Although born an Israelite, Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s household, having been rescued from the waters of the Nile as a baby. Once grown, he was drawn to help his own people enslaved in Egypt. It was, in fact, his destiny. When he found them in hard labor Moses was stirred with a desire to deliver them (Gen. 2:11-12). But because of his presumption in acting prematurely and violently, he had to flee from Pharaoh’s punishment. Moses was consumed by fear, his desire left far behind in Egypt. The next 40 years found him shepherding for his father-in-law on the back side of the desert. He had exiled himself and his desires. At times while watching his sheep he must have remembered with powerlessness and deep sorrow his foolish actions as well as the terrible suffering of his people.
His confidence had died, for even when God met him in the burning bush and commissioned him to bring the people out of Egypt, Moses in astonishment said: “Who am I that I should go?” After God’s continued assurances, Moses was still so fearful and diminished that he didn’t believe the Israelites would pay attention to him. God performed miracles with Moses’s rod, yet still Moses hesitated. Only after God displayed frustration did Moses obey (Gen. 4:1-14).
From that time forward, desire for his assigned mission lit a flame within him. He obeyed the Lord, standing resolutely against Pharaoh and even Israelites who opposed him in no small measure.
Although he never quite conquered his impulsive anger, Moses delivered the Israelites from Egypt and brought them to the border of the Promised Land. In spite of his many foibles, fears, and missteps, made of the same stuff as we all our, he trusted and persevered. This was the humble man who spoke with the God face-to-face as to a friend (Ex. 33:7-11). Hebrews 11:26-27 tells us that Moses “saw him who is invisible” and was looking for his reward. He understood the truth of Hebrews 11:6, that God rewards those of faith, those who earnestly seek him. What a reward Moses experienced as he stood with Jesus in the glory of the Transfiguration (Lk. 9:28-36)!
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