Strength in Meekness: Lessons from Moses

Devotional

Day 1: Meekness as Strength Under Control

Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness, but it is actually strength under control. Moses, described as the meekest man on earth, exemplified this by fully submitting to God's will. His life teaches us that true strength lies in surrendering our own desires and aligning with God's purposes. This submission is not passive but an active choice to trust in God's wisdom and timing. God highly values this trait, as seen when He considered trading the entire nation of Israel for Moses. Meekness allows us to experience God's power in our lives and fulfill His purposes. [01:17]

Numbers 12:3-4 (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 three of them came out."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to exercise strength under control by submitting to God's will today?

Day 2: Intimacy with God Through Direct Communication

Moses' relationship with God was unique, characterized by direct communication. God spoke to Moses face to face, highlighting the depth of their relationship. This intimacy is not reserved for a select few but is available to all who seek it. By drawing near to God, we can dwell in His presence, where we find rest, guidance, and a deeper understanding of His will. This relationship invites us to be honest and open with God, sharing our hearts and listening for His voice in our daily lives. [05:06]

Exodus 33:11 (ESV): "Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent."

Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to listen and speak to God as a friend today?

Day 3: Leadership and Accountability in God's Eyes

God holds leaders to higher standards, as demonstrated by Moses' punishment for disobedience. Despite his close relationship with God, Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded. This incident serves as a reminder that leadership carries significant responsibility and accountability. Our actions have consequences, and as leaders, we are called to model obedience and integrity. This teaches us the importance of aligning our actions with God's commands and being mindful of the example we set for others. [09:10]

Deuteronomy 32:51-52 (ESV): "Because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel, for you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel."

Reflection: What is one area where you need to align your actions with God's standards, especially if you are in a position of influence or leadership?

Day 4: Dealing with Burnout Through Shared Burdens

Moses experienced burnout from the burdens of leadership, a feeling many can relate to. In his plea for relief, God provided a practical solution by appointing 70 elders to share the load. This illustrates that leadership is a collective effort and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and sharing responsibilities. We are not meant to bear our burdens alone, and God often provides support through community and collaboration. This teaches us to recognize our limits and to reach out for help when needed, trusting that God will provide the resources and people to support us. [16:00]

Exodus 18:17-18 (ESV): "Moses' father-in-law said to him, 'What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.'"

Reflection: Who can you reach out to today to share a burden or responsibility that feels overwhelming?

Day 5: Availability Over Ability in God's Service

The story of Balaam's donkey reminds us that God can use anyone or anything to fulfill His purposes. This challenges the notion that God only works through the exceptionally gifted. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of availability over ability. God seeks those who are willing to be used by Him, regardless of their perceived capabilities. Our willingness to be available to God is more important than our abilities, as He is the one who accomplishes His work through us. This encourages us to offer ourselves to God, trusting that He will equip us for the tasks He calls us to. [26:57]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: How can you make yourself available to God today, trusting Him to work through you regardless of your perceived abilities?

Sermon Summary

In our exploration of the Book of Numbers, we delve into the profound lessons surrounding the life of Moses, a man described as the meekest on earth. Meekness, often misunderstood as weakness, is better understood as strength under control, akin to a tamed stallion. Moses exemplified this by fully submitting to God's will, a trait that God highly valued. This submission is highlighted when God considered trading the entire nation of Israel for Moses, underscoring the immense value God places on obedience and meekness.

Moses' intimate relationship with God is another focal point. God spoke to Moses face to face, a privilege that underscores the depth of their relationship. Yet, despite his closeness to God, Moses did not enter the Promised Land due to a moment of disobedience. This incident, where Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded, serves as a reminder of the high standards God holds for leaders. It teaches us that leadership comes with greater responsibility and accountability.

The narrative also touches on the theme of burnout, as seen in Moses' plea for relief from the burdens of leadership. This resonates with many who feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. God's response to Moses' burnout was practical: He provided 70 elders to share the load, illustrating that leadership is a collective effort and that seeking help is vital.

Finally, the story of Balaam's donkey reminds us that God can use anyone or anything to fulfill His purposes. This challenges the notion that God only works through the exceptionally gifted. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of availability over ability. God seeks those who are willing to be used by Him, regardless of their perceived capabilities.

Key Takeaways

1. Meekness as Strength: Meekness is not weakness but strength under control. It involves submitting to God's will, as Moses did, which God values immensely. This submission allows us to align with God's purposes and experience His power in our lives. [01:17]
2. Intimacy with God: Moses' relationship with God was unique, characterized by direct communication. This intimacy is available to us as well, inviting us to draw near to God and dwell in His presence, where we find rest and guidance. [05:06]
3. Leadership and Accountability: God holds leaders to higher standards, as seen in Moses' punishment for disobedience. This reminds us that leadership carries significant responsibility and that our actions have consequences. [09:10]
4. Dealing with Burnout: Moses' experience of burnout teaches us the importance of seeking help and sharing burdens. God provides practical solutions, emphasizing that leadership is a team effort and that we should not bear our burdens alone. [16:00]
5. Availability Over Ability: The story of Balaam's donkey illustrates that God can use anyone willing to be available. Our availability to God is more important than our abilities, as He is the one who accomplishes His work through us. [26:57]
** [26:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Numbers
[00:28] - The Greatness of Moses
[00:59] - Understanding Meekness
[02:08] - Saul's Transformation to Paul
[03:15] - God's Defense of Moses
[04:35] - God's Value on Obedience
[05:06] - Intimacy with God
[06:25] - Moses' Sin and Consequences
[07:40] - God's Standards for Leaders
[11:27] - Burnout in Leadership
[14:18] - Praying According to God's Will
[16:00] - God's Practical Solutions
[20:38] - Humanity in Biblical Characters
[21:08] - Balaam's Donkey and Availability

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Numbers 12:3, 5-8
Numbers 20:7-12
Numbers 11:10-17

---

Observation Questions:

How is Moses described in Numbers 12:3, and what does this tell us about his character? [00:59]
In Numbers 20:7-12, what specific instructions did God give to Moses, and how did Moses respond? [06:25]
What was God's solution to Moses' feeling of burnout in Numbers 11:10-17, and how did it address Moses' concerns? [16:00]
How does the story of Balaam's donkey in Numbers 22 illustrate the concept of availability over ability? [21:08]

---

Interpretation Questions:

What does the description of Moses as "meek" in Numbers 12:3 reveal about the biblical understanding of meekness, and how does this differ from common perceptions of the term? [00:59]
Considering Moses' disobedience in Numbers 20:7-12, what does this incident teach about the standards God holds for leaders, and why might these standards be higher than for others? [09:10]
In Numbers 11:10-17, how does God's response to Moses' burnout reflect His understanding of human limitations and the importance of community in leadership? [16:00]
How does the story of Balaam's donkey challenge the notion that God only works through the exceptionally gifted, and what does this imply about God's criteria for choosing whom to use? [21:08]

---

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by responsibilities. How did you handle it, and what practical steps can you take to seek help and share the load, as Moses did? [16:00]
Moses' meekness was characterized by his submission to God's will. In what areas of your life do you struggle with submission, and how can you work towards aligning your will with God's? [00:59]
Consider the high standards God holds for leaders. If you are in a leadership position, how can you ensure that your actions reflect God's expectations, and what steps can you take to maintain accountability? [09:10]
The story of Balaam's donkey emphasizes availability over ability. How can you make yourself more available to God's purposes, and what might be holding you back from doing so? [21:08]
Moses' intimate relationship with God was marked by direct communication. What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with God and seek His guidance? [05:06]
Reflect on a situation where you felt God was calling you to act, but you hesitated due to perceived lack of ability. How can you shift your focus from your abilities to your availability to God? [21:08]
In moments of burnout, how can you recognize the signs early and take proactive steps to prevent reaching a breaking point, as Moses did? What support systems can you put in place to help manage stress? [16:00]

Sermon Clips

Now the man Moses was very meek more than all men that were on the face of the earth. Perhaps one of the most misunderstood words in the Bible is the word meek. Jesus said blessed are the meek. Now that does not mean blessed are the weak. That does not mean that the milk toast kind of person is especially blessed. That isn't what meek means in the scripture. The word meek means something like tamed. You picture a powerful stallion, a powerful horse. Now, when that horse is broken, as we call it, when you get a bit in its mouth, a bridle on its head, and a saddle on its back, that horse isn't weak, but it's meek. [00:56:47]

Understanding the definition of the word meek, then we understand the compliment that's paid to Moses when it says Moses was very meek more than all men that were on the face of the earth. That means he had taken upon his life the disciplines of God and he wanted to obey God and do God's will. Now there's a compliment paid to Moses in chapter 12 when two people become jealous of him and God defends him. [02:51:04]

God comes to them and he says, speaking of course to Moses, how long will these people despise me? Will they never believe me even after all the miracles I've done among them? I will disinherit them and destroy them with a plague, and I will make you into a nation far greater and mightier than they are. And we saw in our last session that in fact, as it turned out, God did trade a nation of more than 2 million people for just two men, Caleb and Joshua, because Caleb and Joshua wholly followed God and believed him. [03:48:39]

Moses really wanted to be close to God, and he was uniquely close to God, so close to God and so valued by God that God is willing to trade him for that whole nation of people. I think that's arresting. Then, of course, as you continue to look at the life of Moses, it's arresting to realize that Moses doesn't get to go into the Promised Land. In the end, God doesn't trade the whole nation just for him. [05:29:21]

The record goes something like this: God said to Moses, get Aaron's rod, and then you and Aaron must summon the people. As they watch, speak to that rock over there and tell it to pour out its water. You will give them water from a rock, enough for all the people and their cattle. Then Moses and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock, and Moses said to them, listen, you rebels, must we bring you water from this rock? [06:22:52]

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, because you did not believe me and did not sanctify me in the eyes of the people of Israel, you shall not bring them into the land that I have promised them. Now we refer to this incident as the sin of Moses, and isn't it arresting that because this man's sins, what looks to us like a little sin, especially when you think of the sins with which he was coping, when you think of all his patience in the wilderness for forty years, what he put up with with these people, and here he apparently loses it on this one occasion. [07:00:56]

First of all, God said speak to that rock over there. Well, he didn't speak to it. He hit it with the rod twice. That was disobedience. God said speak to it, and he struck it not once but twice. He's obviously lost his temper because he says, listen, you rebels, have I got to give you water from this rock? He's obviously angry. Apparently, God charges him with this sin. He says you didn't believe me. [09:33:11]

I find it interesting that these men burn out. These men come to the end. This is a good description of burnout. Moses said to the Lord, why pick on me? Why give me the burden of all these people? Are they my children? Am I their father? Is that why you give me the job of nursing them along like babies until we get to the land you promised their ancestors? Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? [12:07:56]

I believe this experience happens to many people, and I believe it can happen to godly people because in the scripture, in the record, it happens to the greatest people of God who ever lived, so burned out they're praying that God will take their life. Now, it's very interesting that God doesn't answer their prayer. Have you ever thanked God for unanswered prayer? And into him, Spirit of God descend upon my heart, it says, teach me the patience of unanswered prayer. [13:15:25]

In the eighth chapter of Romans, the Apostle Paul gives us a very profound passage of Scripture. He says we don't pray as much as we have to pray because we don't know the will of God. We know that if we pray according to the will of God, we'll receive what we're asking, but our problem is we don't have a clue in the world what the will of God is, so we just don't pray. [14:33:32]

I believe what we really need is people who will offer God their availability. As a pastor, I've noticed this in the church. Sometimes you have people who are very, very short on ability but very long on availability. It seems that those that are short on ability are longer on availability, and then sometimes you have people who have very long on ability but very short on availability. They're gifted, talented people, but you can't get five minutes of their time. [26:10:34]

I find it arresting in the Book of Numbers to see the greatness of Moses and to see the burnout of Moses and the sin of Moses, but then realize that just as God used that little jackass, God used Moses because he was available, and God will use you and God will use me because we're available. [27:09:38]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?