Faithfulness, Humility, and God's Transformative Power
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the lives of two remarkable figures: Moses, the biblical hero, and George Jeffries, a modern-day founder of the Elim movement. Both men exemplify how God can work through individuals to bring about significant change and impact. Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is revered as the founder of Judaism. His life journey from a privileged upbringing in Pharaoh's household to a shepherd in Midian, and finally to the leader who delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, is a testament to God's transformative power. Despite his initial reluctance and personal challenges, including a speech impediment, Moses was chosen by God to lead His people. His story is one of faithfulness, readiness to respond to God's call, and profound humility. Moses' life teaches us the importance of being steadfastly loyal to God, trusting Him in all circumstances, and maintaining humility by having an absence of self.
Similarly, George Jeffries, though not comparable to Moses, played a pivotal role in the Pentecostal movement in the UK. Born into a poor mining family in Wales, Jeffries experienced a miraculous healing that propelled him into ministry. He founded the Elim movement, which emphasized the full gospel and Pentecostal teachings. His ministry was marked by powerful evangelism and miraculous signs, drawing thousands to Christ. Jeffries' life underscores the significance of being open to God's call, even when it leads to unexpected paths. His legacy reminds us of the power of faith and the importance of being a vessel for God's work.
Both Moses and Jeffries exemplify the qualities of faithfulness, readiness, and humility. Their stories challenge us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we can be used by God. Are we faithful in our walk with Him? Are we ready to respond to His call, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones? And most importantly, do we embody humility, allowing God to work through us without the interference of self?
Key Takeaways:
1. Faithfulness in All Circumstances: Moses' life exemplifies steadfast loyalty to God, even amidst challenges. His unwavering faith during 40 years in the wilderness teaches us the importance of trusting God in every situation, regardless of how daunting it may seem. Faithfulness is about being consistent in our walk with God, trusting His plan, and remaining loyal to His word. [16:39]
2. Readiness to Respond to God's Call: Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush highlights the importance of being prepared to act when God calls. Despite his fears and inadequacies, Moses was willing to step into his God-given role. This teaches us that God often works slowly, preparing us over time for His purposes, and we must be ready to respond when He calls. [18:39]
3. The Power of Humility: Moses is described as the most humble man on earth, a quality that allowed him to lead effectively and maintain a close relationship with God. Humility involves the absence of self, allowing God to work through us without our ego getting in the way. It is a crucial trait for anyone seeking to serve God faithfully. [20:50]
4. God's Transformative Power: Both Moses and George Jeffries experienced significant transformations in their lives, demonstrating how God can use anyone, regardless of their background or limitations, to achieve His purposes. This reminds us that God often chooses the unlikely and equips them for His work, emphasizing the importance of being open to His transformative power. [25:37]
5. Legacy of Faith and Miracles: George Jeffries' ministry was marked by powerful evangelism and miraculous signs, drawing many to Christ. His life encourages us to seek a deeper relationship with God, where our faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes. It challenges us to be vessels for God's work, allowing His power to manifest through us in ways that impact others. [32:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:57] - Introduction to Moses
- [07:58] - Moses' Early Life and Calling
- [10:23] - The Exodus and God's Deliverance
- [12:10] - Journey Through the Wilderness
- [14:45] - Moses' Faithfulness and Challenges
- [16:39] - Lessons from Moses' Life
- [18:39] - God's Call and Our Response
- [20:50] - The Importance of Humility
- [25:37] - Introduction to George Jeffries
- [28:46] - The Elim Movement and Miracles
- [32:16] - Legacy of Faith and Miracles
- [35:00] - Closing Reflections and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 3:7-12
2. Numbers 12:3
3. Deuteronomy 34:1-7
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Moses' initial reaction when God called him at the burning bush, and how did he respond to God's call? [10:23]
2. How is Moses described in Numbers 12:3, and what does this tell us about his character?
3. What significant event marked the end of Moses' life, and what did God show him before he died? [20:50]
4. How did George Jeffries' early life and experiences influence his ministry and the founding of the Elim movement? [25:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Moses' journey from privilege to shepherding in Midian teach us about God's preparation process for His purposes? [07:58]
2. How does the description of Moses as the most humble man on earth challenge our understanding of leadership and service? [18:39]
3. In what ways did George Jeffries' miraculous healing and subsequent ministry reflect the transformative power of God? [28:46]
4. How can the legacy of faith and miracles in George Jeffries' ministry inspire modern believers to seek a deeper relationship with God? [32:16]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unprepared or inadequate for a task God called you to. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Moses' readiness to respond to God's call? [10:23]
2. Moses is described as the most humble man on earth. What practical steps can you take to cultivate humility in your own life, allowing God to work through you without the interference of self? [18:39]
3. Consider the transformative experiences in your life. How have they shaped your faith journey, and how can you remain open to God's transformative power in the future? [25:37]
4. George Jeffries' ministry was marked by powerful evangelism and miraculous signs. How can you actively seek to be a vessel for God's work in your community, allowing His power to manifest through you? [32:16]
5. Faithfulness in all circumstances was a key takeaway from Moses' life. Identify a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you demonstrate steadfast loyalty to God in this situation? [16:39]
6. Reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind. What steps can you take today to ensure that your life reflects the qualities of faithfulness, readiness, and humility exemplified by Moses and George Jeffries? [32:16]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to step out of their comfort zones and respond to God's call, even when it leads to unexpected paths? [28:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Faithfulness in the Wilderness
Faithfulness is a steadfast commitment to God, even when circumstances are challenging or unclear. Moses' life is a profound example of this unwavering loyalty. Despite facing numerous trials, including leading a rebellious people through the wilderness for 40 years, Moses remained faithful to God's call. His journey teaches us that faithfulness is not about the absence of doubt or difficulty but about trusting God's plan and staying true to His word, regardless of the situation. This kind of faithfulness requires a deep trust in God's character and promises, knowing that He is working for our good even when we cannot see it. [16:39]
"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’" (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV).
Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to remain faithful to God? How can you remind yourself of His promises and character today to strengthen your faithfulness?
Day 2: Readiness to Respond
Being ready to respond to God's call involves a willingness to step out in faith, even when we feel inadequate or afraid. Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush is a powerful reminder of this readiness. Despite his fears and perceived inadequacies, Moses was willing to embrace his God-given role. This teaches us that God often prepares us over time for His purposes, and we must be attentive and willing to act when He calls. Readiness requires a heart that is open to God's leading and a trust that He will equip us for the tasks He sets before us. [18:39]
"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'" (Isaiah 6:8, ESV).
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you sense God calling you to step out in faith? How can you prepare yourself to respond to His call today?
Day 3: The Power of Humility
Humility is a crucial trait for anyone seeking to serve God faithfully. Moses is described as the most humble man on earth, a quality that allowed him to lead effectively and maintain a close relationship with God. Humility involves the absence of self, allowing God to work through us without our ego getting in the way. It is about recognizing our dependence on God and being open to His guidance and correction. This humility enabled Moses to lead with wisdom and grace, setting an example for us to follow in our own lives. [20:50]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV).
Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility in your daily interactions? How can you ensure that your actions and decisions reflect a heart that is open to God's leading?
Day 4: Embracing God's Transformative Power
God's transformative power is evident in the lives of both Moses and George Jeffries. Despite their backgrounds and limitations, God used them to achieve His purposes. This reminds us that God often chooses the unlikely and equips them for His work. Embracing God's transformative power means being open to His work in our lives, allowing Him to shape us into vessels for His purposes. It requires a willingness to let go of our limitations and trust that God can use us in ways we never imagined. [25:37]
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (2 Corinthians 4:7, ESV).
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel limited or inadequate? How can you invite God to transform this area and use it for His purposes?
Day 5: Legacy of Faith and Miracles
George Jeffries' ministry was marked by powerful evangelism and miraculous signs, drawing many to Christ. His life encourages us to seek a deeper relationship with God, where our faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes. This legacy of faith and miracles challenges us to be vessels for God's work, allowing His power to manifest through us in ways that impact others. It is a call to live a life of faith that is open to the miraculous, trusting that God can work through us to bring about His kingdom on earth. [32:16]
"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:17-18, ESV).
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper faith that is open to the miraculous? What steps can you take today to become a vessel for God's work in your community?
Quotes
"So, what we're looking at now is the road out. And this, again, is our story. The story of our lives. Because it's the story of death and slavery and life and freedom. And that's what we read in Exodus." [00:07:25] (17 seconds)
"God had a conversation with Moses. And we can read that conversation in Exodus chapter 3. We can read this in verse 7 to 12. The Lord said, I've indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I've heard them crying out because of their slave drivers. And I'm concerned about their suffering." [00:10:07] (22 seconds)
"Imagine then how faithful Moses was. All those 40 years where he walked through the wilderness with the people of God, he was faithful to what God said to him. Imagine the weight of responsibility that he bore that he was faithful to God. So Moses was God's man because he was faithful to him." [00:16:18] (31 seconds)
"Although Moses found it difficult, and you can read about the difficulties he had, he was ready to be used and to respond. As I've mentioned, God had that calling when he was 80 years old. God had been working in his life, even though Moses didn't realize it." [00:18:06] (22 seconds)
"Numbers chapter 12, verse 3 says this. Now, Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. More humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. Not a little bit humble. Moses was the most humble person on the face of the earth." [00:19:03] (27 seconds)
"Paul said this, Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. So Moses was faithful." [00:19:57] (22 seconds)
"George Jeffries was born in Wales in 1889 into a very poor mining family. He had a brother who was a miner. What followed then was a time of change and shaking of which George was a part. In 1904, the Welsh Revival happened. You remember there was a gentleman called Evan Roberts, who himself was a former miner, who became a Bible student and believed that God had called him to begin a revival in Wales." [00:25:37] (35 seconds)
"George Jeffries is considered to be one of the greatest and most successful evangelists then that the UK saw. Hundreds of thousands of people are said to have come to Christ through his preaching, but more than that, the signs followed. In our second song where we sang this morning, we spoke about the God of miracles and the God of healing." [00:31:18] (27 seconds)
"So Moses was a great founder, and we're not comparing George Jeffries with Moses. But we saw from Moses how important it is to be faithful, to be ready, to be used, but most importantly, to be humble, to have nothing of self." [00:33:40] (22 seconds)
"And if you don't remember anything of what I've spoken about today, maybe remember that last point about the importance of having no self. In the coming weeks, you might hear about a few of the other heroes that link in with George Jeffries. There is other people that have connections with Blackheath as well." [00:34:01] (22 seconds)
"But maybe bring that to the Lord in prayer. Say, Lord, do you want to use me? Do you want me to be faithful? And help me to be humble. Thanks, Dan." [00:34:41] (12 seconds)
"Let me give you three key things from the life of Moses that speak to us today. God says this about Moses in Numbers chapter 12 verse 7. Moses is faithful in all my house. In other words, there's no one like Moses. Moses is faithful in all my house. To be faithful means to be steadfastly loyal and not to be swayed. It means trusting God in all circumstances." [00:15:15] (39 seconds)
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