The Best Way Forward

Introduction: Have you have heard the saying, “The right place at the right time?” What about, “There is a right way and a wrong way to do everything?”

Moses has experienced that and will experience that a little bit more as he makes his way to carry out God’s will for his life as Israel’s deliverer.

1) With The Family’s Blessing

A. Moses receives approval.

Moses takes the time to discuss his departure with Jethro.

What respect Moses had.

This not only shows the respect one should have (he was like a father to him / 40 years), but the support Moses needed to begin his new journey for the Lord.

God’s plan and purposes for the parents is not always the same for their children.

I believe parents make a huge mistake when they frown or discourage their children’s decisions for the Lord when it is no a carbon copy of their own.

I am not speaking of a change in doctrinal position or beliefs, but rather a different appearance.

I am sure he was the only one who would be moving from the home place!

Jethro could have used the old classic approach, “Why can’t you be like the rest of us and stay here?”

Moses was not to be anyone else other than what God had called him to be!!!

Jethro did not even know of Moses’ interaction with God. He simply gave him his support!

2) With God’s Direction

A. God provides safe passage

Notice how God is sovereign over kings (v19)

Between the time Moses killed the Egyptian guard and now, those in high position wanted to kill him!

Listen, the calling of God on our lives is always taking place while kings, presidents, conservative or liberal rulers are in power.

God is working out those details for you to fulfill His calling out in such a way where He receives the most glory. DON’T WASTE GOD’S WORK!

Even things like:

tragic car accident you should have not walked away from.

An illness you should by all means should have died from.

Events that miraculously took place that brought out county to it’s founding.

God is COMPLETELY SOVEREIGN in ALL the affairs of men! TRUST HIM!

B. God prepares Moses for resistance (vv20-21)

God gave Moses all the power he needed to be successful (the rod of God)

Here is the difficult place for many of us: “…but I will harden his heart.”

Now, there is no doubt that Pharaoh has already hardened his heart to the cries of God’s people.

Pharaoh is a lost hard hearted sinner......God has every right to use him for His own glory.

Have you ever done what seemed to be everything God has asked and the result you imagined didn’t pan out?

This encounter with Pharoah was not just about Pharoah.

It was about showing Himself SUPREME over the gods of Egypt.

God will work a plan for your life that you and others might see His SUPREME NATURE.

Quote: Though corruption may object much against the services God calls us to, yet grace will get the upper hand, and will be obedient to the heavenly vision. (Matthew Henry)

3) With Family Unity

A. Marital Unity

Even though Moses’ wife was a monotheist, it is evident she apposed this covenantal sign of circumcision.

The Abrahamic Covenant = the redemption of blood with no confidence in the flesh.

So, here is what most men do; they cower down and stop leading their home.

Moses went forward thinking he would get by with it.

Quote: Moses obviously thought he could get away with this area of disobedience. He just let it slide like many Christian workers do who neglect their own families while trying to fix up other people’s families. (J. Vernon McGee)

A real danger when husbands and wives do not agree completely in spiritual matters.

God struck Moses down in efforts to kill him unless he repented.

Moses’ wife went forward in faith and completed the circumcision to save Moses.

How many wives have served that role before?

4) With A Heart Of Worship

It was Moses’ fear that the Jewish elders would not believe him.

Guess what? THE DID! The WHOLE NATION believed him!

After hearing God’s great concern for them and seeing God’s demonstrated power, they bowed in grateful worship.

Here is exactly why God’s people should never stray from worship; those who sincerely worship God are those who sincerely work for God!!!

Conclusion: So, are you trying to go forward for the Lord in your own way? Are you trusting God’s timing and God’s results? Are you hindering your children from happily serving God? Are you a hinderance too your spouse? If you go forward with a heart of worship, you will have less struggle trusting God and moving forward in the best way!