Read Exodus 2
Highlights:
Moses' flight into Midian; the burning bush; his commission to free the nation of Israel; his return to Egypt. Moses was a type of Christ. Both were endangered in infancy. Both were deliverers and mediators.
Moses was only a peasant shepherd when God said to him: I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh? (Ex. 3:10-11).
The Israelite slaves were controlled by the most powerful nation on earth. Moses had forfeited his influence in Egypt forty years before, and added to that, he felt he was not a fluent speaker. Moses' response could be expected. However, the Almighty Creator rules and overrules the affairs of life. Who am I was not important. It was of much greater significance that Moses had faith in the One who said I will send thee unto Pharaoh.
At one time Moses could have been the next Pharaoh. But he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter: choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt (Heb. 11:24-26). Moses, once in a powerful position in the royal household of Egypt, now acknowledged his insufficiency and had to accept, by faith, the Word of God. I will be with thee was the assurance God gave Moses (3:12) and He still promises to be with every Christian: I am with you alway (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5).
We are in a hurry to produce results with our abilities. God is also concerned with our learning to trust Him, even when faced with difficulties.
Note the familiar phrase, And Moses . . . did as the Lord commanded (Ex. 7:6,20; 16:34; 17:6; 39:1,5,7,21,26,29,31,32; 40:16,19,21,23,25,27,29,32). You will see that Moses became a great leader of his people because he faithfully obeyed God.
We, too, can experience Christ as Lord of our lives. Obedience means that we personally, day by day, listen to the whole counsel of God as it is revealed in His Word (I Sam. 15:22).
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (behavior) (I Pet. 1:14-15).
Thought for Today:
If ye love Me, keep My Commandments (John 14:15).
Christ Revealed:
As the I AM THAT I AM who commissioned Moses (Ex. 3:13-14; compare Heb. 13:8). Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily (Truly, truly), I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58).
Word Studies:
2:3 flags weeds; 2:18 Reuel; 2:23 bondage severe oppression; 2:25 had respect unto has concerned about; 3:18 hearken believe and obey; 3:22 spoil take the best of their valuables; 4:10 of a slow tongue not qualified; 4:16 to thee instead of a mouth your spokesman.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD), Rep. Kay Granger (TX), Rep. Michael Michaud (ME), Gov. Martin O'Malley (MD), and Rep. Charlie Wilson (OH) • Country: Samoa (190,000) in the South Pacific • Major languages: Samoan and English • Religious freedom • 68% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 2% Baha'i; 1.1% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and fast in secret so that only the Lord knows (Matt. 6:16-18).
Optional Reading: Matthew 18
Memory Verse for the Week: Proverbs 28:9
