Today’s Reading: Numbers 11, 12 & 13

As I mentioned back a few days ago, the group of Israelites wandering around in the desert was quite large – likely upwards of 2 million people. And, if you remember, I said that understanding these numbers will help us put some things in context as we move forward. Well, today, we find one of those times where understanding the numbers helps us to grasp the magnitude of Moses’ problem.

Here we find Moses, the leader of this enormous group of people, reaching the end of his rope. In ministry, we would say that he is “burning out.” He can’t handle the pressure. He can’t keep up the pace required of him. He wishes God would just kill him now. Of course, at first glance, it kind of seems like Moses is just whining. But, if you remember that, for instance, when the people were groaning and complaining about not having meat to eat, it was 2 million people complaining. When Moses prayed for God’s mercy, it was his prayers against 2 million angry cries to God. Moses must have felt alone, out-manned and unnerved at the prospect of trying to lead these people. And yet, in the midst of it all, he learned a valuable lesson.

Look at what God does when Moses realizes that he can’t do this by himself and cries out to God for help. God delegates. He puts the power of his spirit on additional people. He distributes the load. To be sure, Moses is still the leader and God’s hand of favor is still on him, as we see in the subsequent verses. But now, this incredibly powerful leader has some help.

I think it’s worth noting that even this great man who got to speak directly with God (and even challenged God at times) desperately needed help from others. Why would any of us think that we didn’t have the same need? Perhaps more importantly, why would any of us think that those around us wouldn’t have the same need?

Have you ever know someone – especially someone in a position of leadership – who seemed to have it all together? You know, I’m talking about the person who looks like they need no one. If you helped them, you would just be getting in the way. They are Superman and/or Wonder Woman. They are the rock upon which their church or their business or their family is built. And yet, chances are that they don’t have the kind of relationship with God that Moses did, that they aren’t as wise or as humble or as strong as he was. And, therefore, if Moses needed help, then Mr. or Ms. Super Leader probably does to.

And so, let’s resolve to not take no for an answer – for ourselves or for those around us. If someone asks you if you need help, say yes. If someone asks for your help, say yes. If you just happen to be looking around and see someone who needs help, say yes! If we freely offer assistance to those around us and freely receive assistance from others when it’s offered, maybe we’ll avoid getting to the place where, like Moses, we just wish God would kill us now!