Exodus 3

Bible Passage:  Exodus 3

We last saw Moses in the Pharaoh’s palace. Indeed, by the love and ingenuity of his mother and sister, he spent the first 40 years of his life as a prince in Pharaoh’s court.

In the next 40 years of his life, he lived in the land of Midian as a shepherd. As we read further, we discover that in the last 40 years of his life, he was king.

How changeable our circumstances can be!

If you have been keeping up with the news, you would have read how Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano ash plume has been causing major disruptions to air travel. Airlines are losing millions a day as air spaces are closed, fresh produce cannot be exported overseas and imported from abroad. Who would have thought that this volcano which has not erupted for 200 years would erupt twice in 2 months? And nobody would have imagined it to cause a ripple so big even Singapore feels it.

Another unfortunate incident on the news is the death of Polish president and wife, along with his top aides, the central bank governor, lawmakers from the main opposition Law and Justice Party. They were among 96 people killed when their plane crashed in thick fog near Smolensk in western Russia.

Oftentimes, by a sudden turn of events, not always within our control, we are made to face up to and live with inferior circumstances.

If Moses had not been able to adapt to these changes in his life, he would not have accomplished as much as he did and left as beautiful a set of footprints on earth for all to emulate and for the glory of God.

When God first appeared to Moses, he was at that stage in his life where he was fulfilling his role as a shepherd. Moses did not retreat and hide in the fields when the Pharaoh wanted to kill him. He accepted useful albeit lowly employment as shepherd (note that he was afterall a learned prince). He had to learn meekness and contentment as he lived with his situation then. He did not sulk and grumble about his current situation, thinking himself worthy of better employment and higher occupation. On the other hand, he made himself useful and employed his abilities in new areas.

He continued going about his business, and walked with God. And God was with him.

I read with interest verse 1 where Moses led the flock to the back of the desert. Was there grass there, or water to feed the flock? At the back of the desert? Perhaps God purposely led Moses there so he could receive His special instructions.

God wanted to take His beloved people away from the oppression they were facing. He chose Moses for the task.

Moses was not all gung ho about the role that was entrusted him. Not many of us would. At least he was honest about his abilities and fears. Also, he listened to God’s instructions and anticipated questions that would be posed by the Israelites on his credibility as their leader. This shows he is seriously taking into consideration the acceptance of this new role.

I AM WHO I AM

This is God. He was, He is, He is to come. If He is for us, who can be against us?

But we must remember God is eternal. His words, commandments and values are eternal. We cannot tweak or skew His standards to fit ours, and expect Him to be for us.

God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He does not have a change in heart toward His children. He holds us and guides us. If we find ourselves slipping, it is that we have already let go, and have forsaken Him.