Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to analyze the rebellion
of the people of Israel in Numbers 11-21 and highlight its
challenges to Moses' leadership. The findings of this
inquiry then draw lessons for the African Church. The
covenant of Sinai and the presence of Yahweh manifested by
the cloud by day and the fire by night could not prepare the
people to face confidently the hardships of the wilderness.
The section of the book of Numbers we have studied shows
that Israel persistently murmured against Yahweh and against
his servant Moses during the wilderness journey. This
rebellious attitude constituted a real challenge to Moses
who struggled, on the one hand to provide for their daily
need and, on the other hand pleaded with God so that he may
forgive their rebellion. We identified three major causes
for the rebellion of the Israelites, namely complaints due
to the privations of the wilderness, complaints against
Moses' leadership, and complaints against God. Moses was
challenged to find solutions for the survival of his people
in the wilderness and to make sure that they finally made it
to the Promised Land. It was not an easy task but Moses was
successful in living up to his assignment because of his
intimate relationship with God and his own exemplary
character. Whenever his leadership was challenged, Moses was
so patient not only in handling the provocation but also in
relying on God to miraculously provide to all the needs of
the people and the vindication of his chosen leaders. Even
though the generation of those who left Egypt, including
Moses himself, did not enter Canaan, this study shows that
he had been a successful leader of his people.
From the wilderness journey experience African church
leaders can learn how to handle a murmuring and rebellious
attitude displayed by their constituencies. This study
focuses on the quality of the leadership as a tool in
dealing with a grumbling spirit. The Church should seek to
confer the position of leadership to: (1) leaders with a
genuine call from the Lord and chosen according to biblical
standards, (2) leaders whose heart is burning with
compassion and willingness to meeting people's need, and (3)
leaders who can identify themselves with their congregation.
If the Church displays such a capacity of handling members'
discontent, it will become a source of inspiration even to
the political leadership of the continent.
