Today’s Devotion
Topic: The Burden Of Leadership.
Text: Numbers 11:14.
I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. Amen.
One day, Moses heard the people of every family wailing for meat at the entrance to their tents. This was after the Lord had given them manna for a while. The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled.
He asked the Lord, “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 ancestors? Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!'” (Num 11: 10- 13).
He further lamented, “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, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favour in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.” (Num 11: 14- 15).
The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials 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 some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone. (Num 11: 16- 17).
Most leaders, including parents, go through a lot on behalf of the groups they lead, more than the members of their units are usually willing to carry. Yet they receive so much backlash at the least error that, it often kills their desire to serve.
Sometimes, it feels to them more like punishment than service. But when we pray for them and share in the burden, it becomes as bearable for them as it is to us an avenue to be blessed. It also prepares us for the leadership opportunities that may come our way tomorrow.
You remember how Jesus opened up to His disciples when the burden of the cross stared at Him. He said “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me” (Matt 26: 38).
Begin to pray for all leaders, then. Ask for more grace, wisdom, strength, guidance, protection and provision for them. They need these so much, and you will need them too; oh yes! Very soon, when you have become a leader yourself.
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