I believe God chose Old Testament characters for the example they can provide us today, when reading about them. We can learn a lot from Moses’ story, for example.
Moses is an example to follow, for many things. First, in his relationship with God: he was not afraid to meet and speak with God face-to-face alone, nor was he afraid of his powerful presence (the burning bush, on the Mount Sinaï, in Egypt…). The best compliment one can get in the Scriptures is given to him (Ex 33:11, Deut. 34:10). The two powerful things he did that changed his life were 1) he accepted and followed God’s calling and 2) he entered into a good and intimate personal relationship with him. Having a relationship with God from a distance is one thing, see his manifested activities through us on this earth is another; and Moses was afraid of neither. This is what God wants from all of us today: to not be afraid and let him work through us. But is it the case for many of us today? The Bible also shows us that Moses was the perfect representative for God; therefore all he did and said can be inspiring for us Christians to become good representatives today as well. He was surrounded by moaning, complaining, constant negativity and a tremendous lack of faith; yet he stayed true and faithful to God and would talk to Him constantly. He is therefore a powerful role model for any Christian aspiring to edification. Something else interesting in Moses’ story, useful to master Christian living is how, through him, we can see the power of intercessory prayer and what it can accomplish if God is correctly approached (Ex 32:11-14, for example). Also God’s faithfulness in calling someone for a specific task.
Nothing could lead Moses to believe he’d have the life he’s had. At the time of his birth, the people of Israel were suffering greatly, the Pharaoh afraid of their growing in numbers; so afraid that the order was given for all babies boys to be killed (Ex 1). Moses mother sent him away in a basket on the Nile, hopeful; and she was right, the Pharaoh’s daughter did pick him and raised him as her own (Ex 2). Eventually, seeing how his people were suffering and hitting an Egyptian, Moses became a fugitive (Ex 3). Yet God called him, to free his people. Moses, like any of us today, lacked confidence (Ex 3:11). God anointed Aaron too, to be with him, but he did not take the task away from him. He had made a decision, Moses was the person to free Israel from Egypt (Ex 3:10,12). We learn from Moses that we are not to question God about our calling, for he is perfect. We also learn that once God makes a calling, our confidence or current situation doesn’t matter: if we stay loyal and have trust in God, he shows us the way step by step: the building of the tabernacle, God’s presence through the cloud night and day in Exodus are perfect examples. God will also fight to extremes if necessary: for examples, the ten plagues thrown to Pharaoh and the parting of the red sea. If God did all this for Moses then, what can he do for us today?
There are many other things we can learn from Moses’ story and writings; but I will name just one more I find very useful right now in my walking with God: the wilderness experience shown in Numbers, through the Israelites’ stay in the desert. In Christian living, there are similar times to this. We can learn in the book of Numbers about the reasons for such walk. 1) we are tested and must demonstrate faith: we are given examples of faith, but also lack of faith from the Israelites, for example. 2) we can draw closer to God through the experience: I am sure Moses’ relationship with the Lord grew stronger and stronger as he talked for his people, received God’s commandments and knowledge. 3) God is using this experience for our personal growth. I believe the time Moses spent alone with God many times to receive instructions illustrates this.
Read more articles by Claire Maraillet or search for articles on the same topic or others.
Thanks for sharing. Right now am studying some aspects of Moses' life myself and it's just so awesome. I hope to share my insights soon. Keep on writing.
Thanks for sharing. Right now am studying some aspects of Moses' life myself and it's just so awesome. I hope to share my insights soon. Keep on writing.
