Looking for Leaders

God had seen and heard of the oppression of His people in Egypt, so He came down (Exodus 3:7-8) in a burning bush that was not consumed (Exodus 3:2), looking for a leader to bring them out of Egypt. An all-too-humble--read: false humility--shepherd turned aside to see the unusual sight (Exodus 3:3). God said, "Moses, you're the one" (Exodus 3:10).
Moses offered up four objections as to why he was NOT the one:

1. He questioned his own worthiness - Who am I? (Exodus 3:11)
2. He questioned God - Who are you? (Exodus 3:13)
3. He questioned the response of his potential followers - What if they don't believe me? (Exodus 4:1)
4. He questioned his own ability and adequacy for the task - I don't speak well. (Exodus 4:10)

God patiently responds and meets each of Moses' objections to his leadership calling with promises of His presence (Exodus 3:12), His power (Exodus 3:20, 4:2-9), and His provision (Exodus 4:12). To all this Moses replies, "Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will" (Exodus 4:13) - Perhaps he was the first God-called leader who said, "Lord, can't you just send somebody else?"

At this point, God's patience seems to have reached its limit. Perhaps God's response went something like this: "Moses! Listen! This plan is already in action. Your brother, Aaron, is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart (Exodus 4:14-15, NASB1995, another translation says 'overjoyed' NASB). Moses! HELP IS ALREADY ON THE WAY!"

The story is told that Catherine Booth, wife of Salvation Army founder William Booth, would repeat these words to her children as she tucked them into bed at night: "We are not sent here for ourselves. We have been sent for others. The world is waiting for us."

And so, my God-called leader friend, for today, for this new year, for the monumental task in front of you, I am believing:

• God is looking for leaders;
• The world is waiting;
• Help is already on the way;
• and Someone will be glad you came.

---Charles "Chuck" Nutt