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“And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” While I understand the tone of this question, in that it displays a lack of trust in God, I can’t help but identify with Moses’ sense of amazement. Who are we to minister for an almighty God? The answer would be no one at all, if it weren’t for our Lord’s propensity for turning nothing into something for His own glory. It seems these sentiments have both a hint of humility and reluctance. Humility in that all Christians feel inadequate to represent Christ, reluctance in that Moses seems less than prepared to obey. As the instructions get more specific in the following verses we see a transition into almost argument with God. It seems Moses let his understanding of human limitations become a justification for faithlessness. This is a common tendency, and it would be wise for us to make ourselves aware of it as we are continually called to greater service for our Savior. We are not naturally inclined to do everything God may ask of us; if fact doing what is easy is usually not part of His plan. Still, we should remind ourselves of His faithfulness and power to equip us for every good work.

“And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.” It is interesting to note that Moses has a conversation (of sorts) with himself about what he is going to do. Whether he was actually speaking out loud is not the relevant point. One way or the other it is clear he makes a conscious decision to turn toward the bush. Another important observation is that God waits for Moses to turn before He speaks. I wonder how often I have noticed a sign sent by God, choosing to press forward instead of adjusting course for a closer look? It is not insignificant that Moses made a choice to leave his “typical” path to hear from God. He displays an effort which results in the reception of God’s calling; just as we must seek – make an effort, with purpose – God’s will in our own lives through diligent Bible study and prayer. Those who make their “own way” in life, oblivious to circumstances and situations God may use to guide us into service for Him make a grave mistake. Our burning bush may not be nearly so obvious, but it will certainly catch our attention. Be preparing yourself to “turn aside, and see this great sight” each and every day.

“And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink.” Many a Mother’s Day sermon has been drafted based upon this text. The faith displayed in these actions is both admirable and worthy of imitation. Jochebed chose to give up her son, trusting God to intervene in His life and use him for His own purposes. While this “giving up” of children is displayed for us so many times in scripture, especially in the Old Testament, it is often reluctantly embraced by the modern parent. I’ll never forget a speech one Bible college President gave several years ago. He spoke with great sadness about the dozens (hundreds perhaps) of students that expressed a desire to enter missions or the pastorate, only to be persuaded by their parents to choose a more “lucrative” field. Some even threatened to stop financing their education if they studied for vocational service. He was convinced pressure from parents was the number one reason his students chose not to follow Christ into the ministry. Does this passage specifically address the problem? Maybe not; but it does bring us face to face with a woman that was willing to release her son in total dependence upon God. Five verses later God rewarded her obedience by giving Moses back (for a season).

“But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.” Much of our struggle in the world is linked to fear of men rather than God. This is especially true when we are called upon to sacrifice our standing in society or even our lives to do what is right. These women understood what they were doing. They had been commanded by the highest authorities to kill children. The order was disgusting enough to cause anyone to rebel, even in the face of danger and death. Still, these women did not act based upon a general sense of decency or natural instinct; they made their choice because they feared God. We sometimes choose to do something other than God’s will for fear of earthly difficulties. If these acts were discovered, terrible consequences were guaranteed. Obedience also offers guarantees; in this case it was the deliverance of Israel from grievous bondage. What wonderful plans does our Lord have in mind for our obedience? We may never know if we choose to fear men.