Service in the Life of Moses

BIBL301 - Patriarchs

His Importance

Moses authored the first five books of the Bible, collectively known as the Pentateuch or the Jewish Law. These books, consisting of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, provide a comprehensive account of the origins of the universe, the creation of mankind, the early history of the Israelites, and the establishment of their covenant with God. The Pentateuch serves as the foundational text of Judaism and holds immense significance for Christians as well. It narrates the story of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and the giving of the Torah, the law of God, on Mount Sinai. Moses stands as a central figure in these narratives, serving as a mediator between God and the Israelites.

His unparalleled status as a prophet is attested to in Deuteronomy 34:10-12, which proclaims that "since then there has not arisen in Israel, a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt before Pharaoh, before all the servants, and in all his land, and by all that mighty power and all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel." (Deuteronomy 34:10-12) This verse underscores Moses' exceptional relationship with God, marked by direct communication and intimate understanding. He was not merely a leader who guided the Israelites out of slavery; he was a prophet who received the Torah—God’s sacred law—which forms the foundation Christian faith. It highlights his role in performing miraculous signs and wonders, both in Egypt before Pharaoh and throughout the Israelites' journey.

Moses is a model of leadership, faith, and service. His life, filled with divine encounter and human struggle, offers profound lessons for understanding the intersection of personal humility, spiritual obedience, and responsibility. We will explore Moses, not simply as a historical figure, but as a servant of God, whose life was marked by his commitment to God’s call and his sacrificial devotion to the people entrusted to his care. At the heart of Moses' life and legacy is the theme of service. From his birth to his death, Moses embodies the ideal of a servant leader, one who is both a humble instrument in God’s hands and a steadfast guide for a nation in the wilderness. The Exodus narrative, the Ten Commandments, and the covenantal relationship between God and Israel are woven together through Moses’ obedient leadership, shaped by his personal encounters with God and his enduring struggles with the people he was called to lead.

Background: Drawn out of Water

Moses was born into a time of great strife and hardship. He was a descendant of the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, born to Amram and Jochebed, both members of the Levitical priestly line. His birth came at a time when the Israelites were suffering under the brutal oppression of the Egyptian

Pharaoh, who feared their growing numbers and subjected them to harsh slavery. The Pharaoh, in an attempt to curb the population of the Israelites, had decreed that all male Hebrew children be thrown into the Nile River to drown. This edict, designed to break the spirit of the Israelites, marked the backdrop of Moses’ infancy and early life.

However, God’s providence was evident from the very beginning. Moses’ mother, Jochebed, in defiance of Pharaoh's decree, placed her son in a basket made of reeds and set him afloat on the Nile, trusting in God's protection. The infant Moses was discovered by Pharaoh's daughter, who, moved by compassion, adopted him as her own and named him Moses, meaning "drawn out of the water." Thus, Moses was raised in the Egyptian royal court, receiving an education and privileges that few could imagine, all while carrying the identity of an Israelite. His early life in Pharaoh’s palace was marked by an inherent tension between his Hebrew heritage and the comforts of his royal upbringing.

However, Moses’ sense of justice was stirred at an early age. As a young man, he witnessed an Egyptian taskmaster brutally beating a Hebrew slave. In a moment of righteous anger, Moses intervened, killing the Egyptian and hiding his body in the sand. Realizing that his act of defiance could not remain hidden, Moses fled Egypt to escape Pharaoh’s wrath, thus beginning a new chapter of his formative life in exile.

Moses spent the next forty years in the land of Midian, where he married Zipporah, the daughter of the Midianite priest Jethro, and became a shepherd. It was during this period of relative obscurity that Moses encountered the famous burning bush on Mount Horeb, where God revealed His name—“I AM WHO I AM”—and called Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of bondage. This godly call marked the beginning of Moses’ mission to become the servant of God and the leader of His people.

Moses' journey was not without its challenges, as he faced opposition from both his own people and the Egyptians. However, his unwavering faith and unwavering determination propelled him forward.

Background: Jewish Servitude

The backdrop of Moses' life in Egypt is inseparable from the suffering of the Israelites under Pharaoh’s oppressive rule. The Israelites, who had once been honored guests in Egypt under the leadership of Joseph, had become enslaved over time. As years passed, a new pharaoh ascended to the throne who did not know or care about the contributions of Joseph, the Israelite who had once saved Egypt from famine. This pharaoh, driven by fear and prejudice, grew increasingly concerned about the growing population of the Jews. He worried that they might one day challenge his authority or even attempt to take over Egypt.

Pharaoh's fear of their increasing numbers led to brutal labor, forced to build cities and work in the fields under the harshest conditions. Their cries for deliverance reached the ears of God, and it was into this context of suffering that Moses was called.

Moses’ role as deliverer and lawgiver is tied to this backdrop of injustice and hardship. The Exodus, the event through which God liberated the Israelites from slavery, was not only a physical liberation but a spiritual one. Through Moses, God demonstrated His sovereignty over Egypt’s gods and rulers, culminating in the ten plagues that broke Pharaoh’s resistance. The Passover, which commemorates the final plague, the death of the Egyptian firstborns, became a lasting symbol of God’s deliverance and His faithfulness to His covenant.

Through the Exodus, Moses led the Israelites not only out of physical slavery but toward spiritual freedom, a new identity as God’s chosen people. The journey through the wilderness, the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, and the establishment of the covenant between God and Israel are all essential elements in Moses’ role as both servant and leader.

Background: Prince Moses

The Princess of Egypt, known for her compassion and grace, discovered a baby floating down the river. The infant, wrapped in a basket, had eyes as dark as the night sky and a cry that tugged at her heartstrings. Moved by his plight, the princess took the child into her care, realizing the significance of his name, Moses, which meant "to draw out of the water" in the ancient Coptic tongue.

His sister, Mariam, a clever and watchful soul, observed this act of kindness and approached the princess with a proposal. She suggested finding a Jewish nanny to care for the boy in the palace, ensuring that he would receive the love and care of his own people. The princess, recognizing the wisdom in this request, agreed, and thus, Jochebed, Moses's own mother, became his nanny.

Moses’ adoption into Pharaoh’s household was nothing short of miraculous. He grew up in the lap of luxury, educated in the wisdom of Egypt and enjoying all the privileges of a royal life. In this regard, Moses was a "prince" of Egypt, receiving the finest education available to one of Pharaoh's own sons. Acts 7:22 describes him as "mighty in words and deeds," indicating that he was well-trained in both the arts of rhetoric and the physical prowess necessary for leadership. His Egyptian upbringing exposed him to the culture, religion, and governance of one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world.

Despite the privileges of his position, Moses never fully severed his ties with his Hebrew heritage. According to Hebrews 11:24-26, when Moses grew up, he chose to identify with the oppressed people of Israel rather than remain in the comfort of the royal court. His awareness of his true identity as a Hebrew would later play a pivotal role in the development of his character and his eventual mission to liberate his people from slavery.

Moses' transformation from prince to fugitive marks a crucial turning point in his life. The Bible tells us that, when Moses was about forty years old, he went out to visit his fellow Hebrews, who were still laboring under the whip of their Egyptian taskmasters. Seeing an Egyptian man beating a Hebrew slave, Moses, in a fit of anger, killed the Egyptian and buried his body in the sand (Exodus 2:11-12). When he discovered that his act of violence was known, Moses feared for his life. Pharaoh sought to kill him, and Moses fled to the land of Midian, a desert region to the east of Egypt.

This moment of crisis marked a significant shift in Moses’ life. He left behind his position of power, wealth, and influence, choosing instead the life of a stranger in a foreign land. In Midian, Moses would spend the next forty years of his life as a shepherd, far removed from the grandeur of Egypt. But it was in this period of exile, away from the comforts of royal life, that God began to prepare Moses for the great task that lay ahead. In the solitude of the desert, Moses would encounter the God of his ancestors and receive his divine calling to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of bondage.

His Calling: A New Life

The story of Moses is not simply the story of an individual’s rise to leadership; it is, more profoundly, the story of how God, in His sovereign plan, chooses a flawed and unlikely vessel to accomplish His will. Moses' calling at the burning bush marks the moment in his life, where he transitions from an exiled shepherd to the deliverer of Israel. After forty years in the wilderness of Midian, Moses had settled into a quiet life. He married Zipporah, the daughter of a Midianite priest, and became a shepherd, tending to the flocks of his father-in-law. Yet, this period of obscurity was not to be the end of Moses’ story. The God of his forefathers had not forgotten him, and it was in the desolate wilderness that God chose to reveal Himself in an extraordinary way.

One day, while tending the flocks on Mount Horeb, Moses saw a remarkable sight—a bush that was on fire but not consumed by the flames. This was no ordinary fire; it was a supernatural sign that drew Moses in, compelling him to investigate. As he approached, the voice of God called out to him from within the flames: “Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4). Moses responded, “Here I am,” a phrase that, in the biblical context, signifies openness and readiness to listen. God then instructed Moses to remove his sandals, for he was standing on holy ground. This act of removing his sandals was symbolic of Moses' need to acknowledge the holiness and sacredness of this divine encounter. The ground was holy not because of its physical nature, but because the presence of God Himself had made it so. It was here, in the presence of the holy God, that Moses was about to receive his calling.

“Pass by like Moses, that you may see the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob and that you may see a great vision. This is a great vision, but if you wish to see it, remove the sandals from your feet, remove every bond of iniquity, remove the bonds of the world, leave behind the sandals which are earthly. Likewise Jesus sent the apostles without sandals, without money, gold and silver, so that they would not carry earthly things with them. For the man who seeks the good is praised not for his sandals but for the swiftness and grace of his feet, as Scripture says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, of those who bring glad tidings of good things!” Therefore remove the sandals from your feet, that they may be beautiful for preaching the gospel.” – St. Ambrose of Milan

St. Augustine delves deeper into the symbolism of footwear, equating it with the leather derived from deceased animals. He interprets this directive as a call to abandon "dead works" - actions devoid of spiritual life and purpose: “What are the shoes? Well, what are the shoes we wear? Leather from dead animals. The hides of dead animals are what we protect our feet with. So what are we being ordered to do? To give up dead works. This is symbolically what he instructs Moses to do in his honor, when the Lord says to him, “Take off your shoes. For the place you are standing in is holy ground.” There’s no holier ground than the church of God, is there? So as we stand in it let us take off our shoes, let us give up dead works.” The removal of these shoes, as instructed by God to Moses, signifies a profound transformation, a shedding of the old self to embrace a new path.

Similarly, St. Gregory of Nazianzus echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of shedding material attachments when approaching God. “And as to shoes, let him who is about to touch the holy land which the feet of God have trodden, put them off, as Moses did upon the mount, that he may bring there nothing dead; nothing to come between man and God.” The land of service, likewise cannot be mixed with earthly attachments. We too are called to remove our worldly shoes as we embark on the journey of a spiritual service.

His Calling: Beginning with Divine Revelation

The Lord God then spoke directly to Moses saying: "I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." (Exodus 3:6) Moses, a humble shepherd tending his flock, was far from aspiring to leadership. The task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt, across the vast and treacherous Sinai deserts, and into the Promised Land of Canaan seemed overwhelming and beyond his capabilities. Initially, Moses lacked the ambition and determination required for such an undertaking. He doubted his ability to fulfill the role of a guide and leader for the Hebrew people, questioning whether he possessed the necessary qualities and skills. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether Moses, during his youth, displayed any particular interest or inclination towards religious matters. His life as a shepherd in the wilderness had not prepared him for the immense responsibility that now lay before him.

In the midst of the burning bush encounter, Moses learned something of profound significance: the nature of the God who was calling him. When Moses questioned God about His name, asking, “What shall I say to them? Who sent me?” (Exodus 3:13), God revealed Himself in a way that would shape the entire history of Israel—and indeed, the entire biblical narrative. He said:

“I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14)

This revelation of God’s name, YHWH (often translated as "LORD"), means “I AM” or “I AM WHO I AM.” It is a name that reflects God's eternal, self-existent nature. God is not defined by any outside force; He simply is. This name is the foundation of God’s covenantal relationship with Israel—it affirms that God is the ever-present, unchanging, and self-sustaining Creator who is not bound by time or place.

For Moses, this revelation was not just a theological statement—it was a call to understand the scope and nature of the mission he was about to undertake. The God who had appeared to him in the burning bush was not a distant deity, but the very same God who had made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and who was now about to fulfill those promises by liberating His people. The God who spoke to Moses was not only the God of history but the God of the present—active, involved, and preparing to intervene in the life of Israel.

His Calling: A Reluctant Response

Having revealed His identity, God proceeded to tell Moses of the mission he was to undertake. He was to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery, into a land flowing with milk and honey—a land God had promised to give to their ancestors. In God’s words: “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians…” (Exodus 3:7-8)

This declaration was not just a call to action; it was the unveiling of a divine plan, one that had been in the works since the time of Abraham. God was not sending Moses as a mere political leader or military general; He was sending Moses as His representative, the instrument of divine deliverance. The Exodus was not just an event in the life of Israel—it was the manifestation of God's covenantal faithfulness.

Moses, however, did not respond to this call with immediate acceptance. Instead, he questioned God’s choice of him, expressing reluctance and self-doubt. His first response was, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Moses felt inadequate for the monumental task before him, believing that his past, his exile, and his apparent lack of power disqualified him from such an important role.

In response, God reassured Moses, not by pointing to Moses’ own qualifications, but by emphasizing His own presence and power: “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). God’s promise was clear—Moses was not to rely on his own abilities, but on the certainty of God’s presence and divine enablement. Moses continued to protest. His next concern was, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” (Exodus 4:1). To this, God gave Moses signs to authenticate his mission, such as turning his staff into a serpent and his hand becoming leprous (Exodus 4:3-7). Each of these signs was not only a miracle in itself, but also a divine guarantee that Moses’ authority came from God and not from his own power.

Despite these assurances, Moses was still hesitant. He expressed his fear of inadequacy, saying, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10). Moses, deeply aware of his own limitations, worried that his lack of eloquence would hinder his ability to persuade the Israelites and Pharaoh. In response, God addressed Moses' concerns directly. He reminded Moses that He Himself was the Creator of the human tongue and that He would equip him to speak and act according to His will: “Who gave human beings their mouths? … Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:11-12).

At this point, Moses’ reluctance reached its peak, and he flatly asked God to send someone else (Exodus 4:13). But God, though angered by Moses’ refusal, responded with patience and provision. He allowed Moses to have his brother Aaron as a spokesman, yet the core of the mission remained with Moses: it was he who would lead the people out of Egypt. Moses had no more excuses, and God’s will would be accomplished through him, despite his fears and weaknesses.

God Has His Own Plan

God's selection of Moses as His prophet and the deliverer of the Israelites is a profound testament to the divine plan in action, particularly as it highlights the contrast between human perception and divine omniscience. Moses, despite his privileged upbringing in the Egyptian royal court, possessed an innate sense of justice and compassion that would ultimately lead him to fulfill God's purpose for his life.

Moses's early life was far removed from the suffering and oppression of his fellow Hebrews. Raised as an adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter, he was immersed in the opulent lifestyle and power structures of the Egyptian ruling class. This environment would not typically foster empathy for the oppressed; in fact, it could easily have bred indifference or even disdain for them. Yet, God had instilled in Moses a unique sensitivity to injustice and a deep-seated compassion for the vulnerable. This inherent quality manifested itself in his actions, even when he may not have fully understood their significance.

The incident where Moses defended a Hebrew slave from an Egyptian overseer, and his subsequent intervention in a fight between two Israelites, were not merely isolated acts of bravery or impulsiveness. They were clear indications of God's hand at work, shaping Moses's character and preparing him for the monumental task that lay ahead. These incidents foreshadowed his future role as the defender and lawgiver of his people, revealing his inherent qualities of leadership, courage, and compassion.

The narrative of Moses's life serves as a powerful reminder that God's ways are not our ways. His plans often unfold in unexpected ways, and He uses individuals who may not seem outwardly qualified or prepared. God sees beyond human limitations and recognizes the potential within each person. He calls us to trust in His wisdom and to surrender to His will, knowing that He will equip us for the tasks He has set before us.

God is in Control

God's sovereignty and control are consistently displayed throughout the Biblical narrative, particularly in His selection of leaders. Often, He chooses individuals who are overlooked or deemed unqualified by human standards. This is exemplified in the life of Moses, a man with a speech impediment and a history of violence. Despite these perceived shortcomings, God saw Moses' potential and transformed him into a powerful leader, capable of confronting Pharaoh and guiding the Israelites out of Egypt. This transformation highlights God's ability to mold and shape individuals according to His divine will, equipping them with the necessary skills and character traits to fulfill their God-given purpose.

Furthermore, God's control extends beyond individual lives to encompass the orchestration of events and circumstances. He works behind the scenes, aligning situations and opportunities to achieve His divine plan. This is evident in the story of Joseph, where God used Joseph's enslavement and imprisonment to ultimately elevate him to a position of power in Egypt, where he was able to save his family and the surrounding nations from famine. This demonstrates God's ability to weave together seemingly disparate events to accomplish His purposes, showcasing His omniscience and meticulous planning.

God's control is also manifested in the establishment of divine law and order. The giving of the Ten Commandments and the Mosaic Law at Mount Sinai exemplifies God's authority and wisdom. These laws served as a guide for the Israelites, shaping their moral and ethical behavior and establishing a foundation for a just and righteous society. Moreover, God's continued guidance and instruction at the Tent of Meeting provided Moses and the Israelites with direction and clarity, demonstrating His intimate involvement in the lives of His people.

God both created a leader in Moses and formed unity within a nation in the desert. Moses proved to be a leader of a certain amount of intolerance to unfairness; and yet would put his people before himself. Moses’ compassion for his people surpassed his own desire for personal gain. Instead of hoarding power and glory for himself, Moses displayed a remarkable act of humility. He appointed seventy elders to share his burdens, recognizing the collective wisdom and strength of the community.

Furthermore, Moses displayed a profound trust in God's sovereignty by asking the Lord to appoint the next leader of the Israelite nation.

This act of selflessness serves as a powerful reminder that our service should always be directed towards God, rather than seeking personal recognition or glory. True leadership involves empowering others, sharing responsibilities, and acknowledging that our purpose is ultimately to serve the greater good, as exemplified by the life of Moses.

Endure to the End

Moses journey was fraught with challenges and wonders. Through divine intervention, Moses possessed extraordinary abilities. He could foretell plagues that would devastate Egypt, a feat that shook the foundations of the mighty Pharaoh's empire. With a mere wave of his staff, he parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land, leaving their pursuers stranded and defeated.

During their arduous journey through the wilderness, Moses witnessed the miraculous manna raining from heaven, a daily provision that sustained the Israelites. He ascended Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments—the bedrock of their faith and moral code. Moses' profound leadership transformed a group of enslaved people into a devoted nation, united in their worship of God and adherence to the Law.

However, despite Moses' great accomplishments, fate had a different plan for him. He was denied entry into the Promised Land of Canaan—a land flowing with milk and honey, a symbol of God's favor and blessing. The reason for this was a single act of disobedience. In a moment of frustration, Moses struck a rock twice to produce water for the thirsty Israelites, instead of speaking to it as God had instructed. This act of disobedience, though seemingly minor, violated God's command and resulted in Moses being barred from entering the land he had longed for and worked tirelessly to reach.

It is a poignant reminder that even the greatest of leaders, despite their accomplishments and divine favor, are subject to the consequences of their actions. Moses' story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. His legacy remains as a testament to the power of faith, leadership, and the profound impact one person can have on the course of history.

A call for Perfection

In the midst of a barren desert, where thirst gripped the hearts of the Israelite nation, Moses stood before a towering rock, tasked with providing water for his people. Instead of speaking to the rock as the Lord had instructed, Moses struck it twice with his staff. This act of disobedience had far-reaching consequences. The Lord, witnessing Moses' actions, addressed both him and Aaron: "Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." (Numbers 20:12). In that moment, Moses' fate was sealed. He would not be permitted to enter the promised land of Canaan, the land that flowed with milk and honey. The consequences of his disobedience were severe and dire.

Years later, as Moses' life neared its end, a longing filled his heart. He yearned to witness the beauty of the promised land, to gaze upon the pleasant mountains and the majestic Lebanon. With trembling hands, he approached the Lord once again, pleading, "I pray let me cross over and see the good land beyond Jordan, those pleasant mountains, and Lebanon." (Deuteronomy 3:25)

But the Lord's response was resolute: "I was angry with you on your account and would not listen to you." (Deuteronomy 3:26). Moses' plea fell on deaf ears. The Lord reminded him of his disobedience at Meribah, where he had struck the rock instead of speaking to it. "Go up to the top of Pisgah and lift your eyes toward the west, the north, the south, and the east; behold it with your eyes for you shall not cross over this Jordan." (Deuteronomy 3:27).

With a heavy heart, Moses ascended Mount Pisgah and gazed upon the promised land from afar. He could see the rolling hills, the lush valleys, and the shimmering waters of the Jordan River. The beauty of the land filled him with a bittersweet joy. Though he could not enter, he knew that his people would inherit the land that he had longed to see.

While Moses’ single display of disobedience prevented his entrance into the Promised Land, his greatness far outweighed his punishment; as it must have been intended by God. The Law Moses established through God became known as the Mosaic Law. Moses is mentioned in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament prophet, the Transfiguration with the Lord Jesus Christ talking to Moses and Elijah is recorded in three New Testament Holy Gospels. A leader by God’s design, a lawmaker by God’s will, and a sinner portrayed by his human weakness made known before the nation he led, Moses persevered to the end and his love to God never failed. "It is neither the faith, nor the love, nor the hope, nor the endurance of one day; Rather, he that endures to the end will be saved..." St. Clement of Alexandria, (c. 195.)

The Lord’s Faithful Servant

Moses knew the Lord face to face, held the Ten Commandments in his hands written by the finger of God, and was buried by the Lord himself. He delivered to us the Pentateuch.

Filled with Grace

God’s plan often unfolds in unexpected ways. Moses, though raised as an Egyptian prince, was called by God to be the leader of a slave people. His reluctance and hesitations remind us that God does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called. Moses’ story is a testimony that God uses ordinary, flawed individuals to accomplish extraordinary things. God’s calling is not based on our abilities or qualifications, but on His grace and power. Moses was aware of his limitations, but God assured him that His presence would empower him. This promise of divine accompaniment is extended to all who are called by God.

Moses’ hesitations remind us that fear, doubt, and insecurity are common human responses when faced with God’s call. Yet, God’s patience and provision show us that even in our weakness, His strength is made perfect. The success of God’s plan does not depend on our own strength, but on our obedience to His will. God’s plans are often greater than we can imagine, and His grace is more than sufficient to bring them to fruition. The journey of Moses, from a shepherd in the wilderness to the leader of a nation, shows us that God has a plan for each of us—a plan that, though it may seem daunting, will always be accompanied by His presence and provision.

Although Moses’ punishment was not to enter into the Promised Land, perhaps with God, Moses was living its fulfillment long before he could reach it. Moses talked with God face to face and God knew Moses in person.