Numbers 17: Budding Leadership
WANTED: STRONG LEADERS. No matter what group or organization is being discussed, that statement applies. Good leaders are hard to find, hard to train, and hard to keep. In Numbers 17 God affirms the leaders set before Israel in a time of crisis.
Warming Up to God
Think of the leaders who have made a difference in your life. They might be from church, family or school. Reflect on the leadership gifts that most impressed and influenced you, and thank God for bringing them into your life.
Read Numbers 17. »
Discovering the Word
- Why does God set up this test (v. 5)?
- Why do you think he uses this test instead of simply punishing the troublemakers?
- How does the staff make an appropriate object for God's lesson (see, for example, Ps 23:4)?
- Why do you think the staffs are placed in front of the ark and Ten Commandments?
- How would the display of the staffs serve as a good deterrent to grumbling (v. 10)?
Applying the Word
- How can you provide stronger support to those in leadership in your church or fellowship?
- How can you seek confirmation of God's approval for your own service?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to make you aware of the place of leadership in daily life. Pray for the wisdom to be a stronger supporter and a wiser leader.
For Further Study
Excellence in Leadership by John White