Lessons from the Life of moses

1. Lessons from the Life of moses Janurary 30th, 2011 Toba 22, 1727

2. Moses: Intro • "But since then there has not arisen in Israel, a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt before Pharaoh, before all the servants, and in all his land, and by all that mighty power and all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel" (Deuteronomy 34:10-12). • Let’s take a closer look at the character of Moses which the scripture describes as someone who knew the Lord face to face.

3. Moses was born in a time when the Israelites forgot God and mixed with the other nations and were in bondage to the Egyptians. Moses lacked ambition and determination at first, but grew into it. He was a simple Shepherd, didn’t expect to be called by God for this great purpose. he became determined to continue to lead the people in the desert for 40 years despite their sinfulness. We can see his great determination here when he tells God if the people will not be saved, then to also blot out his name from the Book of Life: Exodus 32:30-32 30 Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. So now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” 31 Then Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! 32 Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.”

4. Let’s Read: Exodus 3:1-11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”  He did not believe he could be the one chosen for the leadership role-- for the Hebrews to follow him; nor did he desire such a role; it is not known whether Moses, as a young adult, showed any special interest in religious matters. (H.G Bishop Youssef)

5. Let’s Read: Exodus 4:1-15 Moses doubted and was scared, wanted a way out! Have we ever felt this way, when we get called by God for a service? YES!

6. Moses was right~ that of himself and by himself he was not equipped. But God Equipped him. • First Moses looked at what he didn’t have, instead what he did have. • 2nd: Moses thought, he was to do it of his own abilities.

7. What did Moses Already Have? • Moses had a natural gift (he cared for his people) and God used that for greatness, beyond what Moses had understood or determined for himself: • Exodus 2:11 Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. 12 So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two Hebrew men were fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, “Why are you striking your companion?”  • God had shaped Moses for greatness; as it is clear greatness was not his ambition. But Moses was loyal to his people and defended them in unjust situations. It was his natural Gift to defend the helpless!

8. What else did Moses Have? Royal Education:. Reared into wealth, education, and leisure of the Egyptian ruling class. Experience as a Shepherd.

9. Moses’ doubt Stayed with HIM; despite his experiences with God. Numbers20:7 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 8 “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.” 9 So Moses took the rod from before the LORD as He commanded him. 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank. "Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them'" (Numbers 20:12).

10. How about us? Who Me Lord?!? What is our view of ourselves, talent? Calling? What is God’s calling of us? Do we feel a sense of responsibility--- do we have an ability to respond to a need, a service that’s needed around us? Caravaggio's: Calling of St. Mathew.

11. Where I am vs. Where I want to be! Is the Moses who killed the Egyptian as a youth, the same Moses who lead the people of Israel through the wilderness for 40 years? The Moses who parted the red sea?

12. This takes some time and Preparation Sometimes we may find ourselves in a job or in a life situation that we didn’t expect for ourselves, we find ourselves frustrated because it’s not what we want for ourselves, but maybe God is preparing us for something else. Having this particular job (life situation, experience etc) now, will help me gain the skills/experience necessary for what He has in store for me. (he knows me inside and out)Ps. 139: 13For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Mathew 10: 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[b]30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

13. Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Glory be to God Forever Amen