WHY THE "ELIM" GROUP?

In Exodus, we are told the story of the freeing of the Israelites. The nation had been in captivity for over 400 years. Then Moses led them out to freedom.

We all know the story of the parting of the Red Sea, where the entire nation walked across on dry ground. Once on the other side they found themselves 600,000 soldiers strong, besides their families. By some estimates the gathering exceeded a million in number – a huge responsibility for the leadership of the nation.

They were miraculously delivered from their captors, but still not safe. Indeed they now found themselves in a desert, without water or sufficient provisions. After discovering only undrinkable water and even after experiencing a miracle to turn it sweet, the nation was in difficult circumstances. It was then that Exodus 15:27 tells us “they came to Elim, where there were 12 wells and 70 Palm trees.”

The 12 wells are significant in that there was a source of life giving water for each of the 12 tribes. And this first mention of the palm tree in the Bible is also meaningful in that the palm tree is so critical to the well being of the nation. Its fruit is edible, its sap furnishes an agreeable wine, and the fibers of the base of its leaves are woven into ropes and bags and baskets. It frequently attains a height of eighty feet, and begins to bear fruit after it has been planted six or eight years. It will continue to be productive for a century. Its trunk is straight, tall and unbroken, terminating in a crown of emerald-green leaves.

After a harrowing trek through the wilderness and the desert, Elim must have appeared as an incredible oasis of safety and succor.

From a Board or leadership perspective having tools to govern and lead well is also critical. People will follow you for a while on personal strength and charisma, but at some point you must be able to provide what they need, just as the Israelites needed water and shade and food.

Through my Policy Governance® work and Leadership Speaking I attempt to provide you the tools to help you create your own organizational or personal oasis.

What is your future, and how will you get there? It would be my honor to serve as your guide!

God Bless!