*Key themes: Humility, Courage, Perserverance
He was a shepherd, a stutterer, a man who once fled for his life. Yet, he stood as the leader of a nation, a million souls clinging to his every word. His power didn’t come from a throne, but from a burning bush, a divine encounter that ignited a fire within him. This was the source of his humility, a recognition of his own limitations in the face of the Almighty. He knew he wasn’t perfect, wasn’t even eloquent, but he also knew he was chosen.
Leading the Israelites wasn’t about strategy meetings and polished speeches. It was about navigating a sea of discontent, a chorus of complaints echoing across the barren landscape. They grumbled about food, about water, about the very freedom he’d risked everything to secure. Moses felt their frustration, their fear, their lack of faith. Yet, he didn’t succumb to despair. He cried out to God, wrestled with his own doubts, and then, with renewed resolve, faced his people again. This was his perseverance, an unwavering commitment to the task, fueled by a deep trust in the divine promise.
Moses wasn’t a charismatic general rallying troops. He was a mediator, a bridge between a holy God and a stiff-necked people. He bore the weight of their sins, their rebellions, their constant testing of both him and their God. He stood before Pharaoh, not with an army at his back, but with the sheer force of divine authority. He ascended a mountain, not to conquer territory, but to receive the very law that would define a nation. This was his courage, not a reckless bravado, but a quiet strength born of obedience and a profound understanding of his calling.
Moses’ uniqueness lay in this potent combination. His humility grounded him, his courage propelled him, and his perseverance sustained him. He wasn’t a flawless hero, but a flawed man chosen for an extraordinary purpose. He led not through personal ambition, but through divine mandate. He was a shepherd who became a leader, not by seeking power, but by surrendering to a higher one. He was Moses, the lawgiver, the prophet, the reluctant leader who, through humility, courage, and perseverance, shaped the destiny of a nation.
Week 2: Moses – A Leader of Humility, Courage, and Perseverance
This week we will:
- Identify Moses as a key figure in the Old Testament.
- Understand the significance of Moses’ role in the Exodus.
- Explain how Moses demonstrated humility, courage, and perseverance in his leadership.
- Strive to apply the themes of humility, courage, and perseverance to their own lives.
Humility
Introduction
- Who exactly is Moses. What do we really know about him?
- We know that Moses as a significant figure in the Old Testament, a prophet, and lawgiver.
- What important leadership lessons we can learn from his life.
Moses’ Early Life & Call
Moses’ early life (being placed in the Nile, growing up in Pharaoh’s household).
Read Exodus 3:1-14 (The Burning Bush).
- What was Moses’ reaction to God’s call?
- How did he express his inadequacy?
- What does this tell us about his humility?
- Think about Moses’ initial reluctance and what that image can mean in our own life.
Exploring Humility
- What does it mean to be humble?
- Is humility weakness?
- Why is humility important for a leader?
- Contrast Moses’ humility with the pride of Pharaoh.
- How can we cultivate humility in our own lives?
- What are some challenges to being humble?
- Examples of showing humility (e.g., admitting mistakes, listening to others, giving credit where it’s due).
Courage & Perseverance
Moses’ Courage: Moses confronting Pharaoh.
Read excerpts from Exodus 5-12 (The Plagues).
- What challenges did Moses face?
- What dangers did he encounter?
- How did he demonstrate courage in confronting Pharaoh?
- It took immense courage for Moses to stand up to the most powerful ruler of the time. How can we apply Moses’ experience and challenges in our life?
Moses’ Perseverance: The Israelite’s’ journey through the wilderness.
Read excerpts from Exodus 15-17 (Crossing the Red Sea, Manna, Water from the Rock).
- How long did the Israelite’s wander in the desert?
- What difficulties did they face?
- How did Moses demonstrate perseverance in leading them?
- How did he handle their complaints and rebellions?
Think about the 40 years of wandering and the constant challenges Moses faced, highlighting his unwavering perseverance.
Connecting Themes
- How are humility, courage, and perseverance are interconnected in Moses’ leadership.
- How did his humility enable his courage?
- How did his courage fuel his perseverance?
Reflection
- How can we develop greater courage in the face of challenges?
- How can we cultivate perseverance in pursuing our goals?
- How can we balance humility with confidence?
Journal “Where do I need to be more courageous?” “How can I persevere when things get tough?”
Lead by Faith 