Staying In Step With God - Pt 1 | Exodus 2:11-15
CHARACTER LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF MOSES
INTRODUCTION
The story of Moses in Exodus 2:11-15 exemplifies the importance of seeking God’s guidance before making a decision. Understanding an early mistake in Moses' life will prepare us to handle similar moments in our own lives wisely.
Exodus 2:11-15 (NLT)
1 Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. 12 After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand. 13 The next day, when Moses went out to visit his people again, he saw two Hebrew men fighting. “Why are you beating up your friend?” Moses said to the one who had started the fight. 14 The man replied, “Who appointed you to be our prince and judge? Are you going to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?” Then Moses was afraid, thinking, “Everyone knows what I did.” 15 And sure enough, Pharaoh heard what had happened, and he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in the land of Midian. When Moses arrived in Midian, he sat down beside a well. Exodus 2:11-15 (NLT)
THE DANGER OF GETTING AHEAD OF GOD
Like Moses, we sometimes jump ahead of God by making hasty decisions without considering the consequences.
Moses focused on a specific event rather than the big picture
Pharaoh had forced the Hebrews into slavery after they sought refuge in Egypt hundreds of years before. When Moses saw a man being mistreated, he focused on the injustice of the situation rather than considering that the solution to the problem was a task that only God could complete. God's plan to deliver His people would not be implemented for another 40 years.
Moses followed his reasoning rather than listening to God
This is something we do quite regularly. We assess the situation and reach an incorrect conclusion about what we should do based on our limited knowledge. On the other hand, God knows the best course of action and is willing to guide us if we seek His advice.
Moses followed his instincts rather than seeking God’s will
Moses wanted to defend the Hebrew slave but did not consider the consequences. Although defending the helpless is a noble goal, Moses should have considered whether his rash action was the best way to achieve it. When we act impulsively, we’re more likely to make decisions we may later regret. God wants us first to seek His will in the situation.
Moses acted on his own strength rather than in God’s power
Human power is limited, but the Lord God is all-powerful. God’s power was later demonstrated when He delivered all of the Hebrews from Egypt and destroyed the Egyptian army in the Red Sea.
Moses acted in anger
Moses failed to consider the implications. We should consider long-term implications instead of reacting rashly to a situation. Some decisions can have long-term consequences. If we hold onto our anger rather than quickly forgiving others, bitterness will hide in our hearts until triggered by a situation. Then, we are more likely to react in an embarrassing, hurtful, or destructive way.
BENEFITS OF STAYING IN STEP WITH GOD
To make wise decisions, we must walk according to God’s will rather than our own. If we seek to live His way, we can expect the following benefits:
1. God will provide everything we need
When we have a relationship with the Lord of the universe, we can confidently come to Him with our requests, knowing that He will supply our needs according to His riches in glory.
“My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (GW)
2. The Lord will give us specific instructions
If we study God’s Word frequently and diligently and give it our full attention, it will provide us with the direction, correction, and wisdom we need to succeed in life and do God’s will.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
“For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life” Proverbs 6:23 (NIV)
“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19 (ESV)
3. God will remove our fear
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” Psalm 27:1,3,10 (NLT)
“The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that” Proverbs 29:25 (MSG)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
4. We will see God work in unusual ways in our circumstances
“He [God] lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor. For all the earth is the LORD’s” 1 Samuel 2: 8 (NLT)
5. God will use our weaknesses and failures to help us understand His will for our lives
“I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (NLT)
6. God can accomplish more in a brief period than we can in a lifetime
D.L. Moody once said, “Bring your life to God. He can do more with it than you can.”
“Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (LB)
The Lord can do greater things His way than we ever could with our ways. Therefore, we should always seek His guidance rather than plunging ahead on our own.