Moses knew how to get the job done

What an example Moses is to us for getting a job done. In the Exodus experience he consulted God on every move. The company had been stationary in the wilderness of Sinai for almost a year, and now Moses had been given the Go signal. Numbers, Chapter 10 with its trumpets shows us the order of the movement of the people; they set out by designated stages.

There is a reference to Moses’ father-in-law here. Moses persuaded him to come with them rather than go back to his own country, Midian. Moses expected that he would be a valuable guide in the country they would be travelling through – he knew the wilderness.

Chapter 11 has the people complaining about the difficulties of this wilderness experience. We find reference to “the rabble.” It seems that there were non-Israelites amongst the crowd, hence, the rabble.

I like a titbit I found in the NRSV’s notes which, for me, brings out the feminine aspect to God. Moses was having a bit of a moan too. He said to God, “Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? Did I conceive all this people? Did I give birth to them, that you should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a sucking child’ (Num.11:11, 12). The note below tells us that Moses “has been designated Israel’s wet nurse.” Doesn’t this remind us of Mrs. Eddy’s wonderful poem O Gentle Presence? “Come to my bosom,” it invites us.

Yes. Moses was required to display the feminine qualities of God: the nurturing, the feeding, the guiding.

It is so interesting that the world is waking up to the need for feminine qualities in leaders. The Christian Science Monitor tells us of women leaders who are making this evident, for example, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. The world loves her.

In a search for feminine qualities I came across the site “Inc.com” It quotes from Leigh Buchanan’s book Between Venus and Mars: 7 Traits of True Leaders:

Empathy Being sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others

Vulnerability Owning up to one’s limitations and asking for help

Humility Seeking to serve others and share credit

Inclusiveness Soliciting and listening to many voices

Generosity Being liberal with time, contacts, advice and support

Balance Giving life, as well as work, its due

Patience Taking a long-term view

Website - https://www.inc.com/magazine/201306/leigh-buchanan/what-leaders-need-to-know.html

Joyce Voysey