Old Testament Leadership Essay

Introduction The Holy Scriptures are without question a vault of rich wisdom for a variety of subjects. The subject of leadership is no different; in fact a case can perhaps be made that the Holy Scriptures are word pictures of God’s leadership for humankind. Whether it is read as the divinely, inspired word of God, or as a mere historical account of ancient Israel, or as a book of pure myths, the reader will encounter fascinating people with extraordinary leadership qualities. The following will take a glimpse at Moses; the man whom God chose to be the leader of the Hebrew slaves in Egypt, into a land that flowed with milk and honey. The following will be an attempt to document moments of strength, weakness, failure, and victory. This paper will conclude by identifying Moses as a servant leader who, in spite of human failure, ultimately fulfilled the will and purpose of God. Leadership Style The style of leadership that Moses demonstrated was clearly Servant leadership, â€Å"In order to retain the potential in this young man, God led him into the Midian desert to learn a new way of life† (Kuest, 2009). As a shepherd he learned to serve, and became servant to the purpose and will of God. Relationships Moses although he spent much time on Mount Sinai (in relationship with God), he also spent time with his successor Joshua whom he had prepared for Servant Leadership (Num. 11:28). Incarnation Moses was not a detached leader. In fact throughout the wilderness journey, he was among the people. He was an accessible leader. Evidence of this fact is found when there were needs the people went straight to him (Num. 20:1-13). Covenants OLD TESTAMENT LEADERSHIP 3 Moses was perhaps known for many things; in fact it is widely known that Moses is regarded as one of the Jewish people’s greatest prophets/leaders. One specific thing that Moses is known for is the Mosaic Covenant. The bible states â€Å"If you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all the nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priest and a holy nation† (Ex. 19:5-6). Moses In spite of his greatness, Moses was a man with weaknesses. As the time when he was supposed to speak to the rock but instead hit the rock, thus failed to do what he was instructed to do. Moses over saw victories, and uprisings by his own people, however, through it all he was the man whom God had called and he was servant to that calling. Conclusion Perhaps his greatest strength was his relationship with God, the time that he spent in the presence of the Almighty God had to be his constant reminder that what he was doing was greater than himself. Moses’s weakness and failure did not hinder him from desiring to see God’s glory, these experiences on the mountain top made him who he was. OLD TESTAMENT LEADERSHIP 4 References Kuest, R. (2009). Uncommon leadership: Servant Leadership In A Power-Based World. Second Edition. New Missions Systems International. Ft. Myers, Fl. KJV (2013). iPad app.