Scripture
Numbers 6:24-26

Observation

First Moses climbed up a mountain and left the people behind wondering.

Then Jesus sat down on a mountain and his followers gathered around him and he filled them.

Two men and a mountain. Both men brought a list back to their followers.

Moses brought a list that started with two words, “Do not!” The Ten Commandments.

Jesus brought a shorter list that started with one word, “Blessed.” The Beatitudes.

Moses started with the hard words that had no blessing until the very last.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Jesus started with blessing and then moved on to the hard words.

What is the difference between the two men? One laid down the law while the other laid down his very own life.

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. John 1:16-28

Application
Grace surrounds me in Jesus, but it is my choice as a leader what kind of atmosphere I create around me. What list will I bring? What atmosphere will it create? Grace can wrongly suggest that Jesus’ way is easier than Moses’ path. Not so. Jesus’ good words lead to hard words, but they are doable words because God starts first by treating us better than we deserve. He has blessed us so why should we not serve him no matter how difficult that may be?

Prayer
Father, I want to lead in the spirit of Jesus, to start with blessing and then out of the overflow of that grace to surrender and sacrifice in ways never imagined because we are so loved. Amen.