The APPOINTED Leader
Leadership Lesson
4.03.009
Numbers 27:15-17
15 Moses said to the Lord, 16 “May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community 17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
In the previous verses God reveals to Moses that he will not lead the children of Israel into the promise land because Moses and the people had dishonored God at the Desert of Zin.
“appoint a man over this community”
How to know if you are worthy of APPOINTING
Exodus 18:21
20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens-
Moses selected capable men who….
- Teach God’s Word
- Live by Example
- Fear God
- Trustworthy
- Hate Dishonesty
Isn’t it interesting that God said “appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.”
God’s been trying to teach us from the very beginning that ministry/discipleship happens in small groups.
It’s safe to say that if you have been invited to be part of this leadership team or any other that you are/have been “appointed.”
There are all kinds of studies out there that say “leaders are born”, “leaders are created”, or “leaders are self-made.”
I believe all are true. But I believe they are leaving out one way leaders come to surface. It’s what happened here in Numbers. Moses found a capable young man who had certain qualities then appointed him.
- God appoints those who are CAPABLE!
- God calls on those who are CAPABLE!
- God anoints those who are CAPABLE!
When you are appointed a huge mantel of authority is entrusted in you.
- You lead through the authority of those above you.
- You lead on the foundations set by those before you
Numbers 27:18-21
18 So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him. 19 Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. 20 Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. 21 He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the Lord. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.”
When you lead on the foundations/authority of great men who came before you you have an opportunity to do greater things than them.
Deuteronomy 3:27,28
27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.”
1 Timothy 6:20
20Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care.
John 14:12
12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Even Jesus knew this principle.
Ok, so you are appointed now what? What are we supposed to do once we’ve been called, anointed, and appointed? What are our responsibilities?
APPOINTED to do what?
Numbers 27:15-17 NIV
15 Moses said to the Lord, 16 “May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community 17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
- Go out “to the world”
Matthew 26:18-20
18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Do something with the authority that has been given to you. Please!
2. Come in “to the house”
Acts 4:42
42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Do ministry in small groups.
3. Lead them out “from their captivity”
Isaiah 58:6
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Do something for someone less fortunate than you. Do something for someone who gets on your nerves. Do something for someone who Christ love.
4. Bring them in “to the knowledge of Christ and to salvation”
Titus 2:11-15
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self‑controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Do not ever stop believing or teaching the grace of God. Do not miss opportunities to lead someone to salvation and a growing relationship with Christ.
If you take the title of Pastor, Minister or even lay leader make sure you honor your appointment.
God must have 100% obedience to His Word, His calling, and His will.
I leave you with this scripture. Be committed no matter the cost.
Numbers 30:1,2
1 Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel: “This is what the Lord commands: 2 When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.
This was an awesome weekend! God did some amazing things. He helped us to meet our daunting goal of 10 songs in 24 hours. We will be introducing one of the songs this Sunday night at our Prayer/Communion service. It’s called “Thirst”. I’ll post the mp3 later. It’s a simple chorus that was written for breathing room and flow. More mp3’s coming soon!
Well, we are back from our 24 hour song writing retreat. It was phenomenal. Great food and fellowship, great get-a-way. More details coming on the adventure.
Just wanted to let you know we did it! We wrote 10 worship songs in 24 hours. It was amazingly intense.
Check back for pics and videos.