Leadership Standard

Numbers 13

1 The Lord now said to Moses, 2 “Send out men to explore the land of Canaan, the land I am giving to the Israelites. Send one leader from each of the twelve ancestral tribes.” 3 So Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He sent out twelve men, all tribal leaders of Israel, from their camp in the wilderness of Paran. 4 These were the tribes and the names of their leaders:

Tribe — Leader

Reuben — Shammua son of Zaccur

5 Simeon — Shaphat son of Hori

6 Judah — Caleb son of Jephunneh

7 Issachar — Igal son of Joseph

8 Ephraim — Hoshea son of Nun

9 Benjamin — Palti son of Raphu

10 Zebulun — Gaddiel son of Sodi

11 Manasseh son of Joseph — Gaddi son of Susi

12 Dan — Ammiel son of Gemalli

13 Asher — Sethur son of Michael

14 Naphtali — Nahbi son of Vophsi

15 Gad — Geuel son of Maki

16 These are the names of the men Moses sent out to explore the land. (Moses called Hoshea son of Nun by the name Joshua.)

As I read this list of 12 leaders of the tribes of Israel, knowing that I only know anything much about two of them (Caleb and Joshua), I am struck today by the thought that being called out as a leader of God’s people is one thing. It is a great honor to be sure. However, to be obedient to that calling is quite something else altogether. Ten of these twelve men were not obedient, did not trust, and failed to give God the glory He alone deserves. They are essentially forgotten on the dung heap of history’s failed leaders. They were among the Israelites who died wandering in the desert before God would allow His people to enter the Promised Land. Father, today I ask that You help me to be faithful and obedient to You always. May Your Will, not mine, be paramount in my daily activities. May I be known as a leader of God’s people who says, “With God, we CAN!” Keep me focused on You, Lord, and help me to be a positive influence on those with whom You have entrusted me to influence.