Numbers 9-10

Ever spoken too soon? Offered an answer that seemed right at the moment, but later proved to be totally wrong? As a man I often have this "genetic" influence that leads me to seek to answer every question and solve every problem as quickly as possible. It's called the "just fix it" gene. I'm sure it must have been one of the consequences of the Fall of man. It has caused me a lot of extra trouble and others a lot of unnecessary pain.

In Numbers 9, Moses is approached by some people who realized they would be unable to celebrate the Passover. They asked what they were to do. Embarrassing as it is, I was a little shocked Moses didn't have an answer at that moment. Rather, he chose to delay saying, "Wait, and I will listen to what the Lord will command concerning you" (v8). Moses didn't know the answer and instead of making up something that sounded good, he chose to reveal he was "clueless" on the matter and needed some time to consult God.

It is very easy for those in positions of leadership to feel they need to have all the answers. To ask for more time only reveals you don't know the answer. The thoughts the enemy throws at those leaders then are, "And you think you can lead this person? They come to you for an answer and you have nothing to offer. Leaders have to offer! What will they think if you can add nothing to their situation? They will doubt your ability and worthiness to lead."

I have had every one of these thoughts race through my head. Often they have been persuasive and I have come up with the best I had and hoped it helped, not hurt. But for Moses, if he had spoken wrongly it could very well have cost those questioners their lives.

Moses' example of a humble God-seeking leader reminds me that we don't have to know everything ourselves to lead others, we just have to know the One who does. Then we must be humble enough to go to Him and wait for a response.