Issue #54, April 20, 2011
Victory at last! After leading with courage and persistence and going through all the drama of the 10 plagues Moses finally leads the people out of Egypt. But almost as soon as they left the land of their slavery they were faced with the army of Pharaoh who had changed his mind about releasing his free work force. Soon Moses and the people were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea with no means of escape. But God performed yet another miracle and opened up the sea for them to cross on dry land. The army of Pharaoh tried to follow them but were all destroyed in the water. After this great victory Moses lead the Israelites in a song of victory and a time of celebration. We can learn from the story in Exodus 15 how to lead with celebration.
Servant leaders initiate celebration.
Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD… (Exodus 15:1) We don’t know if Moses was a great singer or musically challenged, but he led the group in a song of celebration. He didn’t delegate the task to the celebration committee; he was on the front line! Leaders with vision often make the mistake of focusing only on the future and what is needed to get there. Moses knew that they were still not in the promised land. Nevertheless, a significant step towards that goal had been reached and he stopped the movement for a time to celebrate. This celebration didn’t cost any money, but it did require a leader to call for time to celebrate. His example challenges us to stop at each significant victory and celebrate. Servant leaders recognize that when God brings success a celebration is in order and they find a way to make it happen. Servant leaders recognize the deep need people have to celebrate and they find ways to make it happen.
Servant leaders celebrate what God has done.
(Exodus 15:1-12) I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. Moses’ celebration focused on what God had done. He resisted the temptation to say, “Did you see what happened when I stretched out my hand over the water?” He focused on God’s work, not his own. Selfish leaders celebrate what they have done, good leaders celebrate what ‘we’ have done; servant leaders celebrate what God has done!
Servant leaders celebrate what God will do.
(Exodus 15:13-18) You will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them. With these words Moses’ song shifts from what God has just done to what He will do. He skillfully uses the time of celebration not only to look back, but to restate the vision of where God is taking them. He reminds the people that there is more in store for them and more victories ahead. Celebrations provide a wonderful opportunity for servant leaders to remind people of the ultimate goal. The celebration of victories provides the encouragement needed to tackle the next challenge or obstacle. Moses likely had no idea about the challenges that he would soon face, but he wisely used this time to build confidence in God’s ability to take them to their final destination.
What has God done for you and the group you lead that you can celebrate today or this week? Sing a song…or at least find a way to celebrate!
The background reading for this issue is: Exodus 14:1-15:21.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Do I lead with celebration or do I consider it a waste of time and resources?
- Have I created a culture of celebration among those I lead?
- Do my celebrations focus on my own achievements, those of our team or on God’s work among us?
- Have I learned to use every celebration to remind people of the vision for our group?
- What can our group do today or this week to celebrate?