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Exodus 3:1-15
Even though Moses grew up in an Egyptian household, his mother still was able to make him aware of his Hebrew heritage. It was this concern for Hebrews that would lead to trouble for Moses as a young man. When an Egyptian soldier mistreated a Hebrew slave, Moses stepped in, killed the soldier and hid the body. Soon though, word about his deed got out. Fearing for his life, Moses fled from Pharaoh's rage. He settled in Midian , where he met and married Zipporah , daughter of a priest. There he began raising his own family.
Meanwhile, the king died in Egypt, and the Hebrew slaves cried out about their conditions. God heard them and worked toward their freedom. This story reminds us that God sees connection between people, regardless of how far apart they seem to us. Through God's providence, what was happening in Egypt had an effect in Midian , and out of Midian would come the one to carry out God's salvation plan for the Hebrew people.
In Midian, Moses helped his father-in-law, Jethro, shepherd his sheep. And on what seemed to be another ordinary day, he took his flock to a pasture far away, " beyond the wilderness ". Moses didn't know he was coming into the presence of God; he thought he was simply tending his sheep. But, in this distant pasture Moses noticed a bizarre sight; a bush on fire . That was when God spoke, telling Moses he stood on holy ground and calling him to assist in delivering the Hebrews from slavery and suffering in Egypt. As they talked, God told Moses the details of their partnership. Moses had gifts with which to serve God. When Moses doubted his ability, God promised guidance. God listened to Moses and addressed Moses' concern. Best of all, Moses' relationship with the God of his ancestors took a new turn. The great "I AM" had called him. In a new way, Moses' ordinary days became part of God's extraordinary plan.
Something to Think About
Even though Moses may have thought he was escaping from his people's problems by running away from Egypt, he was still connected to his people through God. In the same way even when Christians are not together, we are bound to each other through the love of God.
Next Week:
Let My People Go |
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