March 2004
Miriam

Then the prophet Miriam, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dancing. --Exodus 15:20

Feeling Urgency

God had done a mighty deed by opening the Red Sea to the people of Israel-and then entombing Pharoah's warriors within it. Freedom was won; a land of promise was ahead. It was an event never to be forgotten. Miriam could not, would not, let the moment go unheralded. It was too important. She shook the tambourines; she began the dance and a song of triumph declaring the victory of God.

In Miriam we see how urgency and insight generate enthusiasm and prompt action. Knowing the importance of a moment and being able to point out its meaning in the larger scheme of things can be the critical factor in helping others act. The leader who is stirred by insight and grace in her life is captivating and compelling to be around. The leader who sees what is urgent and needful taps the minds and imaginations of her hearers.

God invites us to peer deeply into the events of our lives and into the meaning of our duties There we will surely see God's hand at work as Miriam did-leading people to hope and freedom, entombing the forces of destruction and decay. We will see that our lives and our work are privileged to echo this same redemptive purpose of creating hope and dispelling despair. We will know that there is no need to carry on tasks that do not do this. Then we, like Miriam, can lead with enthusiasm. We will help others see the movement of God in the joys and challenges of the moment, to be struck by its importance and urgency, and to want to act in response.

Leaders are inspired and inspiring. By their lives and work they sing the song of the Victorious One so that others find themselves singing it too.

Where do you see God's hand freeing and restoring people?

Prayer: Open our eyes, Lord; we want to see clearly your presence in the events and tasks around us. May we be inspired by your redemptive activity, and may we be urgent about inspiring others. Amen.