S) "28 Then Joshua the son of Nun, the attendant of Moses from his youth, said, 'Moses, my lord, restrain them.' 29 But Moses said to him, 'Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!'"
Numbers 11:28-29 (NASB)
O) From the start, Moses was reluctant to be the leader of this people. In a sense, that humility might be the very reason he was chosen. Here, we see another example of the humble approach Moses had. He was clearly feeling overwhelmed by the people (see vv. 10-15), and was ready to quit. God laid out a plan for him to use seventy men, and God's Spirit would be with those men as well. Each of those men had a brief moment of prophecy, but two of them were in camp (instead of being at Moses' tent at that time), and they continued to prophesy. This was when Joshua apparently became jealous on behalf of Moses. But Moses replied that He wished all of God's people were prophets, probably in part because it would have taken the onus off of Moses. He would no longer feel the pressure of being the only intercessor for this obstinate people. Eventually, what Moses spoke that day is exactly what would come to pass, as the Holy Spirit is promised to every believer.
A) This sentiment might have come from a place of frustration and exhaustion, but it also teaches an important lesson in humility. Paul echoed the words of Moses, when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:5, "Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy;" This is an excellent reminder to me that I cannot, and should not be doing it all for people. My desire must be that they would grow into a place that they are nurturing their relationship with God independent of me. As a husband, I should be leading my wife in such a way that, if the Lord took me home without her, she would continue to thrive in her relationship with Him. With my kids, my goal should be that they are raised up to a point of serving God without me dragging them to church. With every ministry opportunity, it should be my hope that the people who receive anything from me, would be growing to a point that they don't "need" me anymore.
P) Father, You are good. You provide me with everything I need to do what You have (and are) calling me to do. I am not burdened with half a million people, but even the small group of people who might look to me, can still feel overwhelming if I am tempted to think I'm doing it alone. In my life group, in my extended family, even in my immediate family and marriage, help me to lean on You, God. Remind me that the Holy Spirit within me is not just for understanding the Bible. Lead me by Your Spirit. Strengthen and sharpen me by Your Spirit. Keep me humble, Father God. At all times, let me remember that my goal in any ministry, is to help someone grow toward You, and away from me. In that way, let it always be less of me and more of You, God. Let me always be humble enough to let go of control. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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