Destined To Lead

Moses was born to lead. It seems that way when we read Exodus chapters 1 and 2.  Are all leaders born to lead? Are there significant aspects of some Heavenly selection program or does God simply take advantage of the circumstances some find themselves in? I believe we are required again to balance the matter of Gods sovereignty with human responsibility and this takes faith.

In Exodus 2, the baby Moses was entrusted somewhat to fate due to the terrible edict of Pharaoh. A factor that brought influence was the attention of Miriam, Moses’ older sister. In hope she watched over the tiny ‘ark’ to see if there would be an outcome. When we watch over something in hope, it is not long before this become translated to faith and faith attracts God’ favour. This could be seen as the moment when divine providence became Moses’ destiny. Though others see his birth as that point. 

Pharaoh’s daughter becomes an integral part of the equation and amazingly asks Moses’ mother to “Nurse this child for me”. Paid no less! We can see the hand of God powerfully now. There is a charge here to all Christian parents to raise their children purposefully toward their calling.    

Moses’ adoption by Pharaoh’s daughter seems incidental in verse 10 since his early years were dominated by his actual mother though in an Egyptian setting. Nevertheless it was important in God’s plan that Moses became immersed in the Egyptian culture of royalty. The origin of Moses name was probably inspired by the Lord despite originating from the Egyptian Princess.  

Now the story takes a ‘quantum leap’ to events in Moses adult years. From verse 11 he begins to self-actualise: “He went out.” He was not ‘sent’ out. Being no doubt covertly, a loyal Hebrew due to his mothers influence, he is angered by the injustice he sees and reacts out of his anger and impatience. This surprising violence has enormous repercussions for him. Whenever we are motivated to ‘fix things’ out of our own perceptions or anger at injustice, we make a big mess for ourselves. This seems to be an aspect of the development of maturity for all of us. In Moses case, we see an indication of a deeper issue that will come to the fore in later events of his life. What! You were expecting perfection?

Moses now experiences rejection by the very ‘system’ that has nurtured him. This is a common experience for young unproven leaders. It can take a while to recognise that this is a self-inflicted matter.

He fled of course but “out of the frying pan and into the fire.” He arrives in remote Midian which means ‘strife and contention.’ Welcome to ‘Knocks College!” This will be the place where the serious work of the making a leader is accomplished.  

When life hands us lemons we can get bitter and twisted or make lemonade; “Moses sat down by a well” verse 15. This speaks plainly of resting in the Word; the only place to be when we reach an impasse or simply no direction. When we simply rest ‘by the well of the word’ life is about to get interesting.

When Jethro’s daughters need help, the real ministry of Moses immediately surfaces and he becomes the shepherd/deliverer without thinking. Early responses in the life of leaders often exhibit a foretaste of the ministry that can emerge when the need arises.

Jethro is a title of honour for Moses Father in law. His name was Reuel (a friend of God) and he proved to be a loyal friend. He offers Moses accommodation and a job. Moses Marries his daughter Zipporah (little bird) and they have a son called Gershom meaning “I am an alien” or “I am not yet in the place I should be.” Obviously Moses had vision for his life.

Look at verse 23 and think of the word ‘patience’. A ‘Long period’ meant about 40 years! But then think of the amazing ministry that was being prepared. The Key to Israel’s deliverance from slavery was a heartfelt cry that reached out to touch God. Now the people were ready for Moses.

So many variables must coordinate for a ministry to become effective: Timing, location, the receptivity of all involved; we cannot think or plan like the Lord so we are simply amazed at the myriad details that bring deliverance into focus.

A ‘sea-change’ had occurred in the nation of Israel’s circumstances that now would bring Moses into a personal meeting with God that would be the launch point of his ministry. He was unaware as he focussed on leading his flock in the wilderness, creating a prophetic picture of the role he was to play.

Now in exodus 3, Moses comes to Mount Sinai. Being at the top of his seemingly limited profession, he leads his flock far beyond the normal expectations. The Lord is waiting for him. Part of the training of all leaders is for them to achieve a level of mastery in their secular work experiences. A good example is Elisha who was at the pinnacle of ploughing expertise when Elijah touched him with the mantle of his calling.

There is nothing too unusual about a burning bush in the wilderness. Highly flammable desert scrub could ignite from refraction off a piece of rock. This bush did not stop burning and there was something about it. Moses was drawn to investigate. God is training His leaders to respond to sometimes subtle signs of His presence and it appears he was seeking a response from Moses. I believe what Moses saw when he approached the bush was a ‘theophany’:  a pre-appearance of Jesus who is called “the angel of the Lord.”

The Lord calls Moses twice “Moses, Moses!” which is a scriptural means of confirming His intent. It is now very personal and God is amongst the details.

Respect is required if we are to experience a meeting with a Holy God who in this instance now makes Moses calling certain. Such a meeting is pivotal in the life of any Christian leader and a guarantee of empowerment for the purpose to which you are called.

The magnitude of the calling Moses faced must have shaken him severely. Verse 10: “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people out of Egypt.” An apparently impossible task as every calling ultimately proves to be. We cannot achieve His purposes in our own strength.

After some reassurance and discussion of the details of Moses calling, from verse 13 through 22, we arrive in chapter 4 of Exodus to what amounts to a test of Moses attitudes and motives toward the gifting and calling he has received: Moses expresses a common fear of a lack of authority. He amplifies this by doubting that others would believe he has a genuine calling or commissioning from God.

The Lords reply is surprising because He asks Moses about his shepherd’s rod. This is basic equipment, an extension of his hand that is as natural as his hand itself. It is ‘typical’ of Moses gifting; something that seems just natural to him that is an extension of whom he is. This like the talents and gifts we have grown familiar with. Things like music, speaking, writing, technology, or physical prowess.

Obediently he throws it to the ground and it becomes something dangerous. When we invest our gift in this earth it becomes dangerous to everyone. Like the man with just one talent who buried it in this earth (Matthew 25) the results are disastrous. By taking the snake by the tail it was restored to a rod again. We must possess our gift and treasure it, not abandoning it to secular purposes.

Now God tests Moses motivations. He puts his own hand over his heart symbolising our tendency to utilise the gifts for our own purposes or self aggrandizement. God can restore us from the leprosy of such sins but the damage can be lasting if we do not quickly take care of our heart motivations.

In the economy of God these tests are used for a sign to convince others but they symbolise so much more for us who desire to be used of God. Let this short study of Moses become a launching platform to understanding some of the ways the Lord prepares His leaders for acts of deliverance.