had had this humility and just he just he just cared about her. [00:33:54]
The greatest reward for humility is intimacy with God I just sat there and dwelt on that see God had this intimate Rel relationship with Moses god looked at Moses like no one else on the earth God just adored Moses he goes man you understand I talk to him he's a human being and we talk. [00:47:38]
The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master the Lord 's anointed or lift my hand against him for he is the anointed of the Lord he says look I'm not saying he's doing everything right but I'm not going to DARE lay hand on him I'm not going to DARE go against him. [00:42:31]
When a prophet of the Lord is among you I reveal myself to him in Visions I speak to him in dreams but this is not true of my servant Moses he is faithful in all my house with him I speak face to face clearly and not in riddles he sees the form of the Lord. [00:29:06]
I think that most people have a certain level of spirituality that they're okay with and once they get to that level good if they SL slip below it you know they're a little disappointed themselves but they don't feel this real sense to I want to be the most humble man on the planet. [00:27:59]
I mean I'm the high priest I put on that urum the th you know God speaks through me I'm I'm the propheus I'm I mean God speaks directly through me I I hear him in visions and this I mean the these people are are pretty powerful and they're like well well why is he getting all the glory. [00:25:00]
I love this verse for this is what the high and long lofty one says he who lives forever whose name is Holy I live in a high and holy place but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit isn't that amazing like God goes here Here I Am the high exalted one right. [00:48:12]
I just want to give you a a prayer of Thanksgiving Lord cuz I I really I really don't know how we would have made it had you not sent Ron to uh start this church and the way you've used him over the years God I thank you for the example that he is to other people Lord. [00:17:24]
I mean it's it's it's it's not something where see because naturally okay like in the workplace like whenever I worked any any job I always wanted to get the next position right and you just strive for the next thing it's like you know what I'm smarter than him I'm going to take his position. [00:36:06]
I mean if you have that type of relationship with God where he's the one that's looking out for you he's the one that listens when when people gossip about you he's the one that protects you he going to lift you up what else could you have on this Earth that type of intimacy with God. [00:49:33]
I mean it's it's a powerful story it's a crazy story you know it's one that sometimes we Overlook but there's a couple of things that that are in there that I think we need to really get one is we need to we need to fear leadership we do in a couple senses one in the sense of we need to fear taking positions of leadership. [00:35:11]
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