Numbers 11:4-6, 10-15

“Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they come weeping to me and say, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I am not able to carry all this people alone, for they are too heavy for me.” Numbers 11:13-14

According to this ancient Hebrew story, Moses had gotten fed up with the people in the wilderness because of their constant complaining. They were given a daily provision of manna, but they wanted more than that. They wanted to eat like they had in Egypt. They wanted meat! So Moses complains to the Lord–he’s tired of being the leader. In some ways, times have not changed. It’s still hard to be the leader. Oh, it can be fun during those moments when everything is going well and people are appreciative of those who are in charge. But when things start getting tough, look out! The first thing that people will do is blame the leader. And it doesn’t even make any difference if the problem is their fault. When things go bad folks aren’t interested in looking for possible causes. Instead they focus all of their anger and displeasure at the person they perceive to be in charge. It’s no wonder that leaders find it hard to endure. Moses was ready to die rather than continue in his thankless calling. During the stress of the COVID years hundreds of pastors resigned their positions. In a crisis being the leader is a thankless job.

Thought for the Day: How does my pastor handle the stress of leadership?