Series Introduction: 

This morning, we will continue our sermon series on the book of Exodus. Last week, we began our series by focusing on several brave women - the Hebrew midwives and the mother of Moses, who refused to comply with the wicked mandates of Pharaoh and, as such, spared countless lives - including the life of Moses. Now, we will turn our focus to the life of Moses, one of the most important figures in all of the Old Testament. We will follow Moses from a rich life in Pharaoh's palace to a humble existence in Midian, where Moses had a life-changing encounter with God that altered his path forever. 

Scripture Reading

One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, “Why do you strike your companion?” He answered, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well.

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock. When they came home to their father Reuel, he said, “How is it that you have come home so soon today?” They said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and even drew water for us and watered the flock.” He said to his daughters, “Then where is he? Why have you left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.” And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah. She gave birth to a son, and he called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.

Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

 Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. 16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we gather in Your presence today, we embark on a sacred journey through the life of Moses. Guide us as we explore his faith, compassion, justice, and surrender to Your divine will. Teach us to respond to Your call with courage, to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. May we encounter You afresh and find parallels in our own lives. In this time of reflection on Your Word, reveal Your presence, power to save, and invitation to partake in Your divine mission. Amen.

Right Heart, Wrong Action (Exodus 2:11-15)

After being rescued from the Nile by the daughter of Pharaoh, Moses grew into a young man. Though Moses was raised in the luxury of Pharaoh's palace and educated in the wisdom of Egypt, he was aware of his Hebrew lineage. However, as we read in Exodus 2:11, during an unusual visit, when he deliberately exposed himself to the reality of his people's suffering, something stirred within him. 

"One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people." (Exodus 2:11, ESV). 

Moses needed to see, to really see, the plight of his people for his calling to awaken. Moses knew he was a Hebrew by birth, and he indeed must have known that the Hebrews were an enslaved people, put to work under the heavy labors of Pharaoh. Yet, before this moment, he was ignorant, maybe willfully so, of the brutal conditions under which his people labored. 

Moses found himself at a crossroads where many of us often find ourselves. Something wicked and unjust was happening right before his eyes, and he had a choice to make. Moses could have been shocked and horrified by the beating he witnessed and yet chosen to do nothing about it. That is the way most people in our world are when we witness injustice. It's not that we don't care, but more so that we feel helpless and overwhelmed to do anything meaningful about it. In the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10, Jesus reminds us that it is not enough to merely look upon the suffering of others (as the Priest and the Levite did), but we must do what is within our power and ability to help those in need. We’re called to not just watch from a distance but to step in and help where and how we are able. 

However, while we do not want to be apathetic or passive towards the evils of this world, we must not respond to evil with more evil. Satan's tools cannot be used to overcome satan. Sin cannot be used to fight sin. This was, unfortunately, the mistake that young Moses made. 

Moses’ response to the injustice he witnessed was impulsive and unwise. While his instinct to defend the oppressed is a testament to his readiness to stand against injustice, he used foolish and wicked methods. As followers of Christ, we are also called to defend the oppressed, to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Proverbs 31:8). Our compassion, stirred by the Spirit of God, should move us to righteous action. However, Moses’ impulsive decision to strike and kill the Egyptian was a momentary act of justice turned awry. Scripture reminds us in James 1:20 that "the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."  Likewise, Proverbs 25:28 warns us that, "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control." Moses’ lack of self-control resulted in death, fear, loss of reputation, and a forced separation from his people and his place in the royal household. 

In our zeal for justice, let us not act hastily as Moses did but instead seek God’s guidance and wisdom. Let our actions be guided by prayer and submission to God’s will, ensuring that our pursuit of justice aligns with His righteous standards.

Moses’ Humility and Preparation in Midian (Exodus 2:15-22)

Because of his hasty and violent outburst, Moses was forced to flee into the wilderness of Midian. However, Moses' time in Midian was not just an escape. It was a divine preparation, a training period for his future leadership role. In an ironic twist, while his strong sense of justice, which he used sinfully in Egypt, drove him from the land, it was his strong sense of justice, when used properly, that earned him a home in Midian: 

When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock. When they came home to their father Reuel, he said, “How is it that you have come home so soon today?” They said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and even drew water for us and watered the flock.” He said to his daughters, “Then where is he? Why have you left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.” (Exodus 2:15-20, ESV).

Again, Moses' heart for justice was not the problem. He simply needed time to learn how to seek justice wisely. His time in Midian was when God would further develop and mold Moses' heart for justice. 

Likewise, in Midian, Moses became a shepherd under Jethro and learned the importance of service, humility, and hard work. As he started his own family with Zipporah, he experienced agape love, which later motivated him to become a faithful leader to God's people. These lessons were crucial for the leadership role he was to take on, as God had planned for Moses to guide his people through their own wilderness journey.

Just as God trained Moses through his everyday experiences, challenges, and seemingly mundane tasks, so too is He training each of us in ways that we may not even notice. Remember, God’s timing is perfect. Our seasons of preparation and our time in our own Midian may seem like wasted time, but in heaven’s eyes, these times are integral to our spiritual journey. Do not waste your Midian moments, but rather use them as a time to grow in faith and in righteousness.

The Call of Moses (Exodus 3:1-6)

As Moses was being prepared in Midian, we read these closing words in Exodus 2: 

"During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew." (Exodus 2:23-25, ESV). 

God looked upon the children of Israel and did not remember their sins but remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. His promise to bless and make them a blessing was not based on their merit but on his love and honor for them. Likewise, through Jesus Christ, God remembers his covenant with his Son and sets his people free from the power of sin and death. God always sends a deliverer to his people when the time is right, just as he did in the Old Testament with Moses and will do in the New Testament with Christ.

As we turn our focus back to Moses in Midian, notice the details surrounding Moses' calling. While carrying out his regular duties in the wilderness of Midian, Moses saw an extraordinary sight. He came across a bush that was on fire but not being consumed. This was no ordinary fire, but the presence of God calling out to him. The burning bush represents God's holy presence in our lives, which is both awe-inspiring and transformative. When Moses turned to see this great sight, he was stepping into a sacred moment that would redefine his purpose. 

Upon hearing his name called from the midst of the fire, Moses responds by saying, "Here am I" (Exodus 3:4). This simple yet profound acknowledgment teaches us the importance of being attentive and responsive to God’s calling, no matter how unexpected the circumstances might be. Our response to God's call should mirror that of Moses—a willingness to listen, submit, and obey.

The encounter at the burning bush also challenges us to be attentive to the various ways God might be speaking to us. In a world filled with noise and distractions, it's all too easy to miss the "burning bushes" in our lives—those moments where God is reaching out to us, calling us to something greater than ourselves.

There are so many lessons to be learned from this encounter, and I do not have nearly enough time to do it justice. However, I will quickly cover three lessons that I believe are important to take away: 

Firstly, just as Moses turned aside to investigate the burning bush, we, too should seek moments of sacred encounter with God. This might mean setting aside regular times for prayer and meditation on Scripture, where we can listen for His voice.

Secondly, when God calls, let our hearts be ready to say, "Here am I." Whether He calls us to acts of service, to speak truth into someone's life, or to a specific calling, may we be willing and eager to respond.

And thirdly, let us never forget that the holiness of God is not just an abstract concept; it's a reality that should shape how we live our lives. As Moses removed his sandals on holy ground, let us also approach God with respect, awe, and a readiness to be transformed by His presence.

God’s Response to Suffering (Exodus 3:7-22)

God begins His conversation with Moses by declaring His deep awareness of the suffering of His people in Egypt: 

"I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey..." (Exodus 3:7-8, ESV). 

This is a beautiful passage. It reminds us that God is not indifferent to our sorrows. He sees and hears our cries as if they had two direct pathways to his heart. This truth still holds today. God has seen and heard, and he knows our hardships and sufferings. He is not indifferent to them. His heart is with us, and where His heart is - His hands, mighty to save, will follow. When we cry out to God, we can be certain that He hears us. As a loving father responds to the cries of his children and a mother rushes to comfort her baby, our heavenly Father's heart and hands will also move in response to our cries.

As the great preacher Charles Spurgeon once preached: 

 "More history is made in the prayer closet than in the national cabinet. There is a greater power at the back of the throne than the carnal eye can see, and that power is the cry of God’s children." - Charles Spurgeon.

Then, in verse 10, we read the reason why God chose to reveal this to Moses: 

"Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:10, ESV). 

In this passage, we can see a divine principle that is repeated throughout scripture: God prefers to work through willing human partners to bring change and deliverance to the world.

Just like Moses was called to be an instrument of God's deliverance for the Israelites, we are also called to be instruments of God's love and justice in the world today. We are sent into areas of suffering, injustice, and need, tasked with bringing hope, justice, and the message of God’s love.

So, how should we respond? Firstly, we need to open our eyes to the suffering around us, allowing our hearts to be moved by the things that move the heart of God. Secondly, we should be willing to be used by God, just like Moses, who said, "Here I am" (Exodus 3:4), ready to respond to His call, whatever it may be. Lastly, we should actively engage in acts of love and justice, being the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs His touch.

Realize that you might be an instrument of God to answer someone else's prayer. In fact, when my heart is heavy for someone, and I feel incapable of helping them, one of my go-to prayers is that the Lord would send Christians into their lives who can be what they need. I am a believer in miracles and in the mighty acts of God. I would never stand here and say that God needs any of us to accomplish His will on earth. Still, I am also a big believer that God delights in partnering with us and using us as instruments of His redeeming work if we only surrender ourselves to His will and seek Him. 

When Moses asked God who was sending him, God answered with the words, "I AM WHO I AM." This name reveals God's eternal, self-existent nature and promises His unfailing presence and unchanging character. It reminds us that God is not a new deity but the same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who promised a land flowing with milk and honey and a seed through which all nations of the earth would be blessed. By grounding Moses' mission in this covenant, God assures us that He will fulfill His promises. It is this God who calls Moses, and it is this God who promises His presence and power to all who trust in Him.

 "This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations," God says (Exodus 3:15). God's name is not just a label but a memorial - a reminder of His faithfulness, His power to save, and His commitment to His people. As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded that our God is not deterred by human doubt or unbelief. He calls us, as He called Moses, to declare His name to a world that questions His existence, His power to save, and His authority over creation. 

As followers of Christ, we are called to navigate a world rife with skepticism and disbelief, to stand firm in the knowledge of who God is, and to declare His power and presence to all who question. Let us remember, as we face skepticism and unbelief, that our faith is grounded not in what is seen and known by the world but in the eternal, unchanging nature of "I AM WHO I AM."

Conclusion

As we bring our time of worship to a close, let us reflect on Moses' journey. From witnessing injustice to becoming a leader who would deliver his people, it reflects a truth that resonates with each of us. Amidst our flaws and failures, God is calling each of us to be instruments of His love and justice in a world yearning for redemption. As we witness the suffering and injustices around us, let us not be paralyzed by indecision or fear. Instead, let us be moved to action by the compassion and courage that comes from God.

Our response should be to step forward in faith, asking God to use us, flawed as we may be, to bring healing, hope, and freedom to those who suffer. Just as Moses answered God's call with "Here I am," let us also respond to the gospel-centered call to action with willing hearts, ready to be transformed and used by God. May our lives reflect the love, justice, and mercy of Jesus Christ, who came not only to save us from our sins but to empower us to be agents of change in His world.

Let us go forth in the assurance that God is with us, guiding, empowering, and using our lives for His glory and the good of those He loves.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your ways, of how You prepare us and call us for Your purposes. Like Moses, may we be attentive to Your voice, open to Your leading, and willing to act according to Your will. Help us to embody compassion and justice, to embrace humility in our preparation, and to respond to Your divine calling with a heart ready to serve. In moments of suffering, remind us of Your active concern and Your power to deliver. May our lives reflect Your love and justice in the world around us. Guide our steps, O Lord, that we may walk in the path You have laid out for us, acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.