Leaders at Risk

Numbers 16-18
 
Numbers 17:8 The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the house of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.

THESE chapters are about rebellion against Israel’s leaders and God’s response. This affirms what we know: leaders are at risk. An effective leader at best can only find agreement among some of the people he or she leads some of the time. There is an ongoing challenge to leaders in organizations as many people with various opinions see problems and solutions in different ways. This is normal. And leaders must strive to bring people together into a common understanding. The leadership and unity challenge is one reason for the New Testament epistles. The apostles were writing to churches to bring them under the true authority of Jesus Christ through those elders chosen to lead.
    Disagreement can sometimes lead to destructive rebellion. It happened to Moses in Numbers 12 when his sister Miriam and his brother, the High Priest, Aaron questioned Moses’ leadership. It happened to Moses and Aaron here as men in the camp challenged Moses and the Levites’ authority. (Remember, Moses was a Levite.)
    In essence, a rebellious group in the camp asked the age-old rebellion question, “Who put you in charge?” and believed, “We can do better.” They think they are also anointed to lead. So they come, and they threaten Moses.
    Then God confirms Moses and Aaron. He is clear to let the rebels know, “To get to Moses, you’ve got to go through me.” Think of God’s anger. 14,700 people were judged unto death. Then the Lord affirmed his choosing of Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership with the fruit from Aaron’s staff.
    Many times churches divide or lose their passion and effectiveness when members rebel against their leadership. People forget God has ordained the ways of his rule through the church. Many godly, anointed men and women have been driven from the church with outright or subtle disobedience. Ungodly, self-centered, self-righteous people have said, “Who put you in charge?”
    Because of this “Korah’s Rebellion”, the Hebrews stayed in the desert 40 years! Men and their families lost their lives because they opposed Moses. A generation missed the Promised Land. They died devoid of God’s living presence.
    When you know your leaders are following God, follow them. Trust the ones he has appointed. Be not quick to say, “I know better.” Seek, instead, to have a servant’s heart, open to following God’s leaders. Know it is God, who has put them in charge.
 
Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.