Date: 24 March 2023
Preacher: Apostle General Jannie Ngwale
Editor: Mrs Nthabiseng Motubatse
Principal Scripture Reading: Numbers 12 : 7-8, Deuteronomy 34 : 10
The story of Moses is one of the most significant in the history of the world, particularly in the context of the church. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. However, beyond his leadership role in delivering the Israelites from bondage, Moses also played a significant role in building and advancing the church. His life and ministry provide valuable lessons on how to build and advance the church, particularly in the face of challenges and vulnerabilities.
In this message we learn about why the story of Moses is significant for the church today. We begin to see Moses' close fellowship with God and how that relationship carved Moses’ leadership style and lessons for modern day leaders. We will then gain an understanding about the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges, we also look at the importance of listening to and obeying God. From all this we begin to acquire an understanding of the importance of humility and servant-hood in leadership and the importance of building and advancing the church through unity and collaboration. All this information will make us conscious of what serving God tirelessly and developing an intimate relationship with Him can do for us as His children.
Moses' close fellowship with God
In the book of Numbers chapter 12 verse 7 to 8 we see how God chose Moses to have a close fellowship with him, just as he did with Adam. We see Moses' siblings, Miriam and Aaron, criticize his choice of a marriage partner. They demean him because he had married an Ethiopian woman, and they saw themselves as better than Moses. In response, God descended to defend Moses, showing that even the greatest prophets are vulnerable to criticism.
Moses was a prophet who was used through signs and wonders. The king of Egypt and his officials witnessed the mighty hand of God through the life of Moses. Moses was not just any prophet, but he was a prophet who was humble, more than anyone on the face of the earth we see this in Numbers 12 verse 3, it is written, "Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth."
Moses was born in Egypt during a time when the Israelites, his people, were enslaved by Pharaoh. Despite the odds against him, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery and into the Promised Land. Moses' leadership style and the lessons we can learn from his life have profound implications for modern-day leaders.
Moses' leadership style and lessons for modern-day leaders
One of the key lessons we can learn from Moses is the importance of resilience and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of resources and opposition from both the Israelites and Pharaoh, Moses remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to the mission that God had given him. He continued to press forward and trust in God, even when the odds seemed stacked against him. As leaders in the church, we too must be resilient and persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks, trusting that God will see us through and help us accomplish His purposes.
Another lesson we can learn from Moses is the importance of listening to and obeying God. Throughout his life, Moses had numerous encounters with God, and he always listened to and obeyed God's instructions. He understood the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His plan, even when it may have seemed unconventional or difficult. As leaders in the church, we must also be willing to listen to and obey God's voice, seeking His guidance and direction in all that we do.
Importance of humility and servant-hood in leadership
Moses also demonstrated the importance of humility and servant-hood. Despite being called by God to lead the Israelites, Moses did not view himself as superior or above others. Instead, he remained humble and willing to serve those he was leading. He was not afraid to admit his own shortcomings and weaknesses, but instead relied on God's strength and guidance to lead the Israelites. As leaders in the church, we too must embrace humility and servant-hood, recognizing that our role is to serve and empower others rather than seek personal glory or recognition.
Importance of building and advancing the church through unity and collaboration
Another key lesson we can learn from Moses is the importance of building and advancing the church through unity and collaboration. Throughout his leadership role, Moses worked tirelessly to bring the Israelites together and encourage them to work towards a common goal. He recognized the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving success, and he worked to foster an environment of cooperation and teamwork. As children of God in the church, we too must work to build unity and collaboration within our churches, recognizing that it is only through working together that we can truly advance God's kingdom.
God used Moses to affect the lives of the people of Israel in a distinct manner. The same way God used Moses is the same way that He can use you. God can use people in different spheres of life, including business and institutions of learning. Child of God never get tired of serving God, because when you serve God, God will elevate your life not only materially, but God will begin to reveal intimate things about your life and your future. Having an intimate relationship with God sets you apart, you need to hear the voice of God to make it in this life.
God's unique relationship with Moses as a friend and prophet
God chose Moses for a specific purpose. In Deuteronomy 34 verse 10, it is written, "And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." This scripture emphasizes the unique relationship that God had with Moses. It also shows that no other prophet in Israel was like Moses. This scripture proves to us that this relationship between God and Moses was very distinct.
Moses was not only a prophet, but he was a friend of God. God found a friend in Moses that he could talk secrets with. When God finds someone who serves Him tirelessly, He will want to come and converse with that person. If an intimate relationship with God is what you desire, then understand that service will bring you to that place in your relationship with God, just as it brought Moses.
Serving God tirelessly and developing an intimate relationship with Him
In conclusion, when God sees you serving Him tirelessly, He begins to bring Himself closer to you, He will begin to converse with you and your relationship with Him becomes distinct. Moses was not just an ordinary prophet, but he was a friend of God. God used Moses through signs and wonders to affect the lives of the people of Israel in a distinct manner. Child of God serve God with all your heart and might. Afford God the best of yourself, the best of your talents and your giftings and God will entrust you with the best of Himself.
