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Deuteronomy 1:22-23 – Leaders Need to Not Always Listen
Leaders need to listen…but not always or else they become followers and not leaders. There are numerous examples in the Bible – and in life – that show the various balances, when it is successful, when it fails.
If I were to ask, “Why did the Israelites wander for 40 years?” A correct answer would be, “10 of the 12 spies made Israel too fearful to conquer the land.”
Now if I were to ask, “Why did Moses send in 12 spies?” Would you know the answer? I didn’t (or I had forgotten) until I read Deuteronomy 1:22-23:
22) “Then all of you approached me and said, ‘Let’s send men ahead of us, so that they may explore the land for us and bring us back a report about the route we should go up and the cities we will come to.’ 23) The plan seemed good to me, so I selected twelve men from among you, one man for each tribe. (CSB)
Instead of asking God, Moses listened to the people. Good leaders listen, but if all they do is listen and follow the followers, then they are not leaders. Listen to others; but remember to first listen to God and even yourselves. After all, you are a leader because others were willing to listen to you.
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