Issue #58, June 15, 2011
Servant leaders recognize that they stand in the gap between God and those they lead. In the last issue we observed that Moses led by being in God’s presence. A significant part of his time in God’s presence was spent on his face interceding on behalf of the people. The next day Moses said to the people, "You have committed a great sin. But now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” (Ex 32:30) His face down leadership has much to teach us as servant leaders.
Face down leadership focuses on the needs of others.
Servant leaders petition God for the needs of their people. So Moses went back to the LORD and said, "Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold.” (Ex 32:31) It is natural to ask God to meet our own needs and there is certainly a time for this, but servant leaders focus on the needs of others. In face down leadership we serve those we lead by bringing their needs to God in prayer.
Face down leadership requires sacrifice.
Like so much of servant leadership, intercession is costly. For Moses, it meant that time after time he returned to God to bring the needs of the people. He sacrificed his time, mental and emotional energy on behalf of those he was serving. He was even willing to sacrifice his own position with God for the sake of others! “But now, please forgive their sin– but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” (Ex 32:32) As they intercede, servant leaders sacrifice their own needs for the sake of their followers.
Face down leadership releases the burden of leadership.
Moses acknowledged that the people he was leading were really God’s people when he told God, “Remember that this nation is your people.” (Ex 33:13) Moses felt the weight of leading an entire nation and knew that God had called him to that role, but prayer allowed him to gain the perspective that these were not “his” people. He was responsible to the people, but not for the people. Servant leaders release leadership burdens through intercession. The church, business, or group that you lead is not really ‘your’ group; they are simply God’s people that He has entrusted to your leadership. We are not at the top of the leadership chart; we simply act as stewards of God’s people. It is easy to lose this focus unless we spend time on our face in prayer. Servant leaders find the balance between active intercession and conscious release.
Face down leadership touches the heart of God.
And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” (Ex 33:17) I am amazed at how Moses’ intercession touches God’s heart and changes outcomes. God saw that the heart of Moses was not selfish but focused on others. Moses’ requests reminded God of His own promises and character. And repeatedly, God acted in response to Moses’ prayers. If you want to touch God’s heart, practice face down leadership focused on the needs of others! Whether you are called to lead in church, education, business or the arts, touch God’s heart by falling on your face to intercede for those you lead.
The background reading for this issue is: Exodus 32-33.
For further reflection and discussion:
- What percent of my time in prayer focuses on my needs and how much is centered on the needs of others?
- Are my prayers primarily concerned with the success of my own organization or God’s glory?
- Do I recognize that I am in the gap between ‘my’ people and God, or do I see myself as the leader on top?
- Do I have a plan for how I will pray for those under my leadership?