And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand (Ex. 2:11-12).
Whether you are talking to a devoted Biblical scholar or a casual, occasional Sunday church attendee, chances are good they know at least the basics of the history of Moses and his relationship with God’s people. They will know how he was born to a family of Hebrew slaves (Ex. 2:1) and saved from the cruel edict of the Pharaoh by being set afloat in a basket woven of bulrushes (2:3). Most will know that he was adopted by the Pharaoh’s daughter and raised to adulthood as a prince of Egypt (2:9-10). Some will even be able to tell you the circumstances under which he fled the palace and lived the life of a simple shepherd (2:15-21). Most all will be aware of his Godly calling and how he triumphantly led his people out of the bondage of Egypt to the freedom of the Lord (3,4). These are the high points of Moses’ life—a synopsis that introduces us to the man who would become known as a beloved friend of God (33:11).
We must take care, however, not to deify Moses. He was a mortal man born into a sin-ravaged world, not a ready-born, seasoned champion of God. God’s Word allows us to see Moses in all seasons of his life; we can learn as much from his mistakes as we can from his triumphs.
Raised as a possible heir to the throne of the Pharaoh, young Moses was brash and overconfident. He trusted in his own power—so much so that, at times, he acted impulsively, erroneously believing himself to be untouchable. As Moses reached adulthood, he began to take an interest in the affairs of his biological people, the Hebrews. One day, while he was out among the people, he witnessed an Egyptian beating one of the Hebrew slaves. In a fit of temper, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand. Before killing him, though, Moses did the same thing that many of us do today before engaging in unsanctioned behavior. He looked for witnesses. He looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.
For many of us, anonymity makes us braver. When we believe no one is watching, we sometimes give in to impulses that we would never consider if we had an audience. Minor theft, cheating, and intentional cruelty through anonymous messages are all sins that we are much more likely to commit if we believe that we will not be caught. As followers of Jesus, however, we should not have to be reminded that there is no such thing as true anonymity. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether (Ps. 139:4). God knows every thought we have the second it enters our mind, and He knows every action we take before we have even completed the first step. The next time you look over your shoulder to see who might be watching, remember that God is standing right there, and His eyes are trained on you! Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do(Heb. 4:13).
Thought for Today: God is our strength in that we are never alone; He is the bane of the wicked, as they will never get away with their crimes.
Christ Revealed:As the I AM THAT I AM who commissioned Moses (Ex. 3:13-14; compare Heb. 13:8). Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily (Truly, truly), I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58).
Word Studies:2:3 flags = reeds; 2:18 Reuel = Jethro; 2:23 bondage = severe oppression; 2:25 had respect unto = was concerned about; 3:18 hearken = believe and obey; 3:22 spoil = take the best of their valuables; 4:10 of a slow tongue = not qualified; 4:16 to thee instead of a mouth = your spokesman.
Pray for Staff:Judy McCrary • Government Officials: Rep. Kay Granger (TX) • Country: Northern Mariana Islands (51,483) North Pacific Ocean • Major Language: Chamorro, English • Religious Freedom • Christian (Roman Catholic majority) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray when distressed and afflicted (Jon. 2:2).
Optional Reading Matthew 18