Jacob Chanikuzhy

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion,” says Alexander the Great. Moses was not a lion, at least when he was asked by God to take up the leadership of the Hebrews. He was too afraid and reluctant to lead the people of Israel. Nor were the Israelites in Egypt an army of lions. They were just a disheartened and disorganized group of slaves. Who dares to lead this people against the powerful army of Egypt? Moses seems to have been very realistic in hesitating to accept the leadership role God intended for him. Moses knew it all too well what to lead the Hebrews meant. Liberating the Israelites from Egypt was not a simple issue that could be easily talked out with Pharaoh. Egypt was enormously profiting and prospering through the cheap labour of the Hebrews. Would the king simply let his precious cash cow go! To ask for it itself is a serious crime of treason. To appear in the court of Pharaoh with this demand is perilous to the life of Moses.

And what about the people whom he was asked to lead? Once he had tried to exercise a leadership role with might, but he utterly failed and had to flee (Ex 2:15). Moses could not save an Israelite even from the aggression of another Israelite. If he could not prevail even with one of his fellowmen, how can he expect to convince Pharaoh to concede to his demand? Moses must have felt himself too small for his job. Hence in all humility Moses asks God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt” (Ex 3:11). His question is an outright confession of his incompetence although in Pharaoh’s palace he was brought up with all the qualities needed for a crown prince. His initial reluctance indicates that he did not have a simplistic or domesticated understanding of the leadership ministry. A true leader like Moses is one who keeps away from the leadership with fear and trembling. Only persistent divine persuasion could make Moses accept it. Yahweh encourages Moses by assuring his presence with him. Without the strong conviction of God’s presence with oneself, one errs in entering the leadership role.

The first thing Moses wanted to know was not about the ways and means to achieve his goal, but the name of God who wanted to send him. To know the name of God means to know God thoroughly as he is, which is impossible for humans. No wonder God refuses to reveal his name to Moses. Still he responds to Moses’ question with an enigmatic answer, implying that he is a mystery. This desire to know and experience the mysterious God more and more is another sign of a true leader.

Again, Moses wanted a proof to convince the people of his divine mandate. In response, God enquires about the staff of Moses. It was a shepherd’s staff, a sign of his low estate. But, in divine design that staff later became a very significant tool in the ministry of Moses. With this staff he worked wonders in the court of Pharaoh; divided the Red Sea; made waters gush forth from the rock. Sometimes we think very low of ourselves because we lack those qualities and abilities which force other people admire us. But, the staff of Moses fills us with the certainty that when used according to God’s will, even the very little we have, be it our meagre resources, undeveloped talents and average skills, can be of great use in achieving our goals.

Even after God’s promise of divine assistance to speak the right words, Moses is still undecided and bluntly asks God to send someone else. God is now angry, but he does not punish Moses. Rather, God seemingly changes His plan and appoints Aaron as Moses’ assistant!

We have a quite heartening picture of God in the call story of Moses. In all probability God is frustrated with Moses’ unwillingness. We see here a God who is desperately trying to win people to His side and act on behalf of Him. Even when Moses seemingly defeated the divine designs God does not punish him, rather God accommodates his plans to suit Moses. Here, we see God as “the true leader who does not find fault, but remedy” (Henry Ford).