February 19

February 19.

Moses & the Burning Bush -- God calls Moses & Moses gives various excuses.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Exodus 3

Reading 2: Exodus 4

Reading 3: Acts 7:30-36

Today's reading is a contrast to some of the earlier chapters. For example, Exodus 1 covered a span of many years, and Exodus 2 covered more than 40 years, from the birth of Moses to his fleeing to Midian. Today's chapters, recording how God starts His plan for rescuing the nation of Israel from slavery, take place over just a short time when Moses is 80 years old.

There is another contrast with earlier stories too. We have seen how Abram fearlessly leaves his country and goes where God tells him. We have seen how Joseph consistently works diligently and rejects sinful temptations until God releases him into his destiny. But today we see a man who is used by God despite great insecurity and uncertainty. Moses tries every argument he can find to get God to use someone else!

From our viewpoint, we can see how Moses was perfectly prepared for the task ahead. He knows Egyptian customs from personal experience, and he has spent forty years dealing with stubborn animals in the wilderness! But from Moses' perspective, the task ahead of him was more than he could handle. After several powerful encounters with God, he is persuaded and goes!

Have you ever felt unqualified and ill-equipped for the task God has given you? Today's story teaches us that God wins the fight over who knows best!

Have a great day!

Mark.