Excerpt from Exodus 17: 1-7

The people quarreled with Moses, and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?" But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?" So Moses cried out to the Lord, "What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me."

Reflection

The next time you complain about your job, think of Moses. The people said they wanted out of slavery . . . until they got out. In reality, most preferred the reality of known oppression, over the greater possibilities of unknown freedom . . . and for good reason. If everyone loved the wilderness risk, who would watch the kids or punch the clock so that everyone gets fed?

Moses, people need water!

Human instinct, bred by a million years of survival, knows that running off into the wilderness can shorten one’s lifespan. Harriet Tubman, conductor on the Underground Railroad, carried a shotgun for this very reason. When a slave’s natural inclination to turn around arose, with shotgun cocked, she said, “Run or die.” Returning slaves were almost certainly caught and tortured to compromise Underground Railroad secrecy.

Let’s give God thanks for the “Moses leaders” in our society who, though as afraid as the rest of us, mask it well.  Leaders who face the wilderness challenges and the people continually asking, “Are we there yet?”  Leaders who face betrayal by their closest allies because it’s easier to convince people to turn around and go back.

You know these Moses leaders; there are a few of them everywhere: in government, churches, and companies; in social and environmental action, and many other places. Pray for them. It costs them and those who love them a lot to believe the world can change. And as you pray for them, remember Moses crying to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people?”

Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for leaders who risk and those who don’t; together they give us balance. Give them all strength to lead with integrity and perseverance. Please speak to their hearts and give them hearts for the people, despite the abuse we give them. Amen.

About the Author Ron Buford is Director of Development for the Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ.

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