There are four main lessons from this discussion about the life of Moses, so let us review...
1) We are to shun sin
In Hebrews 11:24-26, it reads that... "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, 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: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward."
2) We need to learn to exhibit patience
Like Moses, this is one that I occasionally have issues with. Notice the rationale that Moses uses in Acts 7:25-28, and from it we can see that being in the will of God was not enough. We cannot assume that everyone around us will understand what we are trying to accomplish. If we are acting within God's will and God's timing, a proper way will be made for us and our gifts. "For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?"
Moses wanted to be the deliverer for the people of Israel, but not in God's time. Moses then worked for another 40 years before God was ready for him. Acts 7:30 "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush."
Luke 8:15 "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
Psalm 27:14 "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
Luke 21:19 "In your patience possess ye your souls."
3) We must stop making excuses for not moving forward. Eventually we must stop the talk and the stalling and DO SOMETHING!
As we have read in Exodus (3:11, 12; 3:13; 4:1, 2; 4:10, 11; 4:13, 14), Moses had lots of ready excuses for not wanting to do God's will, but God did not take kindly to these excuses.
God still speaks to us in this way...
Today God says, "Seek ye first…." Matthew 6:33
God says, "Do all to the glory of God" 1 Corinthians 10:31
How many times do we say to ourselves and to others, "I can't, because ________________?"
We can do all things through Christ! Philippians 4:13
Are we seeking to excuse ourselves from our responsibilities or do we humbly submit to God's will?
4) Proceed in meekness
Moses was meek. This in no way implies that he was weak! We should be meek, but we should never compromise God's truth. Moses never did this. Instead we see Moses as the man who was in Mt. Sinai and stayed for 40 days and nights. We see him as a bold and courageous leader of God's people. We see him as someone who defied the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abijah.
Meekness is a trait which all we as Christians should have. Notice Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Meekness is one of the items listed in the fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:23
It is something that we need to receive God's word. James 1:21tells us, "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."
Conclusion:
Moses' life serves as a model for us on many levels, not just about leadership. We tend to pick and choose certain figures to bring our certain points or lessons for life. We must keep in mind that the Bible is not just a storybook, with lots of little plays and vignettes to tickle our fancies. The Bible is one story, held together by one message- redemption.
So, if you feel as though you have fallen away from the path, Moses' life serves as a great example of faithfulness and as such calls us back to God. He did not let the pleasures, promises and seductions of this world interfere with his responsibilities toward God. Do you?
Perhaps you’ve never been on the path…this is how it works:
Find a friend to help you, or find a church community…
a) Hear the word; Romans 10:17 "Faith comes by hearing . . ."
b) Believe with all your heart; Hebrews 11:6 "For without faith it is impossible . . . ."
c) Repent of your sins ( Acts 17:30).
d) Confess Jesus as the Son of God ( Matt. 16:16).
e) Be baptized for the remission of your sins ( Mark 16:15,16).
Now, go and DO!
Amen...
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