Attempting God’s Work with Your Hands [Exodus 2:11-25]

Moses desired to deliver God’s people through his strength, but his efforts would never suffice. If God calls us to something great, we must realize His power to accomplish it.

KEY IDEA

Most of us, at one time or another, want to be the savior others look up to in life. But none of us can fill that role, except Jesus Christ. Our best efforts are feeble and create bigger problems for self and others. We must look to God as our Deliverer.

PLAYING SAVIOR

Moses grew up as a Egyptian in the court of Pharoah, but claimed his Hebrew heritage. (v 11)

When he saw a Hebrew slave physically abused and beaten by an Egyptian taskmaster, Moses took mattersinto his own hands and killed that man. (v 12)

His effort at justice and deliverance for the slave was as shallow as burying the Egyptian in the sand! He was found out, first by the Hebrews and later by the Pharoah, so a bounty was put on his head. (vv 13-15)

Moses fled for his life from Egypt, and ended up in the desert land of Midian, near Mt. Sinai (Horeb). (v15) 

In a divine appointment, Moses encounters the seven daughters of the priest of Midian, Reuel (Jethro), and plays “savior” once again. He drives away others and protects the flocks of the women, this time without death incurred. (vv. 16-19)

Moses marries into the family. His wife is one of these daughters, Zipporah. They have a son named Gershom (resident in a foreign land). (vv. 20-22)

Many years later, Pharoah dies, but the hardships on the Hebrews only increase. God hears their cry, remembers His covenant, sees them, and “knew.” (vv. 23-25)

LEARNING OUR PLACE IN GOD’S PLAN

We all too often want to play the role of savior in life.

We may take matters into our own hands, seeking to provide justice and rescuing others in need, but the results often include unintended consequences.  

God pursues us and meets us where we are. He humbles us (we are not the savior), but uses the experience to teach us important lessons for the future.

God knows what is needed, when it is needed, and how it needs to happen. We can trust Him to act justly.