Numbers-11
The Call to Serve: A Devotional Study on Numbers 11
Introduction
Numbers 11 tells the story of Moses' leadership during a difficult time for the Israelites. Their need for quail was overwhelming, leading them to crave even more. As a result, Moses was burdened with carrying the weight of their struggles. In this devotional, let's explore the deeper spiritual lessons that can be drawn from Numbers 11.
Section 1: Moses' Burden (Numbers 11:10-15)
Devotional Thought: Moses was already carrying the burden of leadership, and in this episode, it is made clear just how difficult it was. The Israelites' complaint about the lack of meat forced Moses to bear yet another burden - providing food. Today, we can relate to Moses' burden. It's easy to take on too much and become overwhelmed. The question is, who can we turn to when we're carrying too much weight?
Reflection Questions:
- Are you currently carrying an unmanageable burden?
- Who can you turn to for help in managing this weight?
Section 2: The Call to Serve (Numbers 11:16-24)
Devotional Thought: God heard Moses' plea and provided for the Israelites' needs in an amazing way. But Moses' role was not just to provide for their physical needs. He was called to be a shepherd - to spiritually lead them. The same is true for us today. We are called to be shepherds - to serve and lead others spiritually. Let's reflect on how we can answer that call.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you currently serving and leading others spiritually?
- What steps can you take to answer God's call to serve?
Section 3: The Elders' Burden (Numbers 11:25-30)
Devotional Thought: As Moses served the people, the elders also set out to serve God. Their task was to pray for the people. It's easy to overlook the value of prayer, but it's a necessary component to leading and serving others. Instead of carrying the weight of leadership, we can entrust our burdens to God through prayer. Let's reflect on the power of prayer.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you currently entrusting your burdens to God through prayer?
- How can you deepen your prayer life to better serve and lead others?
Section 4: The Consuming Fire (Numbers 11:26)
Devotional Thought: As the elders prayed, God sent a consuming fire to consume the outskirts of the camp. This was God's warning to the people to not stray too close to sin. Let's reflect on God's watchful eye and how it calls us to maintain spiritual discipline.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you currently maintaining spiritual discipline?
- How can you guard against walking too close to sin?
Conclusion:
Numbers 11 teaches us that leadership is not just about accomplishing tasks, but it's also about serving and leading those around us spiritually. It's a reminder that there's more to carrying a burden than meets the eye - we must entrust our burdens to God through prayer and maintain spiritual discipline. Let's reflect on these lessons as we continue our spiritual journey.