God’s leadership training program for Moses fails every modern method. And yet, Moses is recognized as one of the Bible’s most prominent leaders. Let’s examine the training approach God used.
God’s leadership training program.Your background and education do not impress God.
When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.” (ESV, Exodus 2:10)
Leadership profiles usually begin with a pedigree. An Ivy league school diploma. Respectable family name. Impressive qualifications, and distinguished commendations.
But Exodus 2:1-10 describes Moses’ humble beginnings in a common Jewish family. And his fortuitous adoption into the Egyptian Pharaoh’s royal family.
From there, he was raised in a position of privilege. Received the finest education. The top training of the day. And was likely on track for a key position in his adopted, grandfather’s Fortune 500 organization. A future of power and authority.
Except he made a bad decision and shot himself in the foot. A spoiled, entitled, rich kid who arrogantly committed an impulsive, foolish act that turned his life upside down. And sent him spiraling from great to grovelling. To a hard landing in God’s leadership training program.
God’s leadership training program. Don’t get too big for your britches
One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people.He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. (ESV, Exodus 2:11-12)
Scripture doesn’t say how, but Moses learned about his Jewish heritage. Nor do we know his motivation for killing the Egyptian. The murder appears suddenly in the story with no explanation. Moses did, at least, look to see if anyone was watching before he acted.
Was it out of genuine compassion for the plight of his people or because he saw himself as their savior? In other words, demonstrating an ancient form of virtue signalling. No need to fear O nation of Israel. I…Moses…your not so humble servant will rescue you. You’ve got problems. I am your solution.
God’s leadership training program. You may not look as cool as you think.
When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, “Why do you strike your companion?” He answered, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” (ESV, Exodus 2:13-14)
Virtue signalling involves public acts and declarations on the behalf of others. Usually people considered victims of society. But they also extol our own goodness. A humble brag. And perhaps, it describes Moses’ real motivation. A public display of compassion for the Jewish people as victims of Egyptian injustice. An understanding of their plight. All brought to you from his self-perceived, lofty pedestal of personal piety.
But the next day when he encountered two Hebrew slaves in an altercation, he intervened in his holy goodness to break it up. Expecting them to naturally submit to his righteous, arbitration. Instead, one of them turned on him. Exposed his selfish motives. And shattered his ego with a question.
“Are you going to kill me too?”
The truth was out. Moses’ inflated ego instantly deflated. His motives exposed. Because the downtrodden are seldom fooled by self-righteous proclamations. You only fool yourself.
Perhaps, others didn’t see Moses the same way he saw himself. Furthermore, Pharaoh was out to kill him. So, he ran to Midian and became a lowly shepherd. Descending from upwardly mobile to the bottom rung of social and occupational status.
God’s leadership training program.Humble yourself before God and he will call when you’re ready.
Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. (ESV, Exodus 3:1-2)
Fast forward another forty years when Moses is 80 years old, And finally, God calls him to lead Israel. Now that’s what you call waiting for someone to mature. And God calls Moses in a spectacular manner by appearing in a burning bush. Except the bush wasn’t actually burning. And it definitely caught Moses’ attention.
Moses was still a shepherd for his father-in-law Jethro at the time.
Forty years of humble service without even a promotion to chief shepherd. And apparently, Moses was content to live out his days this way. What happened to that young, ambitious, and egotistical young man? He grew older, wiser, and humble before God. You see it in his exchange with God in the burning bush.
God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. (ESV, Exodus 3:5-6)
Moses was unaware of the change in his life. Gone was the youthful brashness. Now he was humble before God. And that is God’s primary qualification for leadership. Why? Because humility changes how we think. Rather than on our abilities. It’s about availability for God’s service. And promoting God’s glory rather than personal accomplishments. From me-first to seeking and obeying God’s will.
What was it that characterized Moses’ impressive accomplishments as a Biblical leader? He was a faithful follower first. And leader second.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Searching for life symmetry seems illusive. The quest for an ordered life. One that’s balanced and controlled. And perhaps, never will be completely. But here are four pursuits that will help.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.(ESV, Luke 2:52)
Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in wisdom
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight, (ESV, Proverbs 9:10)
The Hebrew word for “fear” is yirʾâh and denotes a sense of reverence. And “wisdom” is chokmâh, which refers to deep understanding and good judgment. In other words, wisdom is best attained by those who worship and revere God.
Jesus demonstrated this passion in his life. Luke 2:41-52 describes him as a 12-year old boy listening, learning, and asking questions of religious teachers in the temple. And he impressed them with his spiritual maturity.
All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. (ESV, Luke 2:47)
Therefore, we grow in wisdom as we study. learn, and apply God’s word. Because wisdom is a combination of knowledge and discernment of God’s word. Along with the learned experiences of applying its truth to our lives.
Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in stature.
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. (ESV, Isaiah 53:2)
We can only speculate on Jesus’ appearance. Isaiah suggests he was not strikingly handsome in a way that drew eyes to him. But an ordinary looking Jewish man that blended into a crowd. And probably rules out the blue eyes seen in many Hollywood movies.
Jesus was likely strong and in good shape. Why? Well, first, he was a carpenter by trade. And scholars today, believe carpenters in that day were more like stone masons than the carpenters of today. Because stone was more plentiful than trees. So, lifting and carrying rocks was a greater muscle building workout than carrying two by fours.
Furthermore, Jesus ate a lot of fish and traveled by foot. So, as a 30-year old man during his ministry, he was likely relatively healthy and fit.
Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in favor with God
He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed. (ESV, Luke 22:39-41)
Jesus also personally communicated with God through regular prayer. And some of those sessions were long and intense. Like for him, it was more than a religious duty. Or presenting a list of wish fulfillments.
He set a prayer life example for us to follow. To connect with our heavenly father eagerly, intimately, and regularly. And willingly invite his Spirit to examine our hearts. Who speaks to us on behalf of the father and intercedes on our behalf to him. Especially when we can’t find the words ourselves.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (ESV, Romans 8:26)
Searching for life symmetry. Jesus grew in favor with man
Jesus miraculously healed the sick and lame. And this made him hugely popular in all social circles. He even saved a family from public humiliation when they ran out of wine at their daughter’s wedding. And simply whipped up a new batch of fine wine from barrels of water. But his favor with man was more profound than that.
Because he was an authentic source of truth. And a magnet of hope that drew and engaged individuals and crowds alike. Without catering to the crowd. Or ignoring the individual. And in such an unpretentious manner that he asked some to keep silent so he could avoid attention.
Furthermore, he offered equal opportunity to people of all ethnic groups and social classes. From chief priests and political rulers to the morally decadent and complete, social outcasts. He provided all his divine touch with a redemptive purpose that glorified God. And still does.
Of course, Jesus was also God in human form so we won’t reach his level of perfection. But the life of symmetry he demonstrated is one we should strive to follow.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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When hope really matters. Life is full of hopes and dreams like the warm, fuzzy feelings of a Hallmark movie. But when death is near and you’re uncertain what’s next? That’s when the need for hope gets real. When it really matters.
Years ago, just before Christmas, my friend Ken shared some bad news. He had incurable cancer. No time frame was mentioned and there were medical measures to take. But even better, he and I believed in an Almighty God, the power of prayer, the miracle of divine healing.
As a young pastor, I offered encouraging words. But a question burned in my mind that I wanted to shout out loud.
WHY GOD? IT JUST ISN’T FAIR!
When hope really matters. When you intellectually reject hope you’re probably young and healthy.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (ESV, Romans 15:13)
I once attended a panel discussion that included an Evangelical Christian and an Atheist. It was a healthy, civil dialogue between two attractive, intelligent young people. Both presented reasonable arguments supporting their position and the debate, though passionate, was respectful. There was humor, good natured teasing, and great interaction. It was an engaging encounter that was intellectually stimulating. But that’s all it was—intellectual.
It’s a different scene with people in the hospital facing life and death. Intellectualism is stripped away. Raw emotions are bare and honest. And regardless of religious convictions, prayer is always appreciated.
There are two categories. People who approach death with hope and confidence and people who don’t. Yes, there are varying levels of intensity in these feelings, differences in attitudes, and degrees in level of assurance. But there is a clear separation between the two.
I’ve been with people so confident and assured in their faith that they radiate joy. And seen uncertainty and fear in the eyes of those with none. You may shrug your shoulders with a cavalier attitude that rejects Christianity. Or embrace a busy lifestyle that doesn’t think about the end of life. But when you face the most profound moment of your life, it matters. A lot.
When hope really matters. Jesus Christ provides a reason for it.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faithinto this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (ESV, Romans 5:1-2)
Scripture explains the reason we need hope. Because sin disqualifies us from the presence of a holy God. But God sent Jesus to die as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. And by confessing our sins to Jesus and asking him to be our Lord and Savior, we are forgiven of sin.
Many of the people I encounter with uncertain or no hope don’t understand this idea or simply reject it. And hang on to the idea you earn your way to heaven through personal merit. They say things like, “I’ve tried to live a good life. I’ve tried to do the right things.” Honestly? They are often decent people who live good lives and do the right things.
Still, doubt nags at them like an unscratchable itch. Can they be sure all their good deeds will outweigh the bad on God’s cosmic scales of justice?
When hope really matters. God offers hope beyond wishful thinking
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. (ESV, 1 Peter 3:15)
Ken lost the fight against cancer, but I’m confident he is now fully healed and living joyously in heaven. For me, this makes Christian hope more than Pinocchio’s “When you wish Upon a Star.” Because it’s based on the truth of God’s word.
Ultimately, of course, it requires a step of faith. But it’s not blind faith or warm and fuzzy, hopeful feelings. However, a confident, unshakeable hope in Jesus Christ. I’ve seen this faith demonstrated over and over at the bedside of believers living their last moments. The confidence, joy, and peace as they prepare to step into eternity. But I’ve also witnessed the uncertainty and absolute terror in the eyes of those with no hope.
And it’s heartbreaking. Because that is when we all want hope. And when it really matters.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Encountering a holy God. Isaiah was a prophet of God. What we consider a holy man. But when Isaiah encountered the holiness of God in a vision, his reaction said something different.
Encountering a holy God. You recognize your sinful condition
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (ESV, Isaiah 6:3)
Isaiah chapter six describes a prophetic vision. In the vision, the prophet observes a majestic God, seated on his throne, surrounded by angels who proclaimed the holiness and glory of God. And immediately, Isaiah is overcome with a sense of unworthiness. In other words, he recognizes his sinful condition before a holy God.
Scripture pictures a similar scene when everyone appears before the judgment seat of God.
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books. (ESV, Revelation 20:11-12)
It’s impossible for our minds to grasp the magnitude of this event. All humanity appearing one by one before a perfectly holy God. I imagine two possible responses. Those who immediately recognizes their sinful condition, kneel before the throne, and cry out to Jesus for his grace. And those who make excuses.
Encountering a holy God. You confess your sin to God
Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (ESV, Isaiah 6:5)
Why was Isaiah unworthy? He confesses as “a man of unclean lips.” Recognizing your sinful condition before a holy God is the first step toward reconcilliation with him. But that’s not the end to it. Because…
Christ-followers are to pursue holiness.
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 7:1)
The Greek word for “holy” is hagios, which means set apart. It indicates completeness and spiritual maturity rather that perfection. Even though Christ-followers are to imitate Jesus, we won’t attain moral perfection because of sin. Nevertheless, we should demonstrate lives set apart from this world.
Christ-followers are made holy by God
It is poignant the angel purified Isaiah’s lips. The source of his unholiness. In other words, although he was unworthy, God made him so. And he does the same for us. The apostle Paul put it this way:
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
What does this mean? That we should confess our unholiness before God. He will purify and makes us holy through Jesus Christ. And when we encounter him, he will make our holiness and righteousness perfect. And we’ll live with him in heaven forever.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Carrying out God’s specific purpose. Esther was a beautiful, young, Jewish girl. And God used her for a specific purpose. To save the people of Israel from annihilation
Carrying out God’s specific purpose. He positions us to represent him.
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. (ESV, Esther 2:17)
Between 483 to 473 BC, King Ahasuerus ruled Persia where the Jews lived in exile. And when his queen, Vashti, refused to appear before him as requested for an occasion, he recruited a harem of young, beautiful replacements. The one that captured his heart and he crowned as his new queen was Esther, a beautiful young jewish girl who was raised by her uncle Mordecai.
The Hebrew word translated “grace” and “favor” is chen which means favor, grace, charm, acceptance, and elegance. In other words, Esther was more than physically beautiful. There was a sense of class in her demeanor and carriage that set her apart. What we might call today, the “X” factor. But the appointment to that influential position was more than coincidence. God put her there for a special purpose.
As Christ-followers indwelled by the Holy Spirit, we too, should positively influence our culture for Christ.
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, (ESV, 2 Corinthians 2:15)
The message of the gospel is powerfully life changing. And as God’s ambassadors to a lost world, Christ-followers should present a faith that is attractive and hope-filled. Sure. Only God’s Spirit moves people to conviction and repentance. But we should strive to influence others for his kingdom, knowing it is part of our purpose.
Carrying out God’s specific purpose. He makes his will known to you.
Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus. (ESV, Esther 3:6)
Haman was the king’s second in command and demanded that everyone bow down to him. But as a Jew who bowed only to God, Mordecia refused. Infuriated at this disrespect, Haman convinced the king to issue a decree to kill all Jews on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month.
So, Mordecia met with queen Esther and urged her to disuade the king from carrying out the decree. But she hesitated. Because a law limited access to the king. Anyone who approached him uninvited was executed unless the king raised his golden sceptor to indicate his favor. For Esther to appeal to the king uninvited could mean her death.
And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (ESV, Esther 4:14)
But Mordecia presented a convincing argument. Perhaps, her rise to the throne served a specific purpose. The salvation of God’s people.
It poses a question every Christ-follower should consider: “What skills and abilities has God given me? And what areas of influence can I leverage for God’s glory?
Esther doesn’t get a clear answer from God. But she acts on faith. Prepared to die.
Carrying out God’s specific purpose. Lay out a careful plan.
And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king. (ESV, Esther 5:4)
Esther didn’t wing it, but devised a plan. It demonstrates that when God calls us to a purpose, he doesn’t do all the work. But expects us to use our God given gifts and abilities to participate in it. To plan. Organize. And actively engage in the work.
After successfully gaining audience with the king, Esther invites Ahasuerus and Haman to join her for a feast. And during the meal, the king asks her again what she wants. But she defers and invites the two men to another feast the next day.
It’s a familiar strategy. Build up the king’s anticipation and soften him up as she prepares for her big ask. Like a child buttering up parents before presenting a bad report card. Haman goes home elated. Excited to be invited to another feast. In fact, things were going so well he had gallows built with plans to hang Mordecai on them.
But during the next day’s feast, Esther appeals to the king for her life and the lives of her people. And she identifies Haman as the one behind the evil plot. Although the king cannot rescind the decree, he quickly issues a new one. The Jews can defend themselves against any attack. As a result, the Jews coordinate a defense and are saved, and king Ahasuerus orders Haman to be hung on the gallows he built for Mordecai.
The story demonstrates the importance of listening for and responding to God’s voice, acting on faith when called, and using your gifts to serve the Kingdom of God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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