Leading like Moses
Reflections on Exodus 17: 8-16
“But Moses’ hands grew weary; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands on one side and the other on the other side, so his hands were steady until the sun set.” Exodus 17:12
Moses had a unique relationship with God. He ran off as a fugitive, after killing an Egyptian official; because a fellow Israelite was being punished. While living a comfortable life in a foreign land with his wife, at an advanced age God called to him through a bush on fire that did not burn up. After leading the Israelite nation from bondage into freedom, he was given the major leadership role of the people. He had a staff given by God as a symbol of authority given to him to serve God’s people.
In this text in Exodus, Israel was battling the Amalek’s, Moses asked Joshua to pick out men to fight. As they were fighting, every time Moses held up the staff; Israel was winning. Each time he lowers his arms, the Amalek’s advanced. Towards the end of the battle Moses’ arms were so tired, he could not hold them up anymore. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for Moses to sit on and they held up his arms until Israel won. It was only with the help of others, did Israel win this battle.
Many people in leadership roles, feel the proper way to fulfill this role is by themselves; in most cases, this is not true. The spring migration of birds will happen soon in most parts of the world. How does a group of birds travel several hundreds of miles without rest? If you look closely the bird at the head of the V, breaks the airwaves for the others to travel. When the lead bird gets tired, it flys above the others and takes a place at the end. There it can rest while others take the leadership roles. In nature and it should be with humans, leadership is a shared role.
How is taking a leadership role for you? When I am asked to take on a leadership role, I look for resourceful people around me that share their experiences for the common good of the organization that is being served. Sometimes I take the leadership role, at times others do. The process uses the gifts and skills of all participants, assuring that the goals are accomplished and results are represented of all members involved. Instead of leaders using their own energy and resources, Biblical leadership strives to help individuals be refreshed in their energy as they accomplish their goals. Leaders need to have their arms held up by others to do the work of the Lord.
Dear Lord, I enjoy serving others in your name, but I find that I wear out quickly. Help me to serve you by surrounding me with other people who can hold my arms up. In so doing, the work you have given me will benefit others in seeing your joy and love for them. Amen.