Epic Fails : Moses
A murderer isn't often thought of as the first choice for spiritual leadership. In fact, we label those who fall into this dangerous category as the unforgivable and cast them to the fringe of society. However, God doesn't operate as we do and we can certainly testify that His ways are higher than ours! Moses is a perfect example of this.
Moses was born into a Hebrew family, meant to be raised according to God's standards. However, due to a tumultuous time in the Egyptian empire when the baby boys of Israel were being killed, Moses was instead placed on the river and adopted by the Pharaoh's daughter. For the first 40 years of his life, Moses grew up in Pharaoh's house where he had everything he could ever want--power, money, prestige, notoriety--yet like any man growing up in an idolatrous world, there was a major gap between who he was born to be and where he currently was.
There is a time later in Moses' life where he is still living in Pharoah's house yet knows he is truly Hebrew. He's out walking and observes an Egyptian slave driver beating a Hebrew. Moses murders the Egyptian and buries him in the sand. The next day he realizes there were witnesses and soon the news travels to Pharaoh, who attempts to kill Moses. Moses flees to the land of Midian and this is where his 40-year journey with God begins.
Moses, who had been one of the most powerful people in the world and had all the comforts he could ever want now lived in obscurity shepherding flocks for his father-in-law, Jethro. He spent long days and nights in the wilderness on his own; evenings under the stars contemplating life and his purpose as he sat with the animals. Conversations with God about the dreams in his heart and reconciling how he could be used for God's glory out in the wilderness.
God's handiwork with Moses shows us that He can use anyone for His purposes. Did you know Moses felt ill-equipped to be God's spokesman? This coming from a guy who once had great position. But I think it goes to show the transformation that took place in Moses' life during his 40 years in God's hands.
Moses spent a long time in Pharoah's house and in the world. I believe that Moses spent 40 years in obscurity so that God could pull those things from the world out in order to make Moses into the leader he would use to bring Israel out of captivity. We often fantasize Moses' great years of ministry and leading Israel towards the Promised Land, yet we overlook his 40 years in the wilderness. We want his influence but not his preparation.
To you who feels lost in the desert, longing to see one dream come true, hold on. If you're still bursting to move forward, take a moment to evaluate where you're at. Chances are there is something from your time spent in the world God is trying to get out through some pruning. Take it from me--you don't want to move forward too soon and botch the opportunity--so embrace your current season with your creative best (Galatians 6:4-5).
God took a murderer from the world's stage, sent him into obscurity overseeing sheep, and transformed that man into a great leader who would deliver a nation. Now that's a powerful testimony if I've ever heard one.
Be inspired and challenged by the life of Moses! Willingly submit your life to Christ and allow him to transform your life for Kingdom purpose.
Questions/Thoughts
Are there some things of this world lingering in your life that contradict God's way of life? Take some time to identify these things and ask God to help you release them.