Moses – The Making of a LeaderSample

Day Six: Moses before the People

Thoughts on the Passage

Getting started. It is filled with issues – some obvious and some that show up unexpectedly. 

First, God gives Moses some encouragement and direction. Those who sought his life are dead. Moses has the list of miracles that God has given him so that the people and Pharaoh will believe that God sent him. Aaron is coming to help him as he prepares to speak to the children of Israel and later to Pharaoh. Moses has the blessing of his father-in-law. Moses is taking the rod of God – the rod that God will use to demonstrate His power through Moses. He is ready to go….

Second, Moses starts off with his family – his wife and two children. His children are obviously fairly young as they are with his wife on a donkey. However, God is not happy with Moses – and Moses comes under physical attack (we are not told what it is). Moses has not circumcised his children and it is only when his wife does it that the attack against Moses is stopped. Moses has not walked in covenant obedience. We do not know why this is the case, but it is something that nearly stopped Moses before he started. Moses’ disobedience caused serious problems and only the intervention of his wife saved his life. Remember this when God asks us to do something – make sure we have no stubborn area of disobedience in our lives; it can be very costly.

Third, the rod of God. This rod becomes the key tool in the hand of Moses to release the power of God. It is both the symbol of God’s power and the symbol of Moses’ divine authority. We will see great things done through this rod. We will also see it take on greater importance throughout the time of Moses and the children of Israel as they leave Egypt and go to the Promised Land.

Fourth, when the people see Moses and the signs from God, they accept Moses. It is amazing. Moses was so concerned about this moment – and it went so well. God had prepared His people to receive Moses and the message that God had for them through Moses.

Application to our Life

Deal with issues in our lives. God is so gracious and patient, but there are times when disobedience can stop us and the work God has for our lives. 

Go back and review the promises God has fulfilled getting you to where you are today. It will encourage you to trust Him to where He will take you tomorrow.

Time to Pray
Father, Moses learned to obey, but it was difficult – and costly. He obeyed You and headed to Egypt, but he still had an area that nearly cost him dearly. That makes me stop and think about my life. God, is there an area where I am not walking faithfully to Your word? Is there an area in my life where I have ignored Your truth – and justified why I do not need to be obedient? 

Today, speak into my life and give me courage to address it faithfully. Give me strength to choose life and destiny over my areas of petty hurts, small thinking or justifying my own action/inaction. In the end it will cost me, and I do not want to pay that cost! It is a cost that is not worth it. In Jesus' name, Amen.