FOLLOW THE LEADERprovisions. They want something different. Like many spiritual leaders,
Moses cried out to God under the pressure of the expectations of the
people:
“Why have you brought this trouble on your servant?
What have I done to displease You that You put the
burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all
these people? Did I give them birth? Why do You tell
me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant,
to the land You promised on oath to their forefathers?
Where can I get meat for all these people?...I cannot
carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.
If this is how You are going to treat me, put me to death
right now...”
Moses became burdened-down and frustrated with his leadership
responsibilities and the expectations of the people. They again looked to
him to meet all of their needs – and wants. At that point, Moses sunk into
suicidal depression! This is the “burn-out point” for many leaders! But
how did God respond? Note His very practical leadership instructions
to Moses:
“Bring seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as
leaders and offi cials among the people. Have them come
to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with
you. I will come down and speak with you there, and
I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on
them. Th ey will help you carry the burden of the people so that
you will not have to carry it alone”...Then the Lord came
down...and He took of the Spirit was on him and put the
Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on
them, they prophesied...” (Num. 11:11-25).There were two men, Eldad and Medad, who were not present at that
leadership meeting. They stayed in their tents. We are not told why –
they just did not attend the meeting. However, the sovereign “...Spirit
also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.” At that point,
a young man ran and told Moses what happened. He reported what
appeared to be a “leadership training violation!” Even Joshua exhorted
Moses to “...stop them.” But Moses had learned the importance of
shared leadership – and wisely answered: