God's great story continues as we begin reading Exodus 1-4. Joseph and his brothers all died, but God still has a plan. The famous 12 tribes of Israel (the children and grandchildren of Joseph and his brothers- Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Nephtali, Asher, and Gad) live on in Egypt and continue to multiply and prosper. The problem is, there's a new, evil Egyptian Pharaoh in town who is threatened by so many Israelites living among them. He decides to enslave them, kill them, and make their lives miserable. Pharaoh's plan, though, doesn't work, thanks to God and those who faithfully believe in Him. We see God call Moses to action and use his life in a big way.
I love the whole story of Moses because, just like Moses, God calls each of us for His purpose. What will we do?
The scene with Moses and the burning bush speaks volumes about the measures God is willing to go to in order to get our attention. And when we sense God's call, we can't deny that it's person specific. Look how he calls Moses by his name.
Immediately I stop and think, "How is God trying to get my attention right now?"
Like the burning bush, when something really grabs our attention and makes us stop what we're doing, we know it's more than just a weird coincidence. God's call won't go away. It begins to fill our hearts and minds.
God gives us all the direction and the resources we need each step of the way when we are living in His purpose for our lives. But even with God speaking to us, we doubt. We feel inadequate. We have a tendency, by default, to focus on our weaknesses and use them as our line of excuses.
Here's the thing God did for Moses, and He does the same thing for you and me- God uses our weaknesses to make us strong in Him. Moses has the Israelite elders, who know God, for support. He also has Aaron who can make up for the one area of his life that worries him the most, his communication skills. And as if that wasn't enough, how about that powerful cloak and mighty staff God shows Moses how to use to his advantage?
We are never on our own when we follow God, even though we may feel that way at times. He is with us. He will prepare us for what we face. He puts the right believers in our lives for the job at hand. And best of all, we have God's power on our side in real time, as we need it.
So, the bottom line I got from today's reading...
When God calls me for His purpose, it's because He loves me, just like He loved Moses and the Israelites. And when He calls me, I don't want to disappoint him or make him mad by asking Him to send someone else. I want Him on my side. God has all authority on Heaven and Earth. He, himself, puts it this way,
I love the whole story of Moses because, just like Moses, God calls each of us for His purpose. What will we do?
The scene with Moses and the burning bush speaks volumes about the measures God is willing to go to in order to get our attention. And when we sense God's call, we can't deny that it's person specific. Look how he calls Moses by his name.
2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”
4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
And Moses said, “Here I am.”
Immediately I stop and think, "How is God trying to get my attention right now?"
Like the burning bush, when something really grabs our attention and makes us stop what we're doing, we know it's more than just a weird coincidence. God's call won't go away. It begins to fill our hearts and minds.
God gives us all the direction and the resources we need each step of the way when we are living in His purpose for our lives. But even with God speaking to us, we doubt. We feel inadequate. We have a tendency, by default, to focus on our weaknesses and use them as our line of excuses.
Here's the thing God did for Moses, and He does the same thing for you and me- God uses our weaknesses to make us strong in Him. Moses has the Israelite elders, who know God, for support. He also has Aaron who can make up for the one area of his life that worries him the most, his communication skills. And as if that wasn't enough, how about that powerful cloak and mighty staff God shows Moses how to use to his advantage?
We are never on our own when we follow God, even though we may feel that way at times. He is with us. He will prepare us for what we face. He puts the right believers in our lives for the job at hand. And best of all, we have God's power on our side in real time, as we need it.
11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
So, the bottom line I got from today's reading...
When God calls me for His purpose, it's because He loves me, just like He loved Moses and the Israelites. And when He calls me, I don't want to disappoint him or make him mad by asking Him to send someone else. I want Him on my side. God has all authority on Heaven and Earth. He, himself, puts it this way,
14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.[a] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
We can't get any stronger or any more capable than when we choose to be with our almighty, omniscient, omnipotent, loving God in His purpose.
Whenever He hand-picks me, I can be sure it's because He knows I am the one for job.
A prayer for today-
Dear God,
Thank You for knowing me, loving me, and calling me by name. Forgive me for all the times I let my feelings of inadequacy be an excuse in my life. Help me to hear Your voice and follow You. Fill me with Your courage and strength. ___________ (those on your mind) also need(s) to Your courage and strength today, Lord.
In the name of Jesus I pray,
Amen
Peace of Christ,
*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project. Click here to read more.
No comments:
Post a Comment