“So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water” (Ex. 15:22).
Previous to the event of the crossing of the Red sea, God through Moses had lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The leadership of Moses would be critical in the coming years as the wilderness times would demand his focused attention. There are several points to consider of this wilderness experience, but three will be explored here as vital aspects of great leadership.
1. Forbearance. The history of the nation in the wilderness as they approached Moses with their problems can be summed up in a word: “murmurings” (Ex. 16:7). The low grumbling of the people among themselves came to the ears of Moses on several occasions (cf. Ex. 15:24; 16:2; 17:3; Num. 14:27; 17:5). Forbearing with such is a necessary quality of great leadership. While some (and at times not a few) will not be satisfied with the conditions of the times, leadership leans on God for direction and strength. The Holy Spirit through Paul cites this spirit of discontent as a quality not to be among Christians (cf. 1 Cor. 10:10). Whether the leadership be in the home, the church, civil government or any such entity, forbearance must be the focus in difficult times. Paul wrote of the Christian’s conduct under the subject of unity, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (cf. Eph. 4:2-3).
2. Forgiveness. When the nation committed a great sin (cf. Ex. 32:21, 30) in the worship of idolatry, Moses appealed to God to be merciful in remembering the covenant made to the fathers (cf. Ex. 32:11-13). After coming down from the mountain and confronting the people, it is recorded, “And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make atonement for your sin. And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin --; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book, which thou hast written” (Ex. 32:30-32). Here is a strong appeal for forgiveness by the leader who had done no wrong in this case. Leadership truly seeks to do everything in its power to bring forgiveness for the wrongs of others. No greater service is there than for a people to be brought to a right condition before God.
3. Fidelity. While most of the nation turned to unbelief and died in the wilderness (cf. Heb. 3:19), Moses was steadfast with God. It is written of him, “And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after” (Heb. 3:5). While Bible students know that Moses was not sinless (cf. Num. 20:1-13), his fidelity as a leader was not faulty. He stood with God and never had the slightest waver of doubt toward God. He is listed among those whose faith is to be respected (cf. Heb. 11:24-28). This is stressed explicitly of those who lead. “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (Heb. 13:7). “Wilderness” leadership will never be easy. However, it will always be valuable and profitable. Jimmy Clark