Waiting with Purpose: Lessons from Moses' Journey

Devotional

Day 1: Understanding Identity and Heritage

Understanding the terms Hebrews, Israelites, and Jews is crucial for appreciating the rich heritage and identity of God's chosen people. These terms, though often used interchangeably, have distinct historical and scriptural origins. The term "Hebrews" is one of the earliest designations, often used to describe the descendants of Eber, an ancestor of Abraham. "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, who was also called Israel after wrestling with God. "Jews" is a later term that emerged after the Babylonian exile, referring specifically to the people of the kingdom of Judah. Recognizing these distinctions helps us see the continuity of God's promises and His faithfulness throughout history. This knowledge deepens our connection to the biblical narrative and reminds us of the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. [01:40]

Deuteronomy 7:6-8 (ESV): "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."

Reflection: How does understanding the historical and scriptural origins of the terms Hebrews, Israelites, and Jews deepen your appreciation for God's faithfulness and His promises? How can this knowledge impact your daily walk with God?

Day 2: Compassion and Action

Moses' actions in defending his fellow Hebrews and the women at the well highlight the importance of compassion and taking action against injustice. Despite being raised in Pharaoh's palace, Moses was deeply aware of his Hebrew identity and the suffering of his people. His compassion and anger led him to intervene when he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, an act that ultimately forced him to flee to Midian. In Midian, Moses continued to show compassion by defending seven young women from shepherds and helping them water their flocks. These actions earned him the favor of Reuel (Jethro), who gave him his daughter Zipporah in marriage. Moses' willingness to stand up for others, even at great personal risk, challenges us to be courageous and compassionate in our own lives. [05:12]

Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV): "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you witnessed injustice or someone in need. How can you take compassionate action today, even if it involves personal risk or sacrifice?

Day 3: Periods of Waiting

The 40 years Moses spent in Midian were not wasted; they were a time of preparation. Similarly, our periods of waiting, whether due to personal circumstances or global events like the pandemic, are opportunities for growth and preparation. During his time in Midian, Moses learned humility, patience, and leadership, all of which were essential for his future role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. This period of waiting was significant for both Moses and the Israelites, as it was a time of preparation for what lay ahead. Reflecting on our current situation with the coronavirus lockdown, we can draw parallels to the biblical theme of waiting. Many biblical figures, including Abraham, Joseph, and David, experienced long periods of waiting, during which they served, learned, and grew in their faith. [09:34]

Psalm 27:14 (ESV): "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a period of waiting? How can you use this time to grow in your faith and prepare for what God has in store for you?

Day 4: God's Faithfulness

Despite the long period of suffering, God heard the cries of the Israelites and remembered His covenant. This reminds us that God is always faithful to His promises, even when we cannot see immediate results. The Israelites' suffering in Egypt was intense and prolonged, but God was not indifferent to their plight. He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He was preparing to act on their behalf. This assurance of God's faithfulness sustains us through difficult times, reminding us that He is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Our trust in God's faithfulness is a source of hope and strength, encouraging us to persevere through challenges and uncertainties. [13:00]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust in His promises during your current challenges?

Day 5: Purpose in the Ordinary

During times of waiting, we are called to serve in ordinary ways, learning to listen to God and fulfill our daily responsibilities. These seemingly mundane tasks are part of God's preparation for us. Moses' time in Midian involved ordinary tasks like tending sheep, yet these experiences were crucial in shaping him for his future role. Embracing the ordinary with faithfulness prepares us for the extraordinary plans God has for our lives. In our daily lives, we are called to serve those around us, listen to God, and fulfill our ordinary duties with diligence and faithfulness. This period of waiting is not wasted time; it is a time of preparation for what lies ahead. [11:17]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: What ordinary tasks or responsibilities in your life can you approach with renewed faithfulness and diligence? How can you see these tasks as part of God's preparation for you?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we continued our study in the book of Exodus, focusing on the early life of Moses and the plight of the Israelites in Egypt. The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, had been living in Egypt for generations since escaping a severe famine in Canaan. However, a new Pharaoh, who had no regard for Joseph's contributions, enslaved them, making their lives bitter with harsh labor. We clarified the different terms used to refer to the Israelites: Hebrews, Israelites, and Jews, each with its historical and scriptural origins.

We then delved into Moses' story, who, despite being raised in Pharaoh's palace, was aware of his Hebrew identity. Witnessing the oppression of his people, Moses' compassion and anger led him to kill an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. This act forced Moses to flee to Midian, where he continued to show compassion by defending seven young women from shepherds and helping them water their flocks. Moses' actions earned him the favor of Reuel (also known as Jethro), who gave him his daughter Zipporah in marriage. Moses spent 40 years in Midian, feeling like a foreigner in a foreign land.

During this time, the Israelites continued to suffer under Egyptian bondage, and their cries reached God, who remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This period of waiting and suffering was significant, as it was a time of preparation for both Moses and the Israelites. Reflecting on our current situation with the coronavirus lockdown, we can draw parallels to the biblical theme of waiting. Many biblical figures, including Abraham, Joseph, and David, experienced long periods of waiting, during which they served, learned, and grew in their faith.

In these times of waiting, we are called to serve those around us, listen to God, and fulfill our ordinary duties. This waiting is not wasted time; it is a period of preparation for what lies ahead. Just as God was at work in Moses' life during his years in Midian, He is at work in our lives today, shaping us for the future. As we continue our study, we will see how God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, reminding us that our waiting is purposeful and that God is always at work.

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Key Takeaways

1. ZtlXGU8ttc&t=100s'>[01:40]
2. Compassion and Action: Moses' actions in defending his fellow Hebrews and the women at the well demonstrate the importance of compassion and taking action against injustice. His willingness to stand up for others, even at great personal risk, challenges us to be courageous and compassionate in our own lives.

3. Periods of Waiting: The 40 years Moses spent in Midian were not wasted; they were a time of preparation. Similarly, our periods of waiting, whether due to personal circumstances or global events like the pandemic, are opportunities for growth and preparation. God uses these times to shape us for future purposes.

4. God's Faithfulness: Despite the long period of suffering, God heard the cries of the Israelites and remembered His covenant. This reminds us that God is always faithful to His promises, even when we cannot see immediate results. Our trust in God's faithfulness sustains us through difficult times.

5. Purpose in the Ordinary: During times of waiting, we are called to serve in ordinary ways, learning to listen to God and fulfill our daily responsibilities. These seemingly mundane tasks are part of God's preparation for us. Embracing the ordinary with faithfulness prepares us for the extraordinary plans God has for our lives.

### [01:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:40] - Understanding the Terms: Hebrews, Israelites, Jews
[03:18] - Moses' Early Life and Identity
[05:12] - Moses' Compassion and Action
[06:39] - Moses Flees to Midian
[08:03] - Reuel/Jethro and Moses' New Life
[09:34] - The Israelites' Continued Suffering
[11:17] - The Significance of Waiting
[13:00] - God's Preparation and Faithfulness
[14:30] - Closing Reflections and Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the different terms used to refer to the Israelites, and what are their origins? [01:40]
How did Moses react when he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, and what were the consequences of his actions? [05:12]
What actions did Moses take when he encountered the shepherds harassing the women at the well in Midian? [06:39]
How did God respond to the cries of the Israelites during their period of suffering in Egypt? [09:34]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Moses was aware of his Hebrew identity despite being raised in Pharaoh's palace? [03:18]
How do Moses' actions in defending the Hebrew slave and the women at the well reflect his character and sense of justice? [05:12]
What can we learn from the 40 years Moses spent in Midian about the importance of waiting and preparation in God's plan? [09:34]
How does the story of the Israelites' suffering and God's response to their cries illustrate God's faithfulness to His promises? [13:00]

Application Questions

Reflecting on the different terms used for the Israelites, how does understanding your own spiritual heritage and identity deepen your faith? [01:40]
Moses took significant risks to stand up against injustice. Are there situations in your life where you feel called to take a stand? What steps can you take to act courageously and compassionately? [05:12]
During the 40 years Moses spent in Midian, he was being prepared for a greater purpose. How can you view your current period of waiting or challenges as a time of preparation? [09:34]
The Israelites' cries reached God, and He remembered His covenant. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness during difficult times? What practical steps can you take to trust in His promises? [13:00]
In what ways can you serve those around you during times of waiting, just as Moses served in Midian? Identify one ordinary task you can do this week with faithfulness and purpose. [11:17]
How can you cultivate a habit of listening to God and fulfilling your daily responsibilities with a sense of purpose, even when they seem mundane? [11:17]
Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "foreign land" or out of place. How did that experience shape you, and how can you use it to empathize with others who may feel the same way? [08:03]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "It just goes on and on it's waiting but it was in those times of waiting that these people were called to serve their families and those around them it was during that long time that they were called to learn about and to listen expectantly to god and they're waiting they learn to pray they learn to not grumble or complain and just to fulfill the ordinary work that god had called them to." [11:17] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "During those years in midian out in the fields tending their herds for his father-in-law jethro god was preparing moses for 40 years it it wasn't wasted time god was at work preparing moses to be the one who would lead the children to the church and to the church and to the children of israel out of slavery into the promised land." [13:00] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "But as far as you and me here and now god is at work as well and my prayer for all of us is that we will find one day that it really wasn't wasted time because it's not god is at work god is at work i believe that so remember that as we come to the close today." [13:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Moses realized it's out there the rumor mill is going around and people know about him killing this egyptian and so when pharaoh hears about it he wants him dead and i don't know it's not in the scripture but you can see this whole moses things maybe had been a bone of contention with he and his daughter all these years and that he's never really liked this hebrew kid that's grown up in the palace." [06:39] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And so chapter 211 says that one day after moses had grown up he went out to his people and saw their forced labor he sees his people very interesting turn in the story he saw some version says he watched their forced labor but notice he doesn't merely observe them in passing or or casually stop and see how they're doing he sees his people sees the way they are oppressed and his heart goes out to them because these are his own people." [05:12] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And so we're going to stop there in the story for the day and i want to do just a little reflecting a long time 40 years that was a long time for moses that was a long time for the israelites 40 years i mean can you imagine because that makes me think about our present situation it's been a long time it's been a couple of months now sheltering in place and i know we're reopening parts of our society and and we need to we need to do something about it but i'm not going to but it's not over and and we know that it's a it's just been a long time." [09:34] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And so he steps in to break it up and he says hey hey stop it stop it why are you hitting your fellow hebrew and now i don't know if this man knew moses's background or not but it's clear the man did not view moses as a fellow hebrew but he viewed him as one of the privileged above them because he says who made you ruler and judge over us what are you gonna do kill me like you killed that guy yesterday and so these guys they're not looking at moses as an agent of justice and the deliverer of his people but they're looking at him as some hot-headed person with a violent temper who is now meddling in their business." [05:12] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And so he ends up getting up and yelling at the shepherd and he runs them all off and then he he helps these women and he helps gets their water for their for their sheep and their flocks and uh and these young women then they they go home and they tell their father whose name the scripture says at least at this point in the scripture is rule and so if you thought like like hebrews israelites jews that all these different terms for the same people that that was confusing to you you're wrong you're wrong you're wrong you're wrong you're wrong this guy rule is going to be great for you because he's also called jethro that comes up in the next chapter and then sometimes he's called jether and just to make things even more confusing." [08:03] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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