What Happens at the Beginning of God’s Mission?

We have heard the commands that were given to Moses. Then we heard the difficulties that Moses was having with those commands and the mission he was given. Finally, after God has given solutions to the issues Moses was having, the mission to deliver Israel from Egyptian enslavement has begun. It is certainly just the beginning, but what happens at the start of God’s Mission?

Remain Respectful (v. 18)

Moses has been called to a noble task to deliver the people of God. However, he doesn’t just take off to Egypt. Instead, he goes to his father in law to ask permission to go to Egypt and tend to his people. This is important for two reasons. First, we find out later in v. 20 that he takes his Zipporah and his sons with him to Egypt. Taking Jethro’s daughter with him was the right thing to do but Moses doesn’t strut off as if he is entitled.

The second reason it is important that Moses goes to Jethro is because he would be abandoning his flock in order to go to Egypt. As a man who was responsible and honorable, He wants to ensure that leaving his work for the Lord’s work is adequately communicated to Jethro.

There is sometimes a bit of superiority in Christians when it comes to doing God’s will. I’ve even heard language before of “never questioning a man of God” but this doesn’t communicate the sort of respect that we ought to have for others. Especially when they, too, are in positions of power.

Just because God has called you to something does not place you on a higher pedestal in the Kingdom than another person. The respect displayed here is important. Next, when setting off on God’s mission, we must

Remember God’s Timing (v. 19)

While we know from Exodus 2:23 that the threat to Moses’ life had been taken care of because the King of Egypt had died, this is, from what we understand, the first time that Moses has received this news. It is interesting, though, that in all of the moments when he pushes off the Lord’s commands, this is never an excuse that is brought up. Yet, it is a reminder for Him, and for us, that the Lord’s timing is always perfect. Moses spent years in Midian just tending sheep for his Father in law, and this could have seemed like it was wasted time. However, the timing was perfect. God wouldn’t have called Moses back to Egypt only to put his life in danger immediately.

We are far too impatient.

As we move next to verses 20 and 21, we should

Use What God Has Given You (v. 20-21)

It should be noted that Moses takes his family with him which is a reminder of his commitment to what God called him to. This was not just a quick trip but rather a mission to free God’s people from their enslavement.

Note with me what God has given Moses that is mentioned in these verses.

The staff of God

The miracles.

It is important that we see here that this is going to be a significant challenge because of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. We discuss this further in future chapters but it is vital to think of God highlighting just how difficult this mission is going to be.

In the next two verses, we are introduced to the concept of “the first-born” that is a theme of much of what goes on in Exodus. Because of that, the next point is that we

Remember That the Lord Has Chosen You as Favored (v. 22-23)

The role of the first-born son here is important to understanding just what this would have meant when spoken to Pharaoh. In this culture, the first born son was important. He would have been first in line to inherit all of the father’s belongings. He would have represented the family if the father was unavailable to do so. He would have been dedicated to the Lord at birth. And he would have served his father until he was old enough for a family of his own.

I hope you can see the parallel there for us as the covenant people of God who were bought by the blood of Jesus, the Son of God. In this case, you and I will inherit the kingdom of heaven. We represent the Lord everywhere we go. We have committed ourselves to Him. And we serve him now through our worship.

It is because the Christian has been chosen for God’s bidding, we should take this seriously and wear it as a badge of honor. We should never shy away from such a calling!

The following verses are some of the more bizarre in the book of Exodus but they convey an important point that we must

Obey God in All Things (v. 24-26)

There is some difficulty here to understand who exactly is almost put to death but it makes sense that if the son of Moses has not yet been circumcised, that he would be the one that the Lord would put to death as this was the commandment in Genesis 17, that they would be cut off from the people.

It is because of this command that Moses wife corrects what was neglected and the life of the boy is spared. We often fail to do some of the most simple things that God has commanded of us and because of that have to right those wrongs.

Moses’ wife goes beyond just circumcising the boy but also touches the foreskin to the foot. While this seems like an odd thing to do, Stuart remarks that the foot was a euphemism for the genitals and was the custom after the circumcision was completed. Following this ceremony, she repeats out loud that the son now bears the sign of the covenant with God.

It is never to late to obey God. Sure, there may be difficulties but He always desires for His people to turn back to Him and do His will.

Next, as we look at verses 27-28, we must keep in mind to

Cherish Those You’re Working With (v. 27-28)

Aaron is told to go and meet Moses in the wilderness. When the two are untied they share an embrace. It is here that Moses relays to Aaron all the he heard from the Lord.

It is easy for you and I to take for granted who God has placed in our lives to do His will with. These are the people in this room. These are you Christian coworkers. These are the missionaries that we partner with. We shouldn’t just tolerate these people. These are people that we ought to cling tightly to, We should pray for one another. We ought to offer our assistance at ever turn and never hesitate to lean on one another.

The next point may seem obvious but

Do What the Lord Has Commanded (v. 29-30)

Looking back at Exodus 3:16, this is the beginning of what God commanded Moses to do. He and Aaron immediately begin doing what God has asked them to do without any sort of hesitation. We ought to take action as soon as the opportunity presents itself, remembering the timing of God. We have been called to be people of action.

Finally, in verse 31, remember that

Worship is Inevitable (v. 31)

After the people believe, they worship God. They are reminded of who the God of the fathers is and recognize that He has come to deliver them.

This morning, we are here worshipping a God who has delivered us!