What can we learn about leadership from Moses' response to Aaron's request? Setting the Scene Aaron and Miriam have criticized Moses. The Lord’s anger breaks out, leaving Miriam leprous. Terrified, Aaron turns to Moses: “ ‘My lord, please do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed.’ ” (Numbers 12:11) Moses’ immediate answer follows: “So Moses cried out to the LORD, ‘O God, please heal her!’ ” (Numbers 12:13) Leadership Snapshot Moses has just been publicly attacked by his own siblings. Yet when Aaron begs for help, Moses: • does not remind them of their wrongdoing • does not demand an apology or repayment • does not savor vindication • turns instantly to God for Miriam’s restoration Lessons for God-Honoring Leadership • Grace Over Grudge – Moses chooses mercy. Compare Exodus 32:32, where he is willing to be blotted out for Israel’s sake. – Proverbs 19:11: “A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.” • Immediate Intercession – Leadership runs to prayer first. – 1 Timothy 2:1 urges “petitions, prayers, intercessions” for others—even those who fail us. • Humility Under Pressure – Numbers 12:3 already notes Moses as “very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth.” – James 4:6 reminds: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Restorative Focus – Moses asks for healing, not punishment. – Galatians 6:1 directs spiritual people to restore someone caught in sin “with a spirit of gentleness.” • Recognition of Shared Sinfulness – Aaron admits, “we have so foolishly committed.” Moses does not separate himself morally. – Romans 3:23 keeps leaders aware that all “have sinned and fall short.” • Dependence on God’s Authority – Moses appeals to the Lord, acknowledging that only God can truly heal and resolve. – Psalm 121:2: “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Scriptural Echoes of the Same Heart • Psalm 106:23—Moses “stood before Him in the breach” to keep God’s wrath from destroying Israel. • Ezekiel 22:30—God seeks someone to “stand in the gap.” • Luke 23:34—Jesus: “Father, forgive them.” • Acts 7:60—Stephen prays for his killers. • 1 Peter 2:23—Christ “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” Living It Out Today • When criticized, refuse retaliation; pursue the offender’s good. • Make intercessory prayer your reflex, not your last resort. • Lead from humility—acknowledge personal need of grace. • Aim to restore, not ruin, those who stumble. • Keep pointing people to the only true Healer and Judge—God Himself. |
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