We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt. (Numbers 14:4)Obviously the problem here was not the lack of a leader, but the lack of followers. Of the twelve spies, ten saw only the problems, while Joshua and Caleb saw the possibilities. And, as usual, the naysayers carried the day.
When I stand before my judge, I pray that I'm not counted with those who stopped the forward momentum of the church because I thought my glass was half empty.
The Israelites wanted to choose a leader who would take them back to Egypt. In other words, they were looking for someone who would take polls and follow majority rule. That's not leadership. Leaders don't let a group turn tail because of fear; they confront that fear and find one way or another to move the group forward.
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If you see only the problems, find a leader who sees the potential.
Good point about the moaning and groaning about leadership, and the responsibility of the follower as well.
ReplyDeleteStill like how various small bits I've completely forgotten surface - like here, in the midst of this familiar "spies" tale, I find a bunch of people who had second thoughts about their doubts *after* the consequences were announced and tried to go into the land anyway only to be beaten back down. Sorry guys - missed the boat! Next departure from this dock in 40 years. - Amy
LOL
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