“The leaders offered the dedication sacrifices for the altar on the day that it was anointed; and they offered their sacrifice before the altar.”
Numbers 7:10 AMP
The word “leader”, used first in the 14th century to describe a person in charge, comes from the Old English word “lædan” – and meant to go before a a guide.
Leader. A person who guides.
I love that image – walking ahead to show the way; and sometimes forging a new path requires cutting down obstacles to clear the way for others.
In the verse today, the Hebrew word for leader is nāśî’ – and means a prince, captain, chief, cloud, or leader – it was the person at the head of the family who held the responsibility for everyone in his tribe or lineage.
As I read about each leader and what they brought to the Tabernacle, I was stuck with the thought of how costly the sacrifice was for each one. Just look at what the first one gave:
“His offering was one silver plate weighing 130 shekels, one silver basin weighing 70 shekels by the shekel of the Sanctuary, both of them filled with fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering, one ladle of 10 shekels of gold filled with incense, one young bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old as a burnt offering, one male goat as a sin offering, and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs one year old to be sacrificed as a fellowship offering. This was the offering of Nahshon son of Amminadab.”
Numbers 7:12-17 TLV
The other 11 Leaders brought similar offerings – abundant, extravagant offerings. Offerings that required great personal sacrifice.
Leaders do what needs to be done for those they are guiding. Leaders put their own agenda aside and do what’s best for the collective. Leaders show up and bring their best. Leaders sacrifice.
Leadership is painful and exhilarating. Leadership is costly and rewarding. Leadership is love on display and a beacon in the dark. Leadership is an honor and a gift. The next time a great sacrifice is asked of me, may I remember the One who paid the ultimate price and offer myself willingly – may I go all in, all heart, for Him.
Father – thank You for the circles You’ve placed me in. I have been given more than I deserve. I am grateful. May You find me faithful in all things You’ve placed within my hands and my influence. It’s all from You, all to You, all for Your glory alone. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Numbers 7