What leadership qualities does Moses exhibit by following God's command in Exodus 17:5? Setting the Scene The Israelites are thirsty and quarrelsome at Rephidim. God answers by instructing Moses to strike the rock at Horeb so water will flow. Text of Exodus 17:5 “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go.’” Leadership Qualities Demonstrated • Obedient Readiness – Moses hears and acts without hesitation, modeling instant, trusting compliance (cf. Exodus 7:6). – His obedience is rooted in confidence that God’s commands are perfect and sufficient. • Courageous Initiative – “Walk on ahead of the people” requires stepping into full view of a frustrated crowd. – Moses faces potential backlash, yet he leads from the front, not from the safety of the rear (see Joshua 1:9 for the same call to courage). • Delegating Partnership – Involving “some of the elders of Israel” shows he shares responsibility and fosters accountability. – This anticipates Exodus 18, where delegation becomes a hallmark of wise leadership. • Reliance on God-Given Authority – The staff symbolizes divine power first displayed at the Nile (Exodus 7:17). – Moses doesn’t rely on personal charisma but on the tools God has provided, underscoring humble dependence (Numbers 20:11-12 contrasts when reliance falters). • Consistent Faithfulness – Repeated obedience over time builds trust among the people; Hebrews 11:24-29 highlights Moses’ enduring faith. – Each step of fidelity confirms that God’s previous faithfulness warrants present trust. Reinforcement from Other Passages • Exodus 14:13-16 — Leading Israel through the Red Sea mirrors the same obedience and courage. • Deuteronomy 34:10-12 — Moses’ unmatched prophetic stature flows from sustained submission to God’s voice. • Psalm 103:7 — God “made His ways known to Moses,” indicating continual relational intimacy that fuels effective leadership. Living It Out Today Moses shows that authentic leadership flows from immediate obedience, visible courage, shared responsibility, reliance on divine authority, and steady faithfulness. When leaders place God’s word above personal preference and take action in front of those they serve, God supplies what the people truly need—whether water from a rock then, or guidance and provision now. |
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