Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” (Num. 20:10)
Expanded Passage: Numbers 20:9-12
Exasperated leaders are rarely effective. This is obvious to anyone who has been a parent, watched a parent, or tried desperately not to watch a parent. Children mimic adults. People follow leaders. It seems that half of the entertainment industry is driven by this principle, manifesting in dysfunctional TV families: a sarcastic parent raises a sarcastic child, and the parent seems shocked and confused. Of course, we oftentimes reject good leadership, shun accountability, and dismiss discipleship. At other times, we simply follow the example we have been given.
Anyone in leadership can identify with Moses here. Moses was exasperated that he had to intervene on behalf of his people. The Israelites were plagued with a rebellious attitude, but if we read closely, so was Moses. His exasperation is understandable because time and time again the Israelites had failed to trust God, relying upon Moses’ and Aaron’s faith to bring forth God’s blessing. But disgruntled leaders can be as dangerous as disgruntled followers.
Those of us in leadership (and that is all of us: friends, parents, coworkers) must remember that it is God, not us, who brings forth the living water. It is not our skill, our power, or our giftedness that gives life. We must humbly speak to the Rock.
Take your greatest need to God, and believe that he will provide.
Dalene Fisher is a full-time wife, mother, and grandma. She is a former associate professor of English, dean, and assistant provost at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK).
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
