BEFORE YOU BUILD (2)

“Show me now Your way, that I may know You and…find grace.” Ex 33:13 NKJV

Get to know the people. No minister has ever had so much trouble with a congregation as Moses had with the congregation of Israel in the wilderness. At the Red Sea, he was so happy that he wrote a song to celebrate their spectacular victory. But later, when the complaints were coming at him from every direction, he told God he wanted to die. It reminds us of one pastor who asked another, “How many active members do you have in your church?” The other replied, “Five hundred. Half of them are actively working for me, the other half are actively working against me.” Pastors, different people in your churches will play different roles in the plan God has given you. Some of the people you will like, some you won’t. But you’ve been called to lead them all, so get to know them. On his deathbed, Jacob prophesied over each of his twelve sons describing both their nature and their future. He said Reuben was unruly, Simeon and Levi were given to anger, Judah was born for leadership, Zebulun would extend his borders, Issachar was willing to carry the load, Dan was sharp when it came to dealing with people, Gad was a fighter who wouldn’t retreat, Asher loved cooking, Naphtali loved raising children, Joseph would be wounded but he would come back stronger than ever, and Benjamin would be an entrepreneur who knew how to excel in business (See Ge 49). To lead people successfully you must know them. So pray, “Show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight.”

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