POSSESSED LEADERS

 

June 10, 2025

Numbers 11:16–17, 25

16 The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.

25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took some of the power of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but did not do so again.



Judges 6:34

34 Then the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him.

God’s Spirit doesn’t only fill the heavens, He equips people on earth to lead. Some of you know that leadership can be lonely. Whether you’re guiding a family, leading a team, or caring for others in your church or community, the weight of responsibility can become wearying. Certainly, Moses knew this firsthand. The Israelites were a people in transition and change, they had been freed from slavery, but they were still learning how to follow God, and Moses was feeling the stress and pressure of this.

16 The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.  Numbers 11:16–17

Notice, God’s answer to Moses’ fatigue wasn’t more effort, it was shared leadership, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who had equipped Moses was now being given to others so that the burden could be shared and their calling and mission could move forward.

This same pattern continues in the story of Gideon. In Judges 6, we meet Gideon hiding in a winepress, fearful and unsure. God calls him to save Israel from their enemies, but Gideon protests: “My clan is the weakest… and I am the least in my family.” (Judges 6:15). Yet Scripture says:

“Then the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon.” Judges 6:34 

The phrase is quite striking, God’s Spirit “took possession" other translations say "clothed” Gideon with power. We are to notice that there was not some change in Gideon’s background or ability. It was God’s presence that made the difference.


Reflect

Where in your life are you being called to lead, even if you feel unqualified?

How does the example of Moses, Gideon, or Pastor Naomi help you rethink what spiritual leadership can look like?

Who in your life might need encouragement to see that God can empower them, too?

Prayer

Spirit of the Living God, You know how easily I feel overwhelmed by the things You've asked me to carry. Thank You for the reminder today that just as You equipped Moses and strengthened Gideon, you will empower me today. Whether I'm leading in my home, my workplace, my church, or my neighborhood, let me lead not by might or power, but by Your Spirit. I yield my own strength and ask You to fill me with Yours. Teach me to listen, to discern, and to trust You fully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.