Moses – The Making of a LeaderSample

Day 3:  Moses Flees Egypt 

Thoughts on the Passage

Moses chooses. 

He chooses to be an Israelite rather than Egyptian. He chooses to side with the slaves rather than the slave owners and their wealth. He chooses the destiny of Israel (and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) over the destiny of the power of Egypt and their gods. He also chooses to do it at the wrong time… and the wrong way.

God had promised to Abraham that the people of God would be oppressed in Egypt but that after 400 years He would bring them out again into the land of Canaan. That time was nearly finished and Moses is likely well aware of this. When he acts on behalf of his people, he has to flee Egypt because Pharaoh would kill him.

Now he is a nobody in the desert. He becomes a shepherd, gets married and has a child. He names the child Gershom – which means sojourner (wanderer). His life has lost purpose. His efforts to lead the people out of their bondage has failed. Why? Because it was not God’s timing.

Sounds a lot like Joseph and his life. Sound like us in many ways.

Application to our Life

It is so difficult to know God’s timing for things. We have enough understanding of God’s plans, but not clear direction. It is important to wait rather than act in situations like this. Keep being faithful at what we are doing.

Moses’ life looks like a failure, but it is just on hold. Do not equate being on hold with being sidelined and ignored by God. God’s purpose for us is not forgotten. Remember Joseph. 

Time to Pray

Father, this is so hard. To see our life on hold – or our plans in tatters and shredded. It was not that we do not see what You want to do; it is that we do not see clearly what You are planning to do. It is easy to give up and lose our heart for diligent obedience or for faithful hope in Your promises. Help us today to remember that You still have not given up on us. 

Help us to continue to be a people who actively wait – doing what is right and true. A time will come when You show up and call us afresh. Give us a heart to daily listen for that voice. In Jesus' name, Amen.