A Series on God’s Call to Ministry
Exodus 3:1-15; 4:1-17
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
[Preface: How do you know what your calling
in life is? Will you know from a big bang experience? Or will it come quietly,
almost imperceptible? Will you be inspired by the stories of a visiting
missionary; or a book that opens your eyes to the needs of a specific people
group; or from your own life experience? This series is about God’s call to
ministry for your life; what it means or doesn’t mean.]
Growing up, my
family attended church every Sunday, including Sunday school followed by the
worship service. However, I have this vivid memory that sticks in my mind of
one particular Sunday, when for some unknown reason, I decided that I wasn’t
going to church.
When the time came,
I ran out of the garage with my Dad in hot pursuit. Apparently though, he
eventually caught me, because I have this second memory of sitting in the car
through both Sunday school and worship. I guess you could say that I was a
reluctant follower of God.
Moses, although he
was a Hebrew, grew up as an Egyptian. Not just your run of the mill Egyptian,
but as royalty, in the house of Pharaoh. He knew what it meant to wield power;
to have servants; to get what he wanted. In a way, he was the perfect man to
lead the Hebrews.
However, there are
two stories that give us some insight into the kind of man that Moses was. On
one occasion, while going out among his people, he saw an Egyptian beating a
fellow Hebrew. Moses made sure nobody was watching him, and then killed the
Egyptian and buried him in the sand. Moses took justice into his own hands,
without the leading of the LORD.
The second story
is when the LORD called Moses from the burning bush to lead his people out of
slavery; out of Egypt to the Promised Land. But Moses didn’t want any part of
it. He pushed back with every excuse that he could think of and finally said, “LORD please! Send anyone else”. Moses
was a reluctant follower of the LORD.
Can you relate to
both sides of Moses’ nature? I know I can. Acting impulsively outside of God’s
will, as well as being reluctant to follow Him, can be too easy.
The good news is
that the same promises that the LORD made to Moses, He makes to us today. The
LORD will always be with you; he is faithful; he has a plan for you; and he
will provide for you.
Your calling may not
include a burning bush. But however, and whenever the LORD calls you to action,
be sure to be ready, and not reluctant.
The stained glass piece below of Moses' burning bush, was made by a friend of mine. Thanks Bruce for sharing it.
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