Here I Am, Send Me Part 4: Isaiah’s Desire

Here I Am, Send Me Part 4: Isaiah’s Desire

by | Aug 29, 2024 | Bible Studies, Called, Discover Your Ministry, Here I Am, Send Me, The Pattern

More than seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, there was a man named Isaiah, his name meaning ‘Salvation of Jehovah’. He wrote of the coming King, the Christ – our Lord Jesus, and he wrote as if he knew Him personally.

Historians are of the opinion that Isaiah might have been a part of the royal family – that he was related to the four kings he served during his lifetime (Uzziah, Jothan, Ahaz and Hezekiah). This would explain the easy access he had to them.

Another, more specific, tradition has it that his father was closely related to a king. His father was Amoz and could’ve been the brother of King Amaziah (the father of Uzziah).

Isaiah was definitely a well educated man, as his eloquent use of language indicates, and he probably came from a wealthy family.

His ministry began in the year that King Uzziah died, 740 B.C. and twenty years before the nation of Assyria destroyed the northern Jewish nation in Israel and a hundred and fifty years (estimate) before Babylon invaded his homeland of Judah.

I would like to take you to the sixth chapter of the book of Isaiah.

We read here:

1It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!”

The Lord appears unto Isaiah on a high and exalted throne – the King of Kings appears unto His servant, and His train fills the Temple. His presence fills the place as the Seraphim cry – Holy, holy, holy! As they rejoice and praise the Lord.

4Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.

The presence of the Lord is so intense that the very room they are standing in is shaken – the entire building filled with smoke. What an awesome experience that must have been – imagine the awe and wonder that must have struck the prophet!

5Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”

Isaiah, however, is dismayed rather than overjoyed – he cries out, sorrowfully – I am doomed! He becomes aware, in the Holiness that is the Presence of the Most High, that he is a sinner, a sinful man. The fact that he is seeing the King, the Lord of Hosts is a sure sign to him that death will surely follow.

In a sense he is right. This encounter with God would render him, in a sense, dead to the world. Aware of his shame and despair, God and His heavenly host reacts.

6Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”

God makes it clear to him that his sins have been absolved, through His servant He works salvation and Isaiah can stand there redeemed.

It is after this, and after this only, that God asks the question that would forever change Isaiah’s life.

8Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”

And Isaiah answers: “Here I am. Send me.”

In reading this we become aware of one fact and that is Isaiah’s thankfulness and gratitude – he has been saved from his own wickedness – he has been announced free of the burden of sin, and now has one desire. He wants to serve the Lord.

He cries out – Lord, here I am! Hear me, see me, I want to serve You! Send me!

He doesn’t do it because of a sense of duty or obligation, but because it is his heart’s desire to serve God.

It is here that the Lord appoints Isaiah as a prophet.

Often we do things because we feel obligated – in a sense, forced – to do it. It’s as if God has saved us and now we HAVE TO do something. This mentality is the wrong mentality.

Quite a few years ago I went to Godly Revolution, which was a huge , annual Christian music event at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg. One of the performers was former Tree63 frontman John Ellis. He ended their session with a petition for us to express our thanksgiving to God, to spend a few moments just being grateful for what He has done. He then broke into song singing ‘Look what You’ve done.’

One line sticks with me and replays itself in my head again and again. He sang – ‘The question is not, Jesus, what You can do for me, but what can I do for You, my Lord!”

What struck me the most is the emotion and sincerity with which he sang these words. He was definitely not fraudulent in his thanksgiving.

It all concluded with the entire crowd of thousands of young people singing, shouting and crying out the lyrics of ‘Amazing Grace’.

Isaiah cries out – Lord, look what You’ve done for me! Here I am, send me! It is my desire to serve You!

Nothing we can do can measure up against what Jesus had done for us. We can’t impress God, but we can serve Him and make an impression, for His sake, on the lives of others.

Let the fire burn in your heart – this is the road to revival.

The Bible doesn’t tell us much about Isaiah’s death, but the author of Hebrews, writing about Old Testament heroes, writes concerning the prophets:

37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Hebrews 11:37)

In an ancient manuscript entitled The Martyrdom and Ascension of Isaiah written in the first Christian century, or even earlier, by a Jew who lived in what is now Israel we read about the prophet’s cruel execution.

In the second chapter of The Martyrdom and Ascension of Isaiah we read:

7And when Isaiah the son of Amoz saw the lawlessness which was being perpetratcd in Jerusalem and the worship of Satan and his wantonness, 8he withdrew from Jerusalem and settled in Bethlehem of Judah. And there also there was much lawlessness, 9 and withdrawing from Bethlehem he settled on a mountain in a desert place. [And Micaiah the prophet, and the aged Ananias, and Joel and Habakkuk, and his son Josab, and many of the faithful who believed in the ascension into heaven, withdrew and settled on the mountain.]10 They were all clothed with garments of hair, and they were all prophets. And they had nothing with them but were naked, and they all lamented with a great lamentation because of the going astray of Israel.11 And these eat nothing save wild herbs which they gathered on the mountains, and having cooked them, they lived thereon together with Isaiah the prophet.

This is striking similar to the events recorded in Hebrews.

The book continues, in the third chapter:

7And Belchlra accused Isaiah and the prophets who were with him, saying: ‘Isaiah and those who are with him prophesy against Jerusalem and against the cities of Judah that they shall be laid waste and (against the children of Judah and) Benjamin also that they shall go into captivity, and also against thee, O lord the king, that thou shalt go (bound) with hooks 8 and iron chains’: But they prophesy falsely against Israel and Judah. And Isaiah himself hath 9 said: ‘I see more than Moses the prophet.’ But Moses said: ‘No man can see God and live’: 10 and Isaiah hath said: ‘I have seen God and behold I live.’ Know, therefore, O king, that he is lying. And Jerusalem also he hath called Sodom, and the princes of Judah and Jerusalem he hath declared to be the people of Gomorrah. And he brought many accusations against Isaiah…

Imagine the sorrow in Isaiah’s heart as he declared what God had impressed upon him, concerning the fate of his people – imagine the sorrow with which he shared this news!

Here these false prophets come and speak out against Isaiah making him out to be a charlatan rebel – an errant fraud!

These accusations would lead to his execution as an enemy of the people.

During his execution – by wood-saw – his accuser talked to him but received no answer, for the text explains that the prophet was absorbed in a vision of the Lord.

This book ends with these words:

And when Isaiah was being sawn in sunder, he neither cried aloud nor wept, but his lips spake with the Holy Spirit until he was sawn in twain. (The Martyrdom and Ascension of Isaiah 5:14)

Although the source is unverified and not a part of our Biblical Canon , it’s an interesting thought, possibly carried from generation to generation through oral tradition, until it was eventually written down.

The facts are there – both historically and biblically – it is important that we compare these two sources and thus find a fuller, more compelling vision of the life and death of the prophet who saw God and lived.

What gets to me is the thought that Isaiah’s love for the Lord, his desire to give everything to and for the God of his Salvation, did not subside even in the face of persecution, suffering and certain death.

This is key to our own ministry as desire often dictates what we do.

The concept I want to leave with you here is a simple one – turn your eyes upon Jesus! Don’t ever lose sight of Him! Make him your desire – let the desire to please Him and to make Him known be the driving force behind every thing you do.

If we keep our eyes firmly set upon the God of our Salvation we will never be tempted to stray from His way and will endure unto the end!

Reflect:

1. What is your desire today? What is the one thing you desire most? How does this desire shape the way you live? How does this desire affect your ministry?

2. Isaiah saw the Lord, and this one encounter had a profound affect on how he lived the rest of his life. We cannot get a glimpse of glory and not want more – what encounter have you had with the Lord that has started shaping your desire for more of Him in your life?

3. A compelling vision of Christ is what drives us –what can you do to have a more compelling and vivid vision of Jesus and His Kingdom? How will such a vision drive you towards living out the call God has placed on your life?

Prayer: Lord, be my desire. Let a passionate fire for Your Kingdom burn within my heart as I take up the call – let me be a minister of fire. Let a zeal for Your house consume me. I pray that You will remove distraction from my life and that You will give me the wisdom to keep my eyes set on You. Let everything I do be a testimony of Your goodness and grace in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tabernacle Typology 7: Wood

Tabernacle Typology 7: Wood

by | Aug 28, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

Ex. 25:1-9: (KJV)

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

Wood from the Shittah Tree – later classified as a type of Acacia – was used in the construction of the Tabernacle. These trees were common in the Sinai Desert and in the Jordan River Valley.

It was a light, but hard and durable wood – known for its strength and its natural resistance to insects and decay.

In ancient Egyptian and Israelite tradition it represented endurance and immortality – because of its evergreen nature.

Because of its resistance to decay it also represented integrity and purity.

It represents the perfection of Jesus and God’s covenant with His people. Strong and unyielding, enduring and steadfast.

The shittim wood symbolizes Jesus as the Holy One of God who saw no corruption. (Psalm 16:10). It typifies His purity, where He was likewise to His brethren, but without sin. (Heb 4:15)

Jesus was in the desert – much like the Shittim trees that grow in the Wilderness  – and did not bend, nor did He break when faced with temptation.

Just like these trees grow in desolate and dry places – providing shade from the desert sun – so Jesus is our shelter in the wilderness – our covering.

Another interesting ‘point’ – mind the pun – has to do with the thorny nature of the tree. As Charles Loder shares: “shittîym comes from שׁטֵט shôtêt “to pierce” (Strong’s #7850), for Christians, therefore, Shittim may hint to the piercing of Christ on the cross and his crown of thorns. The root verb also means to whip and scourge, another feature of Christ’s trial and crucifixion.” 

A last inference I would like to share comes from the fact that the shittah tree is a source of gum arabic – which is used for a variety of products, but also has medicinal effects.

Just like medicine can be taken from this tree, so also healing is found in Christ. 

He is our healer, our shelter – the One pierced for our transgressions and scourged for our iniquity – the Mighty One who saves. He is our strength in weakness. The Perfect and Spotless Lamb of God, incorruptible and holy. Steadfast and unchanging – His love is unyielding and eternal. 

Reflect:

  1. How does the Shittim wood and the symbolism thereof speak of Christ in us? What does this mean in the life of the believer?
  2. What does it mean to be incorruptible? How much of this quality do you possess? Is there any way in which we  – through the practice of Spiritual Disciplines – can bolster our faith to be more resistant to drought, decay and the insects of temptation?

Prayer: Lord, be my strength in weakness. Just like shittim wood is strong and resistant to decay, strengthen me against temptation, keep me standing in times of trouble, and preserve me in trial and tribulation so that I may endure to the very end and have eternity with You. Let me find rest in Your unfailing and unyielding love. Be my shelter in the wilderness of life and let me abide in You forever. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Understanding Step 4: Moral Inventory

Understanding Step 4: Moral Inventory

by | Aug 27, 2024 | 12 Steps, Counselling, Finding Help, Therapeuo

“Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

Step 4, Alcoholics Anonymous

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.”

Lamentations 3:40

The spiritual principle behind the 4th Step is COURAGE.

To look at oneself in the mirror of introspection can be challenging, and even painful. It is to peel back the layers of the onion, one at a time, to get to the roots of our ‘stinking thinking’ and behaviour.

While many have overcomplicated this step, it is actually quite simply the process of making a list – looking at our weaknesses and defects of character. This list of weaknesses will become a source of strength in the future.

It gives us a birds eye view of what we need to work on in the future – the facets of our life that need to be surrendered to God. The list itself does not change anything, this step does not change anything – but it gives us a better idea of what our healing process should look like in the future.

It is best to be honest with oneself in doing this step – the more brutally honest you can be with yourself, the better. 

It is also important not to delay the process. Some of us, in attempting this step the first time, struggled because we wanted to justify our behaviour, or – on the flip side –  wanted the list to be as comprehensive as possible. There is no need to strive for perfection here – just progress.

Whether your list is a few lines or a few pages – it doesn’t matter –  just get it out on paper!

Step 4 is all about taking responsibility, owning your weakness – and identifying your negative thoughts, actions and feelings. 

In doing this step we also look at our strengths – our character assets.

What are you doing right? What Spiritual Principles are you applying? And how can I do more of these things in the future?

The end result, if we are honest with ourselves, will be a list that allows us to examine our tendencies towards fear, resentment, pride, guilt, shame, selfpity, secrets, sex and relationships. 

It will give us a better idea of who we are coming into recovery and give us a goal to work towards – as we strive to let go of past hurt and resentments, as we work on practising spiritual principles, and lean in towards becoming a better version of ourselves.

God is faithful to forgive – He teaches us about forgiveness throughout His Word. 

One of the things we need to learn from Him is the concept of forgiveness. We need to learn to forgive ourselves, as He forgives, and also those who might’ve hurt us.

This inventory lays the foundation for the process of recovery going forward.

It might feel like a daunting task, and many of us don’t know where to begin. 

In saying this I have included a few links to resources that might help you get started:

This 4th Step Guide is a questionnaire designed specifically to help with doing your inventory – exploring certain facets of your childhood, adolescence and adulthood – it is a helpful tool for getting through step 4.

Chapter 5 of the Big Book also gives us more information on personal inventory and the importance thereof.

In my own recovery I found the NA Step Working Guide to be a valuable resource – the Step 4 guide starts on page 27.

I would urge you to be kind to yourself in this process – be honest and open minded – and above all, don’t be afraid. 

You can do this!

Prayer: Lord, as I go into Step 4 please help me set aside any judgement and any need to justify my behaviour. Let me be open and honest with myself. Help me go about this task fearlessly as I look at my life and help me see which parts of myself I have yet to give to You. In Jesus Name. Amen.

If you need any help or have any questions, you are welcome to reach out to me: andre@adlabuschagne.co.za / 0653703806 – we want to journey with you!

 

Walking With Jesus Part 4: Political Language (Mark 1:14-15)

Walking With Jesus Part 4: Political Language (Mark 1:14-15)

by | Aug 26, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news (Gospel)  of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Mark 1:14-15, NIV

After coming out of the wilderness, Jesus starts preaching a very simple message.
Repent. The Kingdom has come near.

The Bible says that Jesus was preaching good news. The word used in the Greek here is ‘euaggelion’. In the pagan Greco-Roman world this word had very specific connotations.

There exists, for example, an ancient inscription from somewhere between 9 and 6 BC called the Priene Calendar Inscription. This inscription marks Caeser Augustus’ birthday as the beginning of the ‘gospel’ of his kingdom.

‘Euaggelion’ was often used to indicate an announcement of celebration – most commonly in political and military settings – to celebrate a conquest, or the coming of a kingdom – specifically the announcement of the arrival of a kingdom (especially a divine authority) that brings with it SALVATION from DESTRUCTION for all who would pledge allegiance to it.

Jesus came proclaiming exactly such a gospel. The Gospel of His Kingdom.     

The word for Kingdom used in Mark 1:15 is basileia which according to Strong’s refers to: kingship, sovereignty, authority, rule, especially of God, both in the world, and in the hearts of men; hence: kingdom, in the concrete sense.

Jesus came proclaiming the Kingdom come.

When we say the Kingdom is at hand it is not a Kingdom on the way, but rather the Kingdom close enough to touch.          

Jesus comes and starts preaching – a revolutionary message – declaring that the Kingdom has come and urging us to repent and believe in this good news – to take this declaration seriously. Jesus comes to confuse the norms; He comes to interrupt the status quo. His followers, those listening to His message, were quite familiar with the term ‘kingdom’. They had heard of the kingdom of Herod, they were familiar with the kingdom of Rome, but now they are introduced to a new kingdom – the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. He comes to bring us a revolution – to overthrow the ruler of this world, and to establish His throne and dominion in the earth.

We understand that there were many sects within Judaism waiting for a militant Messiah – a warrior-king, much like David, who would bring military conquest and the overthrow of their oppressors. This is what many expected from God’s gospel.

But they had the wrong ‘oppressors’ in mind – they had their eyes set on temporary tyrants and human empires.

Jesus very much came preaching a revolution. A revolution of the heart and mind. This is where He longs to establish His rule – to overthrow and dethrone the tyrants of sin and death.

His Gospel is first and foremost accompanied by the word ‘repent’. In the Greek, the word used here is metanoeō (G3340 in the Strong’s concordance), and can be defined as follows:
to think differently or afterwards, that is reconsider. (Strong’s)

The proper definition of metanoeō therefore is to have a change of mind – it does not just imply a sense of regret, but rather a call to action, calling us – not to just stop sinning – but to start thinking differently. Calling us to be transformed through the renewing of our minds. Paul admonishes us over and over to be imitators of Christ. We must adopt the mind of Christ.

This is true repentance – becoming one with Christ. Being united with Christ and the change of mindset that comes with it.

This is what Christ was encouraging all who heard His preaching:

1. The Kingdom of God, the rule and reign of the Lord has come through the birth of Jesus Christ.
2. Repent – change the way you think to align with this Kingdom and its principles.
3. Believe the Gospel – entrust your life – pledge allegiance to receive salvation from judgement.

Jesus says ‘the time has come.’ The word for ‘time’ here is ‘Kairos’ referring to a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a strategic and crucial action. A decisive, opportune moment.

The time is now. The time for you to encounter the Kingdom of God is now. Don’t wait. Take action today.

Reflect:

1. ‘Metanoeō’ means to change your thinking – not just your actions. How does this affect your definition of repentance? How will changing your thinking affect your tendency to sin? Would it have any other effect on the way you live, besides in regards to sin and temptation? What would it look like to have the mind of Christ?

2. Christ preached the Kingdom Come. He promised us – in this – a spiritual, military-like conquest and salvation from destruction. He asked us to believe – in this context, to entrust our lives and pledge allegiance to this Kingdom – what does it mean to believe? What does it mean to entrust our lives and pledge allegiance? Is it as simple as just having a bit of faith and confessing it? Or do you think Jesus encourages something more?

Prayer: Lord, I am not content with merely being a citizen in Your Kingdom. Help me Lord to live a life worthy of the One You gave by being an ambassador of Your Kingdom. Lead me Lord, to not only be a hearer but a doer. Let my faith be reflected in action. Let my thinking be changed, I ask for the Mind of Christ. Transform my thinking, and through that, transform my life and the lives of those around me. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Here I Am, Send Me Part 3: Pushing Through (Faith)

Here I Am, Send Me Part 3: Pushing Through (Faith)

by | Aug 22, 2024 | Articles, Called, Discover Your Ministry, Here I Am, Send Me, The Pattern

In the previous reading we examined Abraham and the concepts of Faith and Action briefly. Now, let us consider Moses.

Both of these examples – Moses and Abraham – were men called at different times in the history of Israel for different reasons – called for a specific reason, time and place.

Moses was called to act as the saving arm of God – to lead the Israelites out of their Egyptian captivity.

Let’s examine Moses.

His name means “Saved from Water”. I am always astounded by the Biblical names and what they mean – a name, in Jewish culture it would seem, means a lot.

His name is perfect since it serves as a testimony to the fact of who he is – he was saved from a watery death, taken up from the Nile where he was drifting in his basket, by the Pharaoh’s daughter.

It all went down like this:

Up until the death of Joseph – who you might remember as the guy in the Technicolor dreamcoat – the Israelites were pretty happy, growing strong and numerous, apparently making up quite a large part of the Egyptian population. Unfortunately, after Joseph and his generation had died out, a new Pharaoh arose, one who did not know Joseph, and he saw the Israelites as a threat.

And so the children of Israel were plunged into slavery, drawn into a situation of oppression and tyranny. In Ex 1:8-14 we find that they were ‘afflicted’ with ‘heavy burdens’. They became the menial workforce, God’s chosen people building cities for a heathen king. We also find, in v. 12 that the more the Israelites were oppressed, the more they multiplied, and the Egyptians feared them. So, in Ex 1:15-22: the Pharaoh institutes a decree, declaring that all the sons born to the Hebrews are to be cast into the Nile.

Moses is born after the decree has been set, and his mother kept him for three months before letting him go. Pharaoh’s daughter found him and adopted him as her own. By God’s providence (divine intervention) the adversary was ultimately brought down by his own daughter.

When Moses had come of age and was a man he became aware of his people’s suffering, became aware of their burden, and after killing an Egyptian, and Pharaoh finding out about his transgression, he fled to Midian, and took a wife (Zipporah, daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian).

Exodus 2:23-25 (KJV)

23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto [them].

In the ESV that last part reads: God saw the people of Israel – and God knew. God not only knew their situation but also knew how He was going to deliver them…

Meanwhile, while the people of Israel were groaning and grumbling, Moses was tending to the flock of his father-in-law. He led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. The angel of the Lord appeared to Him, in the form of burning bush, and Moses went to investigate. When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, he started a dialogue with Moses, and the promise of salvation was made.

Exodus 3:21-22: (KJV)

And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put [them] upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

After much doubt and a spot of low self-esteem, Moses returns to Egypt. The Lord tells Aaron to meet him in the wilderness, and they met at the mountain of God. Moses shared everything with Aaron, and together they went before the elders of Israel. Israel believed and worshipped God!

Moses and Aaron then went before Pharaoh, and confronted him. Pharaoh is angered and increases the workload of the Israelites, causing much doubt and irritation. The people of Israel are now angry, and Moses is made fully aware of their resentment. Moses also starts questioning the purpose God has for him, and the promise of deliverance.

Our God is an awesome God, in the face of adversity His people prosper! God reassures Moses and once again reaffirms the promise of salvation.

The two brothers once again went before Pharaoh. Pharaoh, on this occasion, seeks proof, and demands a sign. Aaron cast down his staff before Pharaoh and his servants and it became a serpent.

The magicians of Egypt however duplicated this effect, also turning their staffs into serpents, but God is all-powerful and none can stand before Him. Aaron’s staff swallowed their staffs.

The fact that Aaron’s serpent devoured the others can be seen as a sign to the probably arrogant magicians, something along the lines of – ‘my God is bigger than your god…’

Pharaoh, however, still refused to heed their request, and his heart was hardened. So began the ten plagues in Egypt. During the first nine Pharaoh continued to disobey and lie, and after the final plague he gave in, his will broken, he chased them from Israel. In Exodus 3:21-22 the promise is made and in Exodus 11:2 it is fulfilled – Israelites are given favor in the eyes of the Egyptians. God makes a distinction between the Israelites and the people of Egypt, and The Passover is instituted.

After all that had to be done was done, at midnight, the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the

land of Egypt. Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and told them to take their people and leave. Thus the children of Israel journeyed, and eventually (approximately two months after they took their leave from Egypt), arrived at Mount Sinai.

What strikes me as the most important thought here, after we read the success story, this tale of victory, is his reluctance to serve the Lord and his ongoing doubts and fears throughout. God appears to him and says – Moses, you are going to free my people!

But Moses replies, and eloquent as ever says: Huh? Me?

But the Lord won’t relent and continues – Moses, you will go before Pharaoh and you will convince him to let my people go.

Moses asks: But, Lord, who am I to go to Pharaoh? (And we can almost hear the doubt and fear in his voice.)

The Lord, faithful as ever answers: I will be with you.

In a sense God is saying – be still and know I am God, I am with you – there’s no reason for fear, no reason to be afraid. You are my representative and you will speak nothing but My word – don’t fret, don’t fear, just do what I command you to do – My plan is fail safe and fool-proof. My plan is prosperous.

And Moses, still doubtful and fearing, cries out – Lord, they will not believe me! They will call me a liar!

He’s looking for excuses as his heart cries out saying – I am just a man – with flaws and failures, I can’t do it!

The Lord however says: What is in your hand?

And all Moses has is a rod, a staff… the Lord then goes on to show him how He can use the mundane and ordinary to be extraordinary and miraculous.

All Moses has is a mustard seed of faith – taking a chance – believing the promise of God: I WILL BE WITH YOU. A little bit of faith that God can use the mundane and ordinary to do extraordinary and miraculous things.

Tonight the Lord is saying – It doesn’t matter who you are. Whether you’ve been a liar or an absolute saint, whether you’ve been a thief or a priest – I can use what you have for MY glory.

He says, bring you sorrow, bring your pain, your brokenness – I will use it to establish Myself as the Mighty Savior, the Name above all Names – I will use your flaws and failures, your scars and wounds, to change your life and bless you and those around you.

I have a plan for you, and you don’t have to be afraid, because I know who you are – I am fully aware of what you are and aren’t capable of, and My plan is tailored specifically and uniquely for you.

Take the little bit of faith that you have in your hand right now – that mustard seed of faith – and watch God multiply and increase it through your trust and obedience.

Do as Moses did and have some faith – push through your doubt and fear – put your trust in the One who say ‘I AM’, because ‘HE IS’ everything!

Reflect:

1. What doubts and fears do you have at the moment in regards to your calling? In Exodus 3 and Joshua 1 God makes a very specific promise to His servants. What is this promise and how does this answer your doubts? How does this still your fear?

2. Are there any other promises in God’s Word that you can hold onto to bolster your faith and carry you through? Make a list of these promises and put it somewhere you can see it and be reminded of it daily.

3. When it comes to taking action in regards to our calling it can seem overwhelming at first – we can see the Promised Land of God’s Call, but we often don’t know where to begin. God tells Moses to use what is in his hand. What do you have in your hand right now? This could be resources, contacts, knowledge, skills, talents – even your testimony – what do you have that you can use to make a difference today?

Prayer: Today Lord, give me the assurance that You are with me. Quiet me with Your great love – give me peace. I pray that You will direct me – all my resources and all of my efforts – towards fulfilling the calling You have prepared for me. Show me what it is I can do for You today. Let me be an instrument of Your love and mercy, an ambassador of Your Kingdom, in all of my coming and going – in Jesus Name. Amen.