When Leaders are Behaving Badly
[Exodus 17:1-7] [Psalm 25:1-9] • [Philippians 2:1-13] • [Matthew 21:23-32]
Our national leaders (in the Philippines) are consuming lots of our national budget, which they call Confidential Funds, and they refuse to report for accountability. Leadership can be such a shame.
Moses in Exodus 17:1-7, is showing us a bad example of leadership. People came to ask for water because they thirst a lot for lack of it. Moses, in response, got angry with the people, instead of providing for their need for mere water. The people are not complaining. They simply need water to drink.
God's response is full of compassion. Without much more ado, God simply led Moses to a place where to find water for the people. Moses is also instructed to bring with him some elders to witness how God will answer the need for water.
What we are reading is about God giving lectures on good leadership. The subtopic here is about "How to provide for the simple needs of your constituents." Do not go power tripping, please love your people. And be reminded, do not embarrass
people who are looking for answers. If you cannot provide for them personally, please refer them to God.
people who are looking for answers. If you cannot provide for them personally, please refer them to God.
In the Gospel Reading, our Lord Jesus mentioned John the Baptist, as a leader from God, but the temple leaders failed to recognize him as someone they should believe and follow. The chief priests and the elders are now likened to the elders who were with Moses. They were given the opportunity to witness God at work through John the Baptist and Jesus. They are good leaders to follow. But they failed to see the goodness of God because of their greed. Instead of following God-ordained leaders, they wanted to rival Jesus and John. The chief priests and elders demonstrated greed for more power and wealth.
In Philippians 2:1-13, Paul is saying,
2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
2:4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
2:5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
Psalms 25:3, also says, "Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous."
God ordains all authorities to be responsibilities of service, and not authorities of power. Not to fulfill greedy ambitions nor to satisfy thirst for power.
