Bible Reading: Numbers 17 – 22; Mark 6:29-56; 7:1-17
“And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the Lord, and he was sanctified in them” – Numbers 20:12-13 (KJV).
Moses has been commended as the meekest man on earth. He has shown self-control, passion, selflessness and sacrifice as a good leader. He had suffered several attacks from the people he made so much sacrifice for, yet he continued to commit to them and to God. The people have never for once shown appreciation or even put his feelings into consideration. They continued to murmur against him at the slightest opportunity. They have shown impatience and lack of discipline, always complaining for every little issue. They are quick to forget past deliverance and help, at the slightest challenge they remind Moses of cucumber, carrot and garbage in Egypt. They even desired grave in Egypt. All these are so provocative for a leader who has shown so much commitment and who has made so much sacrifice for them. At a time, God asked Moses to step aside and allow him to wipe out that generation so he can begin a new generation with him. Moses would not accept such offer because he was such a selfless, committed and matured leader. All these were trials and trainings for Moses. He scaled through all these huddles but just one blunder cost him the fulfillment of his mission.
Moses failed to manage his temper being so provoked by the people; he was disappointed that he lost his temper. Moses called them rebels, their actions proved so. Out of provocation, he allowed his anger to get the best of him; he failed to honour God before the people. Moses struck the rock twice, water gushed out of the rock for the people to drink but God was not pleased with Moses’ outburst of anger. That anger cost Moses the promise land. His mission ended and Joshua was chosen to lead the people into the Promised Land.
Difficult people in ones leadership group can make one lose self leadership and fail to fulfill one’s life assignment.
PRAYER: Lord, I receive grace for people management and self leadership.
Rev. Vincent Diolu