Empowering All God's People A Lesson from Numbers 11:16-30

Introduction:

In the sacred pages of the Bible, we find timeless stories and lessons that, surprisingly, have a knack for fitting into our modern world like a well-worn glove. Today, we’ll explore a story from Numbers 11:16-30 where God instructs Moses to assemble a team of seventy elders to share the ministry load. This story is like a biblical recipe for “shared ministry stew” – a concept that’s as relevant to your church today as it was to the Israelites back then.

From Sinai to Shared Ministry:

Our tale unfolds after the Israelites bid adieu to the awe-inspiring sights and sounds of Mount Sinai. It's a reminder that God's work isn't a one-act play starring a solo performer. It's an ongoing, ensemble production where everyone in the faith community plays a part.

Pastors and Congregations: The Lone Ranger and Tonto?

Imagine your pastor and congregation as an odd pair, much like the Lone Ranger and Tonto when they found themselves surrounded by a group of Native Americans. In this situation, the Lone Ranger turned to Tonto and said, "Looks like we are in trouble." You can almost hear some members of the congregation retorting, "What do you mean 'we,' mister?" But don't worry, because the Bible has a fantastic concept to address this situation, and it's known as shared ministry.

Shared Ministry: The Biblical Blueprint:

The concept of shared ministry is as old as the Bible itself. In Numbers 11:26-30, Moses expresses a wish, saying, “Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets.” This essentially translates to everyone getting in on the action. But how do we make this happen in our churches today?

The Faith Barrier: Do You Trust God’s Plan?

One of the biggest hurdles to shared ministry is doubting whether God can work through each and every one of us. In Numbers 11, the Israelites didn't ask God for meat; they asked Moses.

God's Blueprint: Shared Ministry for Everyone:

Numbers 11:16-20 unfolds God’s divine plan, which includes all His people. God told Moses to gather seventy elders and share His Spirit with them to help carry the burdens of the community. It’s not a human invention but a heavenly arrangement.

The Load’s Too Big for Just One:

Moses quickly figured out that the task was colossal, way too much for him to tackle solo. He essentially said, "We've got 600,000 people here. Should I summon a meat miracle? Perhaps an ocean's worth of fish?" This highlights the need for shared ministry when the task is enormous.

God's Work: Done Through His Fan Club:

The work of God isn’t a one-man show. In Numbers 11:23-25, God made it clear that His power isn’t limited to a chosen few. Moses got the gang of seventy elders together, and the Holy Spirit got to work, enabling them to prophesy. God’s work takes a village, so to speak.

Being a Prophet: What’s the Job Description?

So, what did Moses mean when he expressed the wish, "Would that all the Lord's people were prophets?" Well, a prophet can be likened to a spiritual guide: they have the ability to foresee the future, unveil God's intentions, remain resilient in the face of spiritual challenges, and communicate God's messages. In essence, they are visionaries, divine messengers, and spiritually resilient individuals.

Pentecost and the Modern Church:

Moses’ wish eventually came true at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers. This is God’s master plan for today’s church – shared ministry, with everyone playing a role in fulfilling God’s mission on Earth.

Conclusion:

So, the story of Numbers 11:16-30 teaches us that shared ministry isn't a modern innovation but a timeless concept deeply embedded in God's game plan. It encourages us to trust in God's might, acknowledge the potential within our community, and roll up our sleeves to dive into God's work. Let's get in on the shared ministry fun, like the prophets of old, revealing God's vision, disclosing His will, withstanding the forces of evil, and being His voice in our world today. Now, doesn't that sound like a divine comedy worth joining?

#SharedMinistry #BiblicalWisdom #Empowerment #ChurchCommunity

Dr. Tim Searcy