God's Unlikely Leaders: The Call of Moses
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the story of Moses and his journey from being a shepherd to becoming a leader chosen by God. I was struck by the contrast between the way leaders are chosen today, through aggressive debates and power struggles, and the way Moses was chosen. Moses was not a natural leader; he was timid, slow of speech, and heavy of tongue. He did not aspire to lead, but rather wanted to live a simple life tending sheep. However, God chose him because he heard the cries of the oppressed and saw a better way. God assured Moses that he would provide everything he needed to succeed, including his brother Aaron to speak for him.
The sermon also emphasized the concept of God as not just a spiritual entity, but as an active force that intervenes in human history to bring about change. God hears the cries of the oppressed and acts to end tyranny. This was demonstrated in the story of Moses, who was chosen by God to lead his people from slavery to freedom. The sermon concluded with the reminder that when we receive the bread and wine, we should remember that our healing and wholeness is guaranteed through the cross and the empty tomb of Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Moses was chosen by God not because of his natural leadership abilities, but because of his humility and willingness to serve. This contrasts with the way leaders are often chosen today, through aggression and power struggles. #!!13:18!!#
- God is not just a spiritual entity, but an active force that intervenes in human history to bring about change. This is demonstrated in the story of Moses, who was chosen by God to lead his people from slavery to freedom. #!!11:03!!#
- When we receive the bread and wine, we should remember that our healing and wholeness is guaranteed through the cross and the empty tomb of Jesus Christ. This is a reminder of the promise of healing and wholeness that God offers to all of us. #!!17:39!!#
- The story of Moses serves as a reminder that God chooses unlikely candidates to carry out his work. This should encourage us to be open to God's call, even if we feel inadequate or unqualified. #!!14:49!!#
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The sermon contrasts the aggressive, dominating leadership model seen in modern politics with the humble, servant leadership of Moses. Moses did not aspire to lead but was chosen by God to lead His people out of oppression. This is a stark contrast to the leaders we often see today who fight for positions of power ([00:46] and [13:18]).
2. Moses' impact on human history is unfathomable. His story of leading his people from tyranny and bondage to freedom has been a model for liberation movements throughout history. His influence is deeply embedded in our own system, teaching us more about enlightenment and civilization ([02:53] and [05:05]).
3. Moses was a reluctant leader. He was slow of speech and heavy of tongue, and he did not want to be sent by God. However, God reassured him that He would supply everything Moses needed to succeed. This shows that God equips those He calls, even when they feel inadequate ([12:34] and [14:04]).
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. Exodus 3:1-22
2. Exodus 4:1-17
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. How does the Bible describe Moses' reaction when God called him to lead His people?
2. What are the characteristics of Moses' leadership as described in Exodus 3 and 4?
3. How does Moses' leadership contrast with the leadership model described in the sermon?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Moses' reluctance to lead tell us about his character and his understanding of the task ahead?
2. How does God respond to Moses' reluctance and self-doubt?
3. How does the story of Moses challenge our understanding of what makes a good leader?
Application Questions:
1. Have you ever felt inadequate or unprepared for a task God has called you to? How did you respond?
2. How can we apply the model of Moses' humble, servant leadership in our own lives and communities?
3. How can we rely on God's promise to equip us, as He did with Moses, when we face challenges in our lives?
Devotional
Day 1: The Humility of Leadership
In the sermon, the pastor contrasts the aggressive, competitive nature of modern political leadership with the humble, servant leadership of Moses. Moses did not seek power or position, but was chosen by God to lead His people out of bondage. This humility is a key aspect of Christian leadership, which is about serving others rather than seeking personal gain. #!!16:57!!
Exodus 3:11 - "But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were called to a leadership role. How did you respond? Did you seek power or were you humbled by the responsibility?
Day 2: God's Intervention in History
The pastor emphasizes that God is not a distant, impersonal force, but a God who intervenes in human history to bring about His purposes. This is seen in the story of Moses, where God hears the cries of His oppressed people and acts to deliver them. #!!11:03!!
Exodus 3:7 - "The LORD said, '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.'"
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you felt God's intervention in your life or in the world around you? How did this experience shape your understanding of God?
Day 3: The Promise of Wholeness
The pastor speaks of the promise of wholeness that comes from God. Despite our fears, self-doubt, and addictions, God promises healing and wholeness. This promise is not just for the future, but is a reality we can experience now. #!!17:39!!
Isaiah 61:1 - "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need God's healing and wholeness? How can you live in the reality of this promise today?
Day 4: The End of Tyranny
The pastor highlights that God is the end of all tyranny. In the story of Moses, God intervenes to end the tyranny of Pharaoh and deliver His people. This is a reminder that God is a God of justice who opposes all forms of oppression. #!!14:04!!
Psalm 146:7 - "He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free."
Reflection: How can you partner with God in standing against oppression and injustice in your community?
Day 5: The Journey of Curiosity
The pastor encourages us to be like Moses, who was curious and willing to leave his comfort zone to encounter God. This journey of curiosity led Moses to a deeper understanding of God and His purposes. #!!10:24!!
Exodus 3:3 - "So Moses thought, 'I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.'"
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to step out of your comfort zone and seek a deeper encounter with God?
Quotes
1. "God is just rolling God's eyes and go like okay I'm going to supply you everything you need to succeed... I am the god who hears the oppression outside of your tent... I am the end of all tyranny and I am the end of all the isms of ageism and racism." - 12:33
2. "I contain within my being the you that I know you will be... your healing and your wholeness is absolutely guaranteed not just from the message to Moses but coming out of the great burning bush of all times the cross and the empty tune of Jesus Christ." - 16:36
3. "We hope that they will be able to be strong... it's an idea of leadership which is to me highly dysfunctional... you compare that way of choosing a leader a dominating leader with the way that Moses as a leader came about." - 00:01
4. "John Adams our second president said I love the Greeks I love Greek philosophy I admire them I read them so much but it was the Hebrews who taught us more about Enlightenment and civilization of how we should be in the world." - 04:05
5. "Wherever there is a movement toward Liberation... they follow the model of The Exodus the model of which one man comes against a tyrant and leads his people through a sea of fear into a promised tomorrow in which they will be treated with dignity and respect." - 04:05
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