This week’s message really hit home for me, probably because of the times we live in. Every other day I see a petition or a blog series or even a podcast being passed around attempting to gather people around their cause or their perspective on an issue, because (they believe) the more people you have agreeing with you, the more likely you are to be able to effect change. Combine that hubris with the fact that many leaders both inside the church and outside of it are being caught in moral failure, and you have this idea that a large group of people are usually right and the leader is usually wrong.
This is what makes this message stand out, because in our journey through the "Mistakes Were Made" series, we encounter something unexpected and counter cultural - we find a story of community failure from Numbers 16. This narrative isn't about a leader's mistake (like you’d expect) but rather the community's failure to support their leader, Moses.
We’re introduced to Korah and his followers when they challenge Moses' leadership. They claimed that the entire community was holy and questioned Moses' authority. This turned into a whole rebellion within the community. The story culminates with a dramatic display of God's power, as the earth swallowed Korah and his followers.
We have to remember the historical and cultural context when reading about people getting swallowed up and remind ourselves that we shouldn’t judge an ancient culture by modern standards. With that in mind, this story offers us some amazing takeaways for the readers, whether they’re a leader, or a member of a community. First, take a look at what Pastor Mike saw in Moses’ responses that are a helpful model for us when we’re opposed:
1. Respond with Humility: Acknowledge your own fallibility and seek God's guidance.
2. Respond with Consideration: Consider the opposition's perspective and bring it before God.
3. Respond with Compassion: Show compassion to those who oppose you, reflecting Christ's love.
4. Respond with Strength: Stand firm in your convictions and lead with the strength God provides.
Now regarding our position within a community, let's challenge ourselves to lead and support our leaders with humility, consideration, compassion, and strength. This week, ask yourself:
- How can I better recognize and support the leaders God has placed in my life?
- Am I approaching disagreements within my community with humility and a willingness to seek God's guidance?
- How can I show compassion to those I may disagree with while still standing firm in my convictions?
Let's strive to be a community that uplifts and supports our leaders even when we disagree, remembering that our ultimate leader is God, and His guidance is paramount in all we do.
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