Charisma

Hello, again. Glad you're here! I think I figured out what I did wrong with the questions. I seem to be a day ahead of myself.

SO, let's try this again.


Here's the question and answer from "yesterday:"
What group came to do their work at the Tent of Meeting under the supervision of Aaron and his sons? (Num 8)
Numbers 8:22 After that, the Levites came to do their work at the Tent of Meeting under the supervision of Aaron and his sons.

And here's the question of the day:
What did they call the place where the fire of God’s anger burned against the people? (Num 11)


And here's the reflection of the day:
In the reading from Numbers 11, we get another look at Moses and his leadership. Moses has been set apart from the others and filled with God's Spirit, much like the priests and Levites.

Moses is the intermediary between God and the Israelites. Only Moses speaks with God face to face, and only Moses speaks for God to the Israelites. Moses intercedes on behalf of the people.

Several complaints are being tossed around in chapter 11. In particular, the Israelites are complaining about only having manna to eat AND Moses is complaining about the burden of his solitary leadership over the Israelites. But the story focuses on Moses' problem specifically.

The craving of some Israelites puts the story in motion. God becomes angry at the whining for meat, and Moses is stuck in the middle. Moses intercedes for them, but also complains about his own situation: (Num 11:13-15) 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, 'Give us meat to eat!' 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now-- if I have found favor in your eyes-- and do not let me face my own ruin."

Very dramatic, don't you think? Almost "soap opera" worthy!

Our culture is a little fixated on soap opera stars and celebrities, isn't it? Being a celebrity is big business these days. I think this attitude has leaked into the church a little bit too. Church members are attracted to exciting preachers and exciting programs. But it is not necessarily the kind of leadership that is needed in the church.

Moses has "charismatic" leadership--"charisma" in Greek means "gift," says Dozeman (NIB Commentary on Numbers). Moses has been given "gifted" leadership. It's not so much a matter of the strength of his personality so much as it is a matter of his personal strength. That is what makes Moses stand out in a crowd. Charismatic leaders can be great agents of change in times of social crisis (Max Weber cited by Dozeman), just like the social crisis Israel is facing right now, as they wander through the wilderness.

Unfortunately, the gift of charismatic leadership is sometimes used for shameless self-promotion because it tends to bring attention to the individual. . . which seems a lot like fame and celebrity. But God intended charismatic leadership to BUILD COMMUNITY; the focus is on the corporate identity, not the individual identity. Dozeman points out, "[Moses'] goal is not fame. . . . The most charismatic leader is the most humble person on earth. Humility is selflessness before god and others. . . . Moses is not a celebrity. He is a charismatic leader."

What kind of leader are you? Do you have "charisma?" Do you seek the attention of being a "local celebrity" in your congregation or area? Do you take pride in being a leader? If so, it may be time to re-examine your motives and figure out how to use your "charisma" for good (for God) and not for yourself.

Allison