Robert Morris in his book The Blessed Church (review coming soon), points out that Moses is the archetypical “pastor;” leading the nation of Israel through the wilderness. Hence, he labels Moses’ prayer in Numbers chapter eleven the “Prayer of the Burned-Out Pastor.”
Moses heard all the families standing in the doorways of their tents whining, and the Lord became extremely angry. Moses was also very aggravated. And Moses said to the Lord, “Why are you treating me, your servant, so harshly? Have mercy on me! What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people? Did I give birth to them? Did I bring them into the world? Why did you tell me to carry them in my arms like a mother carries a nursing baby? How can I carry them to the land you swore to give their ancestors? Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? They keep whining to me, saying, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!” (Numbers 11:10-15)
Yeah I’ve been there, Moses, ol’ buddy. Ministry can be tough, and way too many pastors drop from sheer exhaustion and burn-out.
Then Morris draws attention to the Lord’s response in the following verses:
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Gather before me seventy men who are recognized as elders and leaders of Israel. Bring them to the Tabernacle to stand there with you. I will come down and talk to you there. I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you, and I will put the Spirit upon them also. They will bear the burden of the people along with you, so you will not have to carry it alone.” (Numbers 11:16-17)
“So you will not carry it alone.”
What is God’s council for His suffering servant, Moses?
“Delegate.”
Raise up more leaders. Isn’t that our true calling as leaders? More leaders equals more and better ministry.
So, who are you bringing along as a future leader? Who is one in Spirit with you, pulling with you and for you in ministry?
The leadership burden is meant to be shared.