Memory Scripture
So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am”
(Exodus 3:4).
God’s call to leadership is a divine commission, accompanied by the empowerment to inspire, guide and serve with unwavering faith and conviction.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. Jan.27: Gideon, Commissioned To Go For God (Judg. 6: 11-14)
Tue. Jan. 28: God Will Go With You (Judg. 6:15-16)
Wed. Jan. 29: Get Convinced On Your Commissioning (Judg. 6:17-22)
Thur. Jan. 30: God Usually Gives Confirmation (Jer. 1:4-5)
Fri. Jan. 31: God’s Support Is Usually Guaranteed (Jer. 1:7-10)
Sat. Feb.1: God’s Empowerment Is Indispensable (Acts 1:7-8)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
The prerogative of bringing to leadership is of God. He raises and uses leaders to get His work done. Be ready for Him!
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Exodus 3:1-22; 4:1-17
The previous lesson, “God’s People Need Godly Leaders,’ I emphasised the necessity of having good and godly leaders in various aspects of life, be it at home or in the Church of God. The lesson underscores the significance of seeking leaders who fear God and genuinely care for the people, as the rule of the ungodly leads to suffering.
This current lesson, the third in the series, focuses on the calling and empowerment of leaders. God, Who calls and prepares people for leadership, is the Ultimate Authority. Having His endorsement is crucial for effective functioning in any leadership capacity. It is cautioned that attempting to enter any leadership role without proper commissioning and empowerment would be disastrous – a path not to be trodden.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE CALL TO LEADERSHIP
- THE COMMISSIONING AND EMPOWERMENT
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE CALL TO LEADERSHIP (Exod. 3:1-9)
So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am”
(v.4).
a) No one can receive anything unless it is given to him from above, including leadership skills. This principle is evident in the preparation and calling into leadership of various biblical characters (1 Sam 3: 4-10; Jer. 1: 1-10; Acts 9:1ff).
b) VV. 1-4: Moses, for instance had a long preparation which lasted for about 40, years before God finally called nim to lead the Israelites out of Pharaoh’s den.
c) vv, 3,4: His calling was dramatic. God showed him a great sight to draw his attention. The calling only came when his attention had been drawn. God must get your attention before committing His task to you Don’t be distracted!
d) VV. 4-9: God doesn’t use a vessel He hasn’t prepared. So, proper preparation for leadership usually precedes calling into, and usefulness in leadership.
e) Success in leadership hinges on hearing from God and undergoing His tutelage. Like Moses under Jethro, never speak for God or lead His people without surrendering to His preparation
THE COMMISSIONING AND EMPOWERMENT (Exod. 3:10-22; 4:1- 17)
Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel out of Egypt
(Exod.3:10).
a) vv. 10-22: God only backs what He builds. It may be difficult to get God’s backing, if He hasn’t called/commissioned you into office. Don’t self-imposeyourself, or be without God’s backing.
b) Obviously, God is not a joker. When He calls, it is for a purpose. For Moses, itis, come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel out of Egypt (3:10). Are you called? Why are you called?
c) vv. 11-18: Empowerment for the assignment usually comes from having clear understanding of the purpose. This rubbed off on Moses leadership performance,
d) 4:1-9: Commissioning is like giving someone the instrument, or staff of office. It is the authority to act. This may come in terms of divine direction and unflinching backing. See that you are duly commissioned.
e) vv. 1-17: Moses’ reluctance and excuses immaterial, God patiently led him through to the point of empowerment just as the Apostles of Jesus Christ were duly empowered after waiting for some days in Jerusalem (Lk.24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4)
LESSONS DERIVED
- God places inestimable value on preparation and calling into His leadership positions. Ensure you are divinely called.
- It is crucial to understand the purpose of your calling, the specific office to which you are called and the authority thats supports it.
QUESTIONS
- State the implication of God getting Moses’ attention before speaking to him, forthe ministry and leadership position today.
- Why is commissioning and empowerment important for leadership position in God’s work?
