The story of Numbers so far has been highlighting the role and responsibility of God’s appointed spiritual leaders. This is vital context for understanding a story that many people find disturbing. Despite his significant role in the liberation of God’s people from Egypt, Moses would be barred from entering the promised land. He would die along with the adult generation of Israelites because of what he did at Kadesh. And what did he do? He struck the rock that God told him only to speak to. That doesn’t seem fair. But that’s the responsibility of leadership. Ascending in leadership is like climbing the ‘ratlines’ (the rope ladder) on a ship’s mast. The higher you go, the narrower they get. Not only this but when you climb higher there is more wind and more movement as the ship sways. So, what you might ‘get away with’ further down, you will not get away with higher up. The room for error narrows as you get higher. Also, the higher you climb the longer the drop if you fall and the more painful and damaging it is. When it happens (and it happens too often) it always seems unfair, but that’s the responsibility that comes with leadership. Moses is subsequently honoured throughout in the Bible for his role in God’s plan. He is seen as the greatest leader under the Old Covenant. But he also stands as a sobering reminder that when much authority is given much responsibility is required. Do not covet authority, and if you have it, be very careful what you do with it.
Reflect on how you can hold on tighter to God and be more careful with your influence.
Read Numbers 20
