November 20
Numbers 11.16-17
16 The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.
Moses had been leading the people alone. They came to him with all the problems that occurred along the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. God here gifts Moses with others to lead with him. Others sharing the burden of leadership. Others sharing in the honour of leadership. It was shared so that it would not be too much.
Take a look at who has been placed in life with you to share the burdens and joys of life. For many we can immediately look at a spouse and see one with whom we share life. Hopefully we can see so many others in our lives who share life in many different ways. I have seen it in many of the ones who have served on councils with me over the years. Seeing how we can share in the joys and struggles of leading the congregations. I have seen it in colleagues with whom I can share stories and wisdom of our common work.
Who has God placed in life with you? Where have you seen people take on those places of encouragement and support in life? Family, friends, neighbours. Give thanks to God that he has given his presence in our lives through others who walk with us. God has blessed us with the gift of being in community.
Song – All I Once Held Dear
Prayer
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the body of your Son, Christ, our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.