For those of us who are young leaders in the Church ( <-note the big “C” ) there is constantly a temptation to see pastors and leaders who are further down this road than us and want the influence and platform that they have.  There are 2 verses in Exodus that help me bring this urge into perspective and both are found in chapter 33.  The first is verse 13, Moses’ perspective on the huge leadership platform that he was given.  His words to God were, “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favour with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” (emphasis mine).    Leadership is nothing more that stewarding the influence that God has given you.  Your job is to stay in relationship with God and know is ways. He will give you leadership when you are ready for it and realize its leading HIS people.

Then there’s verse 11… “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.”

I find it no coincidence that Moses’ successor is found here staying longer in the tent of meeting.  Joshua understood where Moses’ strength and wisdom came from.  The people of Israel didn’t follow Moses because of his unique gifts, they followed him because they watched the presence of God engulf the Tent of Meeting when he was in it! They followed because they saw his face radiating when he came off the mountain from being in the presence of God!

Young Leaders, you must understand this; you are not ready for leadership until you care less about what people see in you, and more about if people see God in you.