Called to Go: The Reluctant Mission of Moses

Call to Worship: Psalm 47

Psalm 47 NKJV

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. He will subdue the peoples under us, And the nations under our feet. He will choose our inheritance for us, The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah God has gone up with a shout, The Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. The princes of the people have gathered together, The people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.

Reading 1: Acts 16:16-34

Acts 16:16–34 NKJV

Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

Reading 2: Rev 22:12-21

Revelation 22:12–21 NKJV

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Reading 3: John 17:20-26

John 17:20–26 NKJV

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

Intro:

Bible Passage: Exodus 4:18–31

God calls His people to step out in faith, often amidst reluctance, opposition, and the need for covenant obedience.

In Exodus 4:18-31, Moses transitions from hesitation to action, receiving God’s promise and facing a life-or-death lesson in obedience. This passage not only narrates Israel’s deliverance but also points to Christ, our ultimate Deliverer. Through Moses’ journey, we learn how to respond to God’s call in our lives today.

Remember, God does not call the equipped but equips the called. Just as He empowered Moses, He empowers believers today to fulfill His plans despite their hesitations and fears.

Big Idea: God empowers the reluctant to fulfill His purpose, overcoming personal insecurities with His divine presence and guidance.

1. Moses' Moment of Reluctance

Exodus 4:18–20 NKJV

So Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” Now the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go, return to Egypt; for all the men who sought your life are dead.” Then Moses took his wife and his sons and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

Explanation (Grammatical-Historical Perspective):

Context:

v. 18 - Moses makes his request.

After his encounter with God at the burning bush (Exod. 3:1–4:17), Moses seeks permission from Jethro, his father-in-law, to return to Egypt (v. 18).

He still shows courtesy toward his father in law.

We aren’t sure if Moses shared any details of his call and mission.

His request to “see whether they are still alive” may reflect caution or humility, masking his divine commission.

Jethro releases him with the blessing, “go in peace”

V. 19 God reassures Moses that those seeking his life are dead (v. 19), removing barriers to his obedience.

V. 20 Moses begins his journey with his wife, sons, and the “rod of God” (v. 20), symbolizing divine authority.

Wife- Zipporah

Sons- Gershom and Eliezer

Historical Setting: Moses’ 40-year sojourn in Midian reflects a period of preparation, and his return to Egypt marks a pivotal step in God’s redemptive plan. The rod connects to shepherd imagery, common for leaders in the ancient world (Ps. 23:4).

Psalm 23:4 NKJV

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Connection to Christ: Moses’ reluctant obedience and humble journey on a donkey prefigure Jesus, who humbly rode into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:5) to fulfill His redemptive mission.

The rod of God symbolizes Christ’s authority over creation and evil (Matt. 28:18), empowering His work of salvation.

Illustration: In 2015, a young woman named Katie Davis Majors left her comfortable life in Tennessee to serve as a missionary in Uganda, adopting 13 orphaned girls. Initially reluctant, fearing the unknown, she stepped out in faith after sensing God’s call. Her obedience, like Moses’, led to a transformative ministry (Kisses from Katie, Katie Davis Majors, 2011). This story illustrates how God uses reluctant servants who trust His provision.

Applications for Today’s World:

Perhaps we see in Moses' initial steps back towards Egypt the weight of responsibility and doubt. It reminds us that even great biblical figures experienced hesitation, allowing us to relate to our own struggles with confidence.

Moses' journey, perhaps reluctantly begun, parallels the Christian journey of faith where trust is placed in God rather than in personal strength.

Seek Counsel: Like Moses consulting Jethro, believers should seek wisdom from godly mentors or family before major decisions (Prov. 15:22).

Proverbs 15:22 NKJV

Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

Trust God’s Timing: God’s assurance to Moses (v. 19) reminds us to trust His removal of obstacles in His perfect timing.

2. Message of Promise

Exodus 4:21–23 NKJV

And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.” ’ ”

Explanation (Grammatical-Historical Perspective):

V. 21- God instructs Moses to perform wonders before Pharaoh, warning that He will harden Pharaoh’s heart, leading to resistance (v. 21).

God was at work in the world.

Yes, He was going to lead Israel from bondage, but He also had a plan to show He truly was God. He was going to judge Egypt for the mistreatment of HIs people and display His power over all of their Gods.

V. 22 - God declares Israel as His “firstborn son” (v. 22), demanding Pharaoh let them go to serve Him,

V. 23- with the consequence of losing his own firstborn if he refuses (v. 23).

Pharoah would be warned, yet still would refuse to let Israel go and reap the consequences of his disobedience.

The Hebrew verb used here chazaq (“harden”) suggests God strengthens Pharaoh’s resolve, aligning with his rebellious choices, not overriding his will.

As we move forward through Exodus, we will see many times where the text revisits this hardening. Sometimes, it will say Pharaoh hardened his own heart and sometimes God hardened it.

It is a balanced dance of God’s omniscience (knowing all things) and His omnipotence (having all power to DO all things)

The “firstborn” motif ties to covenant theology (Gen. 17:7) and foreshadows the Passover (Exod. 12).

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn held supreme status.

God’s claim over Israel as His firstborn asserts His authority over Egypt’s gods and Pharaoh’s lineage, setting the stage for a cosmic confrontation.

Connection to Christ: Israel as God’s “firstborn” prefigures Christ, the true Son (Matt. 2:15; Hos. 11:1).

Hosea 11:1 NKJV

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.

The threat against Pharaoh’s firstborn points to the cross, where Christ’s death redeems humanity from spiritual bondage, fulfilling God’s promise of deliverance.

Illustration: A 2023 news article reported a Ukrainian pastor who, amidst war, boldly shared God’s promise of hope with his congregation, despite Russian occupation threatening his life (Christianity Today, “Ukrainian Pastors Preach Under Occupation,” March 2023). Like Moses, he declared God’s sovereignty in the face of oppression, trusting in divine promises.

Applications for Today’s World:

This section highlights God's unwavering plans and promises, emphasizing that human reluctance does not hinder His purposes.

God’s foreknowledge and instruction reassures us that our efforts are part of His larger redemption story, encouraging us to see our role in His sovereign plan as Moses did in delivering the message to Pharaoh.

Proclaim God’s Word: Believers must boldly share God’s truth, even when facing resistance, trusting His promises (2 Tim. 4:2).

2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

Trust God’s Sovereignty: Pharaoh’s hardened heart reminds us that God works through opposition to accomplish His purposes (Rom. 8:28).

3. Mortality and Obedience

Exodus 4:24–26 NKJV

And it came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met him and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at Moses’ feet, and said, “Surely you are a husband of blood to me!” So He let him go. Then she said, “You are a husband of blood!”—because of the circumcision.

Explanation (Grammatical-Historical Perspective):

On the journey, God mysteriously seeks to kill “him” (likely Moses or his son), prompting Zipporah to circumcise her son and cast the foreskin at Moses’ feet, calling him a “husband of blood” (vv. 24-26). This act averts divine judgment.

V. 24 The Hebrew phrase “sought to kill” is ambiguous

Moses was in violation of God’s required sign of the covenant for his children.

V. 25 & V. 26 “husband of blood” (chatan damim) may reflect Zipporah’s frustration or ritual significance.

Circumcision, a covenant sign (Gen. 17:10-14), was neglected, possibly due to Midianite influence, provoking God’s holiness.

Circumcision was essential for covenant inclusion in Israel. Moses’ failure endangered his role as God’s mediator, emphasizing the seriousness of obedience in the ancient covenant context.

This whole strange incident is a moment that underscores the seriousness of covenant obedience.

Connection to Christ: Zipporah’s circumcision, averting wrath, foreshadows Christ’s blood shed on the cross, fulfilling the covenant and securing salvation (Col. 2:11-12).

Colossians 2:11–12 NKJV

In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Jesus’ obedience contrasts with Moses’ lapse, delivering us from death.

Illustration: In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira faced divine judgment for lying about their offering, highlighting God’s demand for obedience. Like Moses’ near-death encounter, their story underscores the consequences of neglecting God’s commands.

Applications for Today’s World:

Obey God’s Commands: Believers must align with God’s standards (e.g., baptism, holiness, etc) to fulfill their calling (John 14:15).

John 14:15 NKJV

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Respond Promptly: Zipporah’s quick action teaches us to address sin or neglect immediately (1 John 1:9).

1 John 1:9 NKJV

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Honor God’s Holiness: This incident reminds us that God’s call requires purity and commitment (1 Pet. 1:15-16).

1 Peter 1:15–16 NKJV

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

4. Meeting of Support

Exodus 4:27–31 NKJV

And the Lord said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went and met him on the mountain of God, and kissed him. So Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which He had commanded him. Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel. And Aaron spoke all the words which the Lord had spoken to Moses. Then he did the signs in the sight of the people. So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.

Explanation (Grammatical-Historical Perspective):

Context:

V. 27- God directs Aaron to meet Moses at Horeb, the “mountain of God” (v. 27). They reunite with a kiss, symbolizing unity,

“kissed” (nashaq) reflects a cultural greeting of affection.

V. 28- Moses shares God’s words and signs (v. 28).

V. 29-31- They gather Israel’s elders, Aaron speaks, and the signs convince the people, who believe and worship

“The people believed” (he’eminu) indicates covenant trust (Gen. 15:6), and “bowed their heads and worshiped” shows submission and gratitude.

They saw God’s answer to their cries for deliverance

The people’s worship marks renewed hope after centuries of slavery.

Connection to Christ: Moses and Aaron’s partnership foreshadows Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, uniting all roles in Himself. The people’s faith and worship prefigure the response to Jesus’ miracles (John 20:30-31) and the church’s unity in Him (John 17:21).

Illustration: In 2024, a church in India rallied around a pastor persecuted for sharing the gospel. The congregation’s unified support, through prayer and advocacy, strengthened his ministry, leading to a revival (Mission Network News, “Indian Church Supports Persecuted Pastor,” January 2024). Like Moses and Aaron, their unity amplified God’s work.

Applications for Today’s World:

Build Supportive Partnerships:

God's assembly of support in Aaron and the elders suggests that divine missions are never meant to be undertaken alone.

Believers should collaborate with others, sharing God’s vision to fulfill His mission (Eccl. 4:9-12).

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 NKJV

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Respond with Worship: Like Israel, believers should worship God for His faithfulness, especially in affliction (Ps. 34:1).

Psalm 34:1 NKJV

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Conclusion

Summary: Exodus 4:18-31 traces Moses’ journey from reluctance to redemption, through divine promises, covenant obedience, and supportive partnerships. Each step points to Christ, who perfectly fulfills God’s call, redeems His people, and unites His church.

Call to Action: Step into God’s call, trusting His promises, obeying His commands, and leaning on His provision through community. Let Christ’s finished work empower you to lead others to freedom.

Citation Details

Scripture: All Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version (NKJV), Thomas Nelson, 1982.

Illustration Sources:

Davis Majors, Katie. Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption. Howard Books, 2011.

“Ukrainian Pastors Preach Under Occupation.” Christianity Today, March 2023. Accessed May 31, 2025, via christianitytoday.com.

“Indian Church Supports Persecuted Pastor.” Mission Network News, January 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025, via mnnonline.org.

“Missionary’s Obedience in Persecution.” Mission Network News, January 2024. Accessed May 31, 2025, via mnnonline.org.

Exegesis Sources:

Stuart, Douglas K. Exodus: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary). B&H Publishing, 2006.

Durham, John I. Exodus (Word Biblical Commentary). Zondervan, 1987.