We know as believers that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior (Rom. 10:9-10). Jesus, the Son of God, is the ultimate example of Godly leadership for Christians. He assumed this authority that had been stolen from Adam by Satan when Jesus died on the Cross (Luke 4:5-8, John 3:16, Rom. 8:34). Now that Jesus has restored godly authority we must be live responsibly as stewards of that same authority (John 1:12).
Let us consider four Old Testament accountings of Moses’ leadership under crisis by the Israelite people:
• In Exodus 32 Aaron makes the Golden Calf for the children of Israel.
• In Numbers 12 Moses is challenged by both his brother, Aaron, and Miriam, his sister.
• In Numbers 14 there is another rebellion among the Israelites about returning to Egypt.
• In Numbers 16, again another rebellion begins; this time led by Korah and inspired by Korah.
In all instances the first thing that started before any actual actions occurred was murmuring. To murmur in the archaic sense of the word means to “express one’s discontent about (someone or something) in a subdued manner.” So what happened is that complaints were being made about Moses’ leadership and his ability to get results. At all times the complaints were directed to Moses, but we must understand that ultimately these complaints were actually against God Himself.
God was immediately aware when the Golden Calf was being made and alerted Moses to what was happening. Moses destroyed the false idol and even made the people drink the ground up ashes (Ex. 32:1-16, 20). Moses also destroyed the tables of testimony (the Ten Commandments) in his own anger even after reasoning with the Lord God to withhold his own anger on the people. 3000 men were killed in judgment because they rejected the Lord’s authority (Ex. 32:25-28). The Lord still plagued the Israelites in judgment because of their idolatry (Ex. 32:29-35).
Even after this event Aaron is again involved in challenging Moses. And Miriam also speaks out against Moses’ leadership. Number 12:1-2 tells that the issue was supposed to be that Moses married outside of custom to a Cushite woman. The Lord’s judgment came upon Miriam in the form of the disease of leprosy; Aaron had to ask Moses’ forgiveness. Moses in an excellent example of love cried out to God for Miriam’s healing. The scriptures indicate that Moses did not delay or seek revenge for being talked about!
The Lord yet again had to judge the children of Israel for being rebellious in Numbers 14. First the Israelites murmured against Moses and Aaron. (Notice that Aaron’s efforts for making the Golden Calf have been forgotten!) The Israelites complained about not dying in Egypt or the wilderness. This time Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb spoke with the people to try to be obedient to God (Num. 14:5-10). God again judged, but this time against those 20 and over those who “murmured against me” and cursed them to remain in the wilderness. Notice that good leadership was preserved to continue guiding the people.
Finally, we consider Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16. The complaint from Korah and 250 princes (leaders) to Moses and Aaron was “wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?” The Lord spoke telling that judgment would happen to Korah and his co-conspirators, Dathan and Abiram in Numbers 16:23-24. Moses spoke before the divine judgment occurred (Num. 16:25-30). Immediately an earthquake swallowed up those “wicked men,” their families, and their supporters (Num. 16:32-35). Because there was such a rebellious spirit among the people another rebellion started the next day (Num. 16:41-50). The divine judgement by plague was rebuked by Moses and Aaron (Num. 16:49-50) because they did not want the Israelites to die.
Lessons Learned:
1. We have the responsibility as believers to be obedient to God’s Word and His chosen leadership (when we are obedient the faithful are always protected and always rewarded).
2. We are commanded to study the Word to judge correctly (the Ten Commandments highlight that God wants us to know His Word clearly and intimately).
3. We are commanded to live the Word (only disobedience to God caused the Israelites to suffer divine judgments).
4. We are to know that God always judges fairly (those in leadership are also under His authority).
SOBI Alumni
Minister George H. Lewis
