Lessons From Moses

What can we learn from the life of Moses?

Moses wrote the first five books of the Old Testament. He is mostly known for his leadership of the Israelites out of Egypt into the promised land. He received the commands of the Lord and passed them onto the Israelites. He served God faithfully and was a man of humble character. 

Choice

At the time of Moses’ birth, Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) had decreed that every Hebrew baby boy must be killed. The Hebrew women did not follow this law, and they tried to hide their babies. The mother of Moses could no longer hide him, so she put him in a basket and sent him down the Nile River. One day, Pharaoh’s daughter saw him as she was going out to bathe. She eventually adopted Moses as her son, and he grew up in the splendor of Egypt. 

Hebrews 11:24-26

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.

Moses chose to associate with his fellow Israelites instead of the wealthy Egyptians. In other words, he chose to be mistreated for pleasing God rather than to pursue the superficial pleasures of sin. He understood that the ways of the world would never satisfy, and he had an eternal perspective. Likewise, we are called to leave behind the ways of the world and consequently live in the righteousness and holiness that Christ has freely given us.

Seek to Find

Before Moses led God’s people out of Egypt, he was a shepherd. One day, while he was tending the flock of his father-in-law on the far side of the wilderness, he saw a strange sight. He noticed that a bush was burning, and yet the flames did not consume it, so he decided to go check things out. As he approached the bush, he heard God calling out to him.

Exodus 3:4

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.” 

It is here, at the burning bush, where God revealed Himself and His plans to send Moses to deliver the Israelites out of the oppression of Egypt. 

It is important to notice that it was only when Moses decided to come near and check out this strange sight that God revealed Himself. 

We are the ones who take the initiative to seek God. God wants us to draw near to Him so that He may reveal Himself and His will to us.

Seek God’s Ways

Exodus 33:13-14

Moses sought the ways of God, while the Israelites sought the acts of God. It is so easy to get caught up in outward signs and miracles, but God wants us to know and walk in His ways (i.e., righteousness, justice, truth) God desires for us to know Him by His ways rather than just His acts so that we may have deeper intimacy with Him.

If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

God’s Promise or His Presence? 

God could not go with the Israelites any further on their journey to the land He promised them because of their disobedience. However, Moses desired the presence of God more than His promise and pleaded with the Lord to remain with them. It is also notable that the presence of God is what will distinguish us from all other people on earth, not our position, possessions or gifts.

Exodus 33:15-16

Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” 

We are to be known for our fruit, which is a direct result of God’s presence within us.

Sometimes we emphasize the promises of God more than the presence of God.

His promises are definitely something we should believe in and receive with joy and thanksgiving.

But let us always remember to seek the Promiser for who He is and not for what He can give us.

Let us seek God’s face and not merely His hand.