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Pastor's Study > Leading the Church from the Perspective of Moses


2 Aug 2009

 

Exodus 17:1 (AMP)
1 ALL THE congregation of the Israelites moved on from the Wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the Lord, and encamped at Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink.
God has a plan for His children.   He had appointed a leader [pastor].   He had led them into a difficult [no water] situation.
How did these people respond to the no water test from the Lord?
Exodus 17:2-3 (AMP)
2 Therefore, the people contended with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said to them, Why do you find fault with me? Why do you tempt the Lord and try His patience?
3 But the people thirsted there for water, and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?
Notice that they are in the center of God’s plan and will and yet the people are very upset at their God appointed leader. In fact it seems clear that Moses felt that the people are on the verge of getting rid of him …. perhaps to choose a new leader who would lead them back to Egypt?
God will make sure that tests like these come up.   The question to pastors today is …… will you be careful to not get in hot water with the people or will you be careful to go to God and get His direction and obey?
How did Moses respond to this test?   As in most of God’s tests this test will be for both the pastor and leaders as well as for the people.
Exodus 17:4 (AMP)
4 So Moses cried to the Lord, What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.
Moses cried out to the Lord. He did not come up with his plan or call an emergency meeting ….. he cried out to the Lord.   His eyes were only on the Lord for direction and provision.
How did the Lord respond?
Exodus 17:5-6 (AMP)
5 And the Lord said to Moses, Pass on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand the rod with which you smote the river [Nile], and go.
6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at [Mount] Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
Look at the instruction from the Lord.    First …. don’t hide from the people. Second …. don’t try to go it alone, bring in the other leaders I have provided. And third and most important …. take in your hand the symbol of the power of God [the rod empowered by God]   Notice that God promised His presence to be with Moses as he obeys God’s command to go and to strike the rock.
Do you have any “no water” situations that are looking for attention? Below are some things to consider. 
·         Have you been crying out to God?
·        Has He answered?    Are you committed to getting only His direction?
·         Have you been looking for a place or way to hide?  
·         Is your perspective:  you are alone and must solve this yourself?
·         To what extent are you cultivating the presence of God? …   fellowship of other leaders?
Moses was chosen by God and called to lead. Moses cultivated the presence of God.   God's presence was shown to the people in various ways ... by the pillar of cloud, by the power in the rod of God.  Do your people perceive the presence of God in your life and on your ministry? Do you?
God provided a pillar of cloud and fire for guidance. Does He desire to provide to you less?
Even in the midst of the leading by cloud and fire God gave Moses specific direction and power to address the need [ no water and no faith ] of the nation [body he was leading].
Like the nation of Israel, many in our pews today want to return to Egypt. Sheep want to eat the leaks and garlic of the old pre-Christ life in the world.   God’s plan for you as His leader of His flock is to lead them out of the world and  into the His promise land. This will involve testing and the testing will be for them and also for you.   Your perspective and thus your choices are everything.  
You have been given by God all the provisions needed to lead these people on this journey.  Only be strong and courageous. He will provide for you all you need ……….  with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm, and with great (awesome) power and with signs and with wonders ……..  to bring glory to His Name and to His Kingdom!
Lead on in the strength and wisdom and under the divine direction of our King and Savior.
 
 
   A Message from Ed Moore ,  PrayForceOne.com

Ed Moore