The first leadership struggle did not begin on earth, but in heaven — the center of perfection. God created myriads of angels, each with their glory, rank, and role, according to His divine investment in them. Since leadership is a necessary part of any society—whether of animals, humans, or spirits—God arranged the angels in ranks, giving them order and structure.
Among these exalted beings were Michael and Satan, both highly placed and influential. Satan stood as one of the most regarded of God’s creatures, honored with splendor and authority.
2. The Rise of Pride
But as Christian anthropology observes in human society, so it was in heaven: one who is made can rise to defy the very One who made him. Satan did this to God.
The origin of his rebellion was pride.
Pride is the over-estimation of one’s self-worth, potential, and endowment.
In contrast, inferiority complex is the under-estimation of one’s worth and capabilities.
Satan fell into the trap of pride. He thought he had gathered enough capacity to act as God, to rival His authority, and to demand that things be done in his own way. Though he was highly exalted among angels, he remained a servant under God’s command. This limitation of subordination became intolerable to him.
3. The Threefold Tendencies of Pride
Satan’s downfall reveals that pride has a threefold pattern:
Haughtiness – an inflated self-assessment.
Satan began to think of himself as God’s equal.
Discontentment – dissatisfaction with one’s divinely appointed position.
He became restless under God’s rule, no longer content with his high but subordinate status.
Rebellion – mobilizing others to share in the pride and discontent.
He recruited fellow angels by planting in them the same exaggerated self-view and bitterness he carried. Through his influence, he spread dissatisfaction, convincing them they were “robbed” of higher roles.
This final stage birthed open rebellion against God’s authority.
4. The Anthropology of Power Struggle
Satan’s example shows that power struggle (usurpation) is inherently tied to pride.
Pride always begins internally, in haughtiness.
It then moves into discontentment.
Finally, it manifests in backstabbing and usurpation, the attempt to overthrow one’s superior.
It is important to note: in heaven there was no sexual immorality, no theft, no murder — but pride existed and expressed itself. Pride was the first sin to break perfection, the seed of all leadership struggles.
As Jesus later observed, “Where the carcass is, there the vultures will gather” (Matthew 24:28). In the same way, where leadership exists, the temptation of pride and usurpation will always be close at hand.
Leadership Lessons from How God Built Israel into a Nation
When most people think of God’s relationship with Israel, they picture a purely spiritual activity—worship, sacrifices, and commandments. But the truth runs deeper. What God did with Israel was not just a religious project; it was a nation-building enterprise. It was the deliberate formation of a people, structured by laws, led by appointed leaders, and bound together by a constitution that safeguarded the supremacy of the Founder Himself.
From Abraham, a solitary wanderer, God birthed a family. That family multiplied into a clan, then into tribes, and eventually into a nation numbering more than six hundred thousand men, plus women and children. What began as one man’s encounter with God became a national identity, a structured people with defined leadership, systems, and vision. In this, leaders of today can learn powerful lessons about building organizations, ministries, businesses, and institutions.
From One to a Nation: The Power of Small Beginnings
God began His project with a single man—Abraham. From him came Isaac, then Jacob and Esau, then twelve sons, and from there a clan of seventy who entered Egypt. Over the course of four hundred years, that family multiplied into a nation of hundreds of thousands.
The lesson for leaders is simple: every great vision begins small. What matters is not the size of the beginning but the clarity of the vision and the faithfulness of the Founder. Too often, leaders despise small beginnings, yet the story of Israel reminds us that the seed of one man’s faith can become the foundation of a nation.
Case Study (Business): Apple Inc. Apple began in a garage with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak working on a vision to make computers personal. At the time, they were dismissed as “hobbyists.” Today, Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world. Every great organization has humble beginnings, but with clarity of purpose, what begins with “two men in a garage” can become a global empire.
Progressive Revelation: Each Generation Knows More
As Israel grew, so did their knowledge of God. Abraham knew Him as El Shaddai, the Almighty. Jacob encountered Him as the God of Bethel. But Moses came to know Him as Yahweh, the LORD—the covenant-keeping God. At Sinai, Israel witnessed sights and sounds no generation before had ever experienced: thunder, lightning, trumpet blasts, and the glory of God descending on a mountain.
This teaches us that vision must grow clearer with time. Later generations in any organization should understand the vision more deeply and experience the Founder’s purpose more fully. A healthy organization does not remain stagnant—it evolves in clarity, structure, and understanding as it matures.
Case Study (Ministry): Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) When Pa Josiah Akindayomi founded RCCG in Nigeria, the church was a small fellowship. His successor, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, inherited the vision and, through progressive understanding, globalized the church. Each generation expanded the vision beyond what the founder saw, while staying faithful to the original call.
The Written Constitution: Guarding the Vision
God did not leave His people without structure. He gave them a written constitution—the Law (Torah). This was not just a religious code but a complete framework guiding their spiritual life, social interactions, leadership order, justice system, and even hygiene. It was comprehensive and enduring.
Every lasting organization requires something similar. Leaders cannot rely on memory, verbal traditions, or unwritten expectations. If the vision is to outlive its founder, there must be a written constitution, policies, or guiding framework that secures its continuity.
Case Study (Politics): The United States Constitution When America was founded, its leaders realized that verbal agreements would not hold the union together. They crafted the U.S. Constitution—a document that has guided the nation for over two centuries. While leaders change, the constitution anchors the nation’s identity and values.
Anticipating Rebellion: Safeguarding Supremacy
One of the most striking aspects of God’s leadership is His refusal to be naïve. He did not assume Israel would remain loyal forever. He knew that prosperity often breeds pride, and that satisfied people tend to challenge authority. So, in the very first three commandments, He secured His position as Supreme Ruler, Founder, and CEO of the nation:
“You shall have no other gods before Me.”
“You shall not make for yourself an idol.”
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.”
These were not simply spiritual injunctions—they were constitutional clauses ensuring that no one could usurp His place. God made it unmistakably clear that His leadership was indefinite and non-negotiable.
Leaders today often shy away from this. They assume their history of sacrifice will guarantee respect. But time has proven otherwise: when an organization becomes successful, someone will eventually rise to challenge the founder. God anticipated it, and so must wise leaders.
Case Study (Business): Facebook/Meta Mark Zuckerberg, though a founder, had to secure control of Meta through special voting rights that ensure his leadership cannot easily be overturned by investors. He anticipated the rebellion of shareholders and built constitutional clauses into the company structure.
Delegation and Succession: Moses, Joshua, and the Levites
God’s leadership model was not autocratic. Though He remained Supreme, He delegated responsibility. He appointed Moses as the leader of the people and equipped him with authority. Moses, in turn, appointed elders to share the workload. Joshua was groomed in the pipeline as a successor. The tribe of Levi was given indefinite pastoral responsibilities, with clear rules of qualification.
This shows us that God values delegation and succession planning. No organization can thrive if all power is hoarded in one person. The Founder must appoint representatives, define roles clearly, and prepare successors long before the transition comes.
Case Study (Business/Ministry): Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Billy Graham did not wait until his final days to plan succession. Franklin Graham had been involved in the ministry decades before his father stepped down. The smooth transition ensured continuity of vision and credibility.
Rebellion Within the System
Despite all these structures, rebellion came. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram sought to seize leadership for themselves. At another time, multitudes cried for a return to Egypt, rejecting God’s rulership.
What do these teach us? That no matter how strong the constitution, rebellion is inevitable. But when structures are clear, rebellion can be dealt with firmly and justly. Leaders who fail to anticipate this are often destabilized when internal uprisings occur.
Case Study (Politics): Nelson Mandela and South Africa After apartheid, Mandela became South Africa’s first Black president. Though adored, he anticipated political rebellion and the possibility of dictatorship. Rather than seeking indefinite rule, he stepped aside after one term, allowing the democratic constitution to safeguard the nation. His foresight protected South Africa from sliding into “president-for-life” syndrome.
Lessons for Modern Leaders and Founders
Here lies the heart of the matter. God’s model offers timeless wisdom for today’s leaders:
Do not despise small beginnings. What starts with one faithful person can become a nation.
Let vision grow clearer with time. Each generation should understand the mission better.
Write it down. A constitution secures the Founder’s intent beyond his presence.
Anticipate rebellion. Do not be naïve; prosperity often breeds arrogance.
Safeguard your supremacy. Define your non-negotiables clearly.
Delegate wisely. No one can lead alone; empower capable representatives.
Plan succession deliberately. Do not leave transition vague; spell it out.
Expect conflict. Structures do not eliminate rebellion but help manage it.
Even in our time, we see founders face pressure. W.F. Kumuyi, founder of Deeper Life, built a thriving movement, yet voices rise demanding he hand over leadership. Many corporate founders, too, have been pushed aside by boards or successors who never carried the original vision.
The lesson is clear: enduring leadership is not left to chance. It is secured by foresight, written constitutions, and deliberate succession planning.
Conclusion
God is the ultimate Founder. He built a nation from scratch, and in His wisdom, He anticipated rebellion, safeguarded His supremacy, delegated responsibility, and established succession.
Leaders today must learn from His example. Your vision will not endure simply because people respect your sacrifice. It will endure because you wrote it down, safeguarded your role, delegated responsibility, and planned succession.
What God demonstrated in Israel is not just a spiritual story—it is a leadership manual. Those who follow His model will build organizations that survive conflict, transition, and generations.
________________ A conference paper at a theological a conference. It engages biblical texts, uses scholarly structure and tone, and presents central argument with exegetical and doctrinal depth. ___________________________________ Abstract This paper presents a theological examination of the interplay between divine provision and human responsibility in salvation, using the Exodus Passover narrative and the Rahab account in Joshua as canonical case studies. By drawing a typological line to Christ’s atonement and the doctrine of perseverance, it challenges the notion of unconditional eternal security, emphasizing the dual necessity of appropriating the blood and remaining under its provision. It further critiques the “Once Saved, Always Saved” model in light of Pauline and Johannine warnings about apostasy and spiritual complacency.
1. Introduction The subject of soteriological security—whether salvation, once granted, can ever be lost—has long been a point of divergence in Christian theology. While some theological systems advocate for the permanence of salvation post-conversion (e.g., the Reformed “perseverance of the saints”), others argue that a believer’s willful departure from faith and practice jeopardizes their final standing. This paper reopens the debate by anchoring its argument not in abstract dogma, but in the vivid historical-theological narratives of Exodus 12 and Joshua 2, read typologically in light of New Testament soteriology.
2. The Passover Narrative: Blood, Obedience, and Boundaries In Exodus 12:21–23, Moses delivers Yahweh’s instructions concerning the night of judgment: “Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning.” (v.22, NIV) The theological significance of this moment lies not only in the provision of the blood but in the behavioral mandate: to stay inside the house. The blood on the lintel, while typologically representing the atoning blood of Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 5:7), was not efficacious for those who disregarded the instruction to remain under its covering.
This dual condition—appropriation and abiding—reflects a consistent biblical pattern of covenantal security: divine provision must be matched by human response. The physical boundary of the blood-marked door became the locus theologicus of both judgment and salvation. Any departure from the instructed space, even by a marked person, incurred destruction.
This reading undermines a purely forensic view of salvation that is disconnected from ongoing faithfulness. The Passover account affirms that salvation is covenantal—secured by grace but entered and maintained through obedient faith.
3. Rahab and the Scarlet Sign: Salvation Within the House The story of Rahab (Joshua 2 and 6) extends the Passover motif. Rahab, a Gentile prostitute, is offered salvation through a visible sign: a scarlet cord hung from her window (Josh. 2:18). But the condition is clear:
“If anyone goes outside your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head…” (Josh. 2:19, ESV)
Again, we find that inclusion in God’s redemptive plan hinges not merely on symbolic allegiance, but on continued faith expressed through obedience and boundary-respect. Rahab’s house becomes a type of the blood-marked homes in Egypt—a spatial metaphor for salvation. Apostasy, here, is not theoretical; it is a willful crossing of divine boundaries.
4. Typological Fulfillment in Christ In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as our Passover lamb (1 Cor. 5:7), and His blood is the ground of our justification (Rom. 5:9). However, the apostolic witness emphasizes the need for continuance in faith. The writer of Hebrews warns:
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins…” (Heb. 10:26, ESV)
The biblical witness refutes the simplistic notion that a one-time profession, even if sincere, guarantees eschatological security. Salvation is not merely an event; it is a pilgrimage requiring perseverance.
5. Pauline Theology and the Question of Apostasy In Galatians 5:19–21, Paul catalogs the “works of the flesh,” warning that “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The epistle was not addressed to outsiders but to believers who had already been “crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:20). Similarly, in Romans 11:22, Paul writes:
“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity to those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off.”
The conditional clause “provided you continue” reinforces the theology of abiding seen in the Passover and Rahab narratives. Paul neither preaches insecurity nor libertinism. Rather, he upholds a covenantal tension—salvation is secure for those who remain in Christ, but not for those who abandon the house.
6. Johannine Revelation: From Lampstand to Blotting Out The Book of Revelation gives ecclesial and individual warnings to repent, lest one’s lampstand be removed (Rev. 2:5) or one’s name be blotted from the book of life (Rev. 3:5). These texts challenge deterministic interpretations of salvation. The churches of Ephesus, Sardis, and Laodicea are addressed as existing communities of faith, yet their continued inclusion in the life of God is conditional.
7. Theological Implications and Contemporary Relevance The notion of “Once Saved, Always Saved” detaches salvation from sanctification and obedience. The Passover and Rahab narratives portray salvation as an ongoing relational and covenantal reality. As such, the believer is called not only to apply the blood but to remain under its covering—to abide in Christ (John 15:4–6). The freedom to exit the house is not revoked, but doing so has eternal consequences. This biblical pattern challenges contemporary theological systems that emphasize grace at the expense of perseverance. It affirms that while salvation is never earned, it is maintained by faithfulness, not passivity.
8. Conclusion The Exodus and Jericho accounts offer more than historical theology; they provide enduring paradigms for understanding salvation. The blood of the lamb was necessary, but not sufficient without obedience. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been slain, but the call to remain in Him is ongoing. To apply the blood and later refuse to remain under its covering is as dangerous now as it was in Egypt. And the message is clear: The blood saves, but remaining under its covering keeps you safe. Thus, the question is not merely, “Have you applied the blood?” but also, “Are you still in the house?”
Bibliography • Carson, D. A. The Gagging of God. Zondervan, 1996. • Schreiner, Thomas R., and Ardel Caneday. The Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance and Assurance. IVP, 2001. • Wright, N.T. Paul and the Faithfulness of God. Fortress Press, 2013. • Packer, J.I. Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. IVP, 1961. • Fee, Gordon D. God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul. Baker, 1994.
When Pharaoh looked at the children of Israel and saw how they were multiplying and becoming strong, his immediate reaction was fear—not inspiration. He didn’t ask, “What are they doing right?” “What is the secret for their exponential population growth?” instead, he asked, “How do we stop them?” He strategized their downfall instead of improving Egypt’s own strength. This ancient mindset is still with us today. Ex. 1:8-22
Far too many leaders, peers, colleagues—even family members—see another person’s growth as a threat rather than a learning opportunity. But here’s the truth: someone else’s success is not the reason for your failure.
Success is not a limited resource. It’s not like limited oxygen gas in a room where if one person inhales more, another suffocates. There’s enough room at the top for all who are willing to climb. Pharaoh could have asked, “What values, discipline, or systems are making these people so productive and strong?” Instead, he tried to crush what he feared. He saw strength and perceived danger.
This mindset shows up in the workplace, in churches, in politics, in homes. A team member begins to shine, and suddenly they’re being sidelined. A rising voice in a ministry is seen as a threat. A younger relative is excelling, and suddenly, there’s tension. Not because the rising star did anything wrong—but simply because they grew.
Here’s a better way forward: 1. Don’t compete—learn. When someone else is thriving, ask what’s working for them. Study their discipline, habits, mindset. Growth should provoke reflection, not resentment. 2. Be secure. Strong leaders are not afraid of other strong people. In fact, they attract strength. If your leadership depends on keeping others small, it’s not leadership—it’s insecurity. 3. Celebrate others. Learn to celebrate other people’s wins without feeling diminished. Clapping for others doesn’t silence your own applause; it strengthens it. 4. Rise by rising, not by suppressing. You don’t need to dim another person’s light for yours to shine. Suppression might delay a person’s progress, but it doesn’t lift you. It exposes fear, not strength. 5. Turn envy into motivation. Instead of criticising someone’s excellence, let it challenge you. Let it inspire you to do more, learn more, grow more. Use it as fuel, not poison. Here are two powerful examples—one from the industrialization era and another from sports—that mirror
Pharaoh’s fear-based response to others’ success: A) Nikola Tesla vs. Thomas Edison (Industrialization Era) During the late 19th century, as electricity began transforming the world, Nikola Tesla developed alternating current (AC)—a more efficient method of power transmission than Thomas Edison’s direct current (DC).
Instead of acknowledging Tesla’s innovation and adapting, Edison viewed Tesla’s success as a threat to his legacy and business interests. He launched a fierce propaganda campaign known as the “War of Currents”, aimed at discrediting Tesla’s AC by spreading fear and misinformation—even staging public electrocutions of animals to portray AC as dangerous.
Instead of learning from Tesla or collaborating to improve electrical infrastructure, Edison attempted to suppress a rival. Yet AC would eventually power the modern world. Tesla’s success didn’t cause Edison’s failure; Edison’s refusal to adapt did.
B) Lionel Messi and Internal Tensions at FC Barcelona (Sports) During Messi’s early rise at FC Barcelona, some senior players and internal club politics reportedly expressed concern over his rapid ascent. Despite being a teenager, Messi’s talent began overshadowing veterans. While many teammates supported his growth, others—feeling threatened—pushed back subtly, questioning his maturity or readiness.
Over time, Messi’s brilliance couldn’t be denied. But this tension has been mirrored in many teams, where rising stars are resisted rather than nurtured due to fear of being replaced. Messi’s rise didn’t mean the veterans had failed; it meant the team had depth. The best teams—and leaders—recognize that empowering talent strengthens the whole, not weakens it.
Conclusion Pharaoh’s mistake is still repeated by many: they see another’s strength and choose sabotage over self-growth. But you don’t have to go that route. Your path to success is not blocked by someone else’s achievement. The question is not, “How do I bring them down?” but “How do I rise too?” “How can I emulate their growth principles?” Don’t be a Pharaoh. Be a learner. Be secure. Be excellent.
Introduction In every generation, God raises men and women to execute divine purpose. These leaders may be highly gifted, deeply spiritual, and even in constant communion with God. Yet Scripture reminds us through the story of Moses that even the best among us remains human—limited in perception, vulnerable to blind spots, and in need of guidance from others. Exodus 18:13–24 presents one of the most humbling and instructive moments in leadership development: the correction of Moses by his father-in-law, Jethro. This paper explores the necessity of counsel, the power of second eyes, and the wisdom of humility in leadership, showing that spiritual authority does not exempt one from the need for practical advice, especially from unexpected sources.
1. Moses: A Great Man with a Great Blind Spot At this point in the biblical narrative, Moses was no ordinary man. He had confronted Pharaoh, led the Israelites out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and received daily instructions from God Himself. Exodus 33:11 says, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” And yet, even with such spiritual proximity, Moses had a critical deficiency in his leadership model: he was overburdening himself by handling every dispute among the people personally. This passage reveals a crucial truth—divine calling does not eliminate human limitation. No leader, no matter how anointed or favored, is immune to oversight or flawed systems. The best among us is still human.
2. The Power of a Second Eye What Aaron and other close associates failed to see, Jethro identified after only one day. Sometimes, it takes a second eye—especially from someone not embedded in our system—to detect inefficiencies or harmful patterns in our leadership style. Jethro’s fresh perspective became a turning point in the administration of the nation of Israel. We often assume that those closest to us will correct us, but proximity can breed normalization. Familiarity with dysfunction can make us blind to it. Jethro was not only an outsider, he was not even an Israelite. Yet God used him to introduce one of the most enduring systems of shared responsibility in Scripture. This teaches us that wisdom is not always confined to insiders or to the covenant community. Sometimes, God allows secular or external voices to help His leaders build more effective systems.
3. Divine Fellowship Does Not Eliminate the Need for Human Counsel God never corrected Moses on this administrative flaw—not because God endorsed it, but because God often chooses to work through people. In this case, He used Jethro. This is a powerful reminder that being in communion with the Holy Spirit, having deep spiritual insight, or walking closely with God does not make us infallible or self-sufficient. In Proverbs 11:14, Scripture affirms: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” The need for human counsel is part of God’s design for leadership growth. To assume we no longer need counsel because of our spiritual depth is to walk in pride. You will never outgrow the need for advice, correction, and counsel.
4. Moses’ Model of Humility What is most striking is Moses’ response to Jethro’s counsel. He didn’t argue. He didn’t use his access to God as a basis for rejection. He didn’t say, “I hear from God; who are you to instruct me?” Instead, he listened carefully, accepted the advice with humility, and implemented the solution immediately. This posture of humility is one of the finest qualities of a great leader. As Proverbs 12:1 puts it bluntly, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” Moses’ greatness lay not just in his calling, but in his character. Leaders who reject correction ultimately limit their own impact.
5. Wisdom for Today’s Leaders (a) You Will Always Have Blind Spots Leadership does not erase your humanity. Even the most spiritual leaders have administrative or relational flaws they may never detect without help. (b) Seek and Welcome Outside Insight Sometimes the best critique comes from someone outside your inner circle or your echo chamber. Avoid the pride that dismisses those who aren’t part of your immediate context. (c) Build Systems, Not Bottlenecks What Moses was doing alone eventually required 70 elders (cf. Numbers 11). A leader cannot carry the burden of an entire system. Wise delegation is not weakness—it is strength. (d) Stay Teachable Moses could have been defensive. Instead, he was receptive. Teachability is one of the clearest marks of enduring leadership. (e) God Can Use Anyone to Speak to You Don’t despise counsel because of the source. God used Balaam’s donkey and Jethro—a Midianite priest—to fulfill His purposes.
6. A Word to Spiritual Leaders The Church today can glean much wisdom from this narrative. Many Christian organizations stagnate not because the vision is unclear but because the structure is broken. Overburdened founders, pastors, or directors often struggle to release control. Yet the growth and health of a ministry require structure, delegation, and accountability. Speaking with God does not eliminate the need to listen to men. Prayer should never replace planning. Revelation should not silence reason. Supernatural encounters should not cancel human wisdom where and when necessary.
Conclusion The story of Moses and Jethro teaches us that even the most revered leaders need correction, counsel, and structural adjustment. Leadership is not sustained by giftedness alone, but by humility, openness to feedback, and the wisdom to build systems that outlast one man. The best among us is still human—and that is not a weakness; it is a design that keeps us dependent on God and interdependent with others. Let every leader take this to heart: You will never outgrow advice. You will never mature beyond the need for a second eye. And you will never be too spiritual to learn from others.
“So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.” — Exodus 17:13 (NKJV)
Introduction
Leadership is not fully tested in moments of personal achievement, but in how one responds to the achievements of others—especially those they have trained. Exodus 17:13 subtly introduces a potential tension often found in mentor-mentee dynamics: What happens when the student begins to succeed?
Joshua defeated Amalek, but it was Moses who had given the command. Yet, Scripture records Joshua’s name in association with the victory. This singular verse holds deep insight into the hearts of leaders and the health of leadership relationships.
1. The Insecurity That Success Can Awaken
When a leader sees their mentee gaining visibility, receiving praise, or achieving tangible results, it can stir insecurities if the heart is not anchored in humility and vision. This was the flaw of King Saul:
“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” — 1 Samuel 18:7
Rather than celebrating David’s success as a national victory—and as a win under his kingship—Saul saw it as a personal threat. The celebration of David’s accomplishment became Saul’s downfall. Envy turned him from king to killer.
In contrast, Moses remained secure. Though Moses is the author of the book of Exodus, he didn’t interrupt the record to insist, “It was my hands lifted up that brought victory!” He attributed the victory to Joshua. But insecure leaders would have sidelined Joshua’s name. True leaders don’t compete with those they train—they complete them.
2. The Mark of a Secure Leader
Moses’ lack of insecurity in Exodus 17:13 reveals a mature and secure leader. His goal was Israel’s success, not his own applause. He didn’t mind that Joshua was mentioned as the victor because the victory was the fruit of teamwork, trust, and delegation.
Leadership expert Patrick Lencioni in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, notes that the absence of ego is key to collective success. Leaders who are humble and emotionally secure build healthier teams and more resilient successors.
3. True Mentorship Aims at Independence, Not Perpetual Dependence
If a mentee cannot succeed without the mentor, then the mentorship has failed. The goal of every leader should be the empowerment of others to stand strong and succeed even in their absence.
Jesus demonstrated this brilliantly. When His disciples came back with joyful testimonies, He didn’t downplay their impact. Instead, He affirmed it and used it to deepen their understanding of eternal perspective (Luke 10:17–20).
Jesus didn’t say, “You succeeded only because I gave you authority.” Rather, He celebrated their fruitfulness, then gently reminded them of the greater joy: “Rejoice not that the spirits are subject to you, but that your names are written in heaven.”
4. The Success of Mentees Is the Legacy of Mentors
The true legacy of Moses was not just in parting the Red Sea or receiving the law—it was also in mentoring Joshua, who would eventually lead Israel into the Promised Land.
“The greatest use of leadership is to develop others to lead.” — John C. Maxwell
The victories of those under you are extensions of your investment, not threats to your identity. Mentors must develop the emotional and spiritual maturity to applaud when their protégés rise. This is the spirit of multiplication, not competition.
5. Guarding Against the Spirit of Saul
Saul was anointed, but insecure. His jealousy of David was not rooted in David’s wrongdoing, but in Saul’s fear of replacement. His heart was not aligned with God’s mission—it was tethered to his personal position.
Mentors today must be vigilant against the spirit of Saul:
When we feel forgotten while our mentees are praised.
When we sabotage or delay others’ progress out of fear of being outshined.
When we measure our success by visibility rather than impact.
Let us be reminded: If your mentee wins, you win. The war is not between mentor and mentee, but against Amalek.
6. Cultivating a Celebratory Culture Among Leaders
Healthy leadership communities are marked by celebration, not suspicion. When mentees win, mentors should:
Publicly affirm their efforts.
Use the opportunity to elevate them further.
Celebrate quietly before God for the fruit of their labor.
Jesus said, “Greater works than these shall you do…” (John 14:12). That is the cry of a leader unafraid of being surpassed.
Conclusion: The Victory Belongs to All
In Exodus 17, the battle was won by Joshua’s sword, Moses’ raised hands, Aaron and Hur’s support, and God’s power. It was a shared victory, but Joshua’s name was on the line.
That did not break Moses. It proved him.
True leaders are not afraid when the light shines on their mentees. They built the stage, handed over the microphone, and sit back with joy as their investment produces impact.
If you’re a mentor—let them win.
If you’re a mentee—win with humility.
Key Takeaways for Leaders
Celebrate the victories of those you train.
Resist the urge to control the narrative or take back the spotlight.
Remember: Your legacy is best seen in their fruit, not your fame.
Mentor with the end in mind—the mentee becoming better than you.
This meditation on Proverbs 16:4 and Romans 9:11–24 wrestles honestly and deeply with some of the most profound theological truths in Scripture—God’s sovereignty, human purpose, and the mystery of divine justice.
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The LORD works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster.”Proverbs 16:4
All of humanity, from the beginning to the end of time, was crafted by Him. Like a potter makes all vessels from the same clay but designs them differently for different uses, God molds each life uniquely. Not randomly but purposefully—some for noble use, others for common use, as Romans 9 teaches. You are likely—and indeed must be—one of two things: an object of mercy or an object of wrath. Whichever one you are cut out to be, whether good or wicked, He designed you to fulfill His purpose.
Consider Pharaoh: a tyrant in the eyes of history. Did he play a good role in the liberation of Israel? Certainly not. However, as far as God is concerned, Pharaoh fulfilled his life assignment. Repeatedly, God made it clear that Pharaoh played out the exact role why he was raised up—to serve as a vessel through whom to demonstrate God’s power and make His name known throughout the earth. No less.
He was a key player in God’s redemptive plan. God said of him, “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth” (Rom. 9:17). His role, though painful and judged, was purposeful.
So here comes the tension: If God chooses whom He shows mercy to, and hardens whom He will, is it fair to still find fault?Why does God still find fault when someone lives out the very destiny God designed for them? Isn’t God unfair? Is He power-drunk? Is He just out on a display of power as He pleases, while we are mere toys, remote-controlled to act out His will—even when it leads to our own ruin?
Paul anticipates this exact objection in Romans 9:
“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”(Rom. 9:20).
Some Takeaways to Live With:
God is the Potter; we are the clay (Rom. 9:21). He alone determines our form and function. The potter has the right to do with the clay as he wants.
God made everything for His own purpose—even the wicked (Prov. 16:4).
Mercy is not earned. It is given—sovereignly, freely, and undeservedly (Rom. 9:15–16). He shows mercy to whom he shows mercy and compassion on whom he chose to have compassion.
God’s story requires all kinds of roles. Some purposes are fulfilled through kindness; others through resistance, even wickedness.
God’s glory is His highest priority. He is not man-centered. He is God-centered—and rightly so. There are certain purposes of God that cannot be fulfilled if every man on earth were good.
He decides purpose; we don’t. And every created being serves that purpose, knowingly or unknowingly.
Those created in Christ Jesus—the redeemed—are created unto good works, which God prepared in advance for them to walk in (Eph. 2:10).
God’s choices are not based on human merit or action but on His call and mercy. From the womb, before they had done anything right or wrong, God had already chosen Jacob over Esau—so that His purpose according to election might stand.
This might feel unsettling—but it also produces awe, humility, and deep worship. We are not random. We are not orphans of the universe. We are creations—intentional and purposed—by a sovereign God who never makes mistakes.
So we must come to terms with this truth: God is God. He answers to no one. Yet, He remains just, wise, and good in all His ways. And those of us who have found mercy in Christ must walk humbly, worship reverently, and live purposefully—knowing that our lives are designed not for our fame, but for His eternal glory.
Therefore, the question is not “Why did He make me this way?” but “Lord, how can I glorify You in the way You’ve made me?”
