 Thursday: Choosing Moses
So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites
out of Egypt.
Exodus 3:10
There is paradox in the lives of many of the world's greatest leaders. Some
started with no authority, and yet they became very powerful leaders. Some
were raised with the mantle of leadership, but they became powerless over
time. So it was with Moses, a slave among leaders, and a leader among slaves.
Born the son of slaves, Moses' mother set him afloat on the Nile in hopes
that his little raft would carry him to safety. Not only did God carry him
to safety, but he became the son of royalty. He was a slave among leaders.
As he grew, he discovered his humble origins. One day, enraged at the treatment
of his people, he killed an Egyptian. Instead of winning the admiration of
the slaves, though, he found himself scorned by them. He was a leader among
slaves, but he was not one of them. He found no acceptance and no home among
them.
Moses fled from Egypt to escape the Pharaoh's anger, leaving behind all of
his prior status and privilege. Although he had been raised with the mantle
of leadership in Egypt, he had become powerless.
Many years later, Moses came face to face - - or face to flame - - with God.
It was there that God called him to lead. Moses was not called to lead Egypt
in the way that he had been raised by men. Instead, Moses was called to lead
slaves in the way that he had been prepared by God. It had been a long process.
God chose Moses as an infant, preparing him with education and training that
he never would have received as a slave. God chose Moses as an exile when
he was on the run from Pharaoh, preparing him with wilderness experience
that he never would have gained from inside palace walls. God chose Moses,
and He sent Moses to fill the role that he was so uniquely prepared to fill.
God chooses us, too. Before He sends us, though, He prepares us, just as
He prepared Moses. It would have made sense in human terms for Moses to assume
the throne over Egypt and use that power to release God's people, but that
is not what God chose to do. God chose to show the paradox of power. The
humble were lifted up and the mighty were laid low. If we want to be used
by God, we must also humble ourselves.
Heavenly Father, choose me. Choose me to lead, or choose me to serve.
Prepare me with the knowledge and experience that I need so that I can faithfully
answer your calling for my life. Whether you place me in the palace or in
the wilderness, give me a grateful heart that rejoices in your blessings.
Lay low my pride and arrogance, and teach me to serve with humility so that
you alone will be glorified. Amen.
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