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God’s Word for Life

New Devotionals

As we open a new quarter of teaching at New Life Rector, we have brand new devotionals for everyone this morning!

If you got off track last quarter on the devotional or the bible reading plan at the top, start fresh and let God speak to you every day through His Word!

New Series: The Revelation of God

In our new series, “The Revelation of God,” we will look at four different places in Scripture that reveal who God is. And we are going to let the Word show us God’s majesty and power.

Today, our title is “Commissioned By God”, and we will focus our eyes on Exodus 3.

Lesson Connection

There was a young man who had just recently been converted. He knew the Lord had called him to a certain ministry, but he had no idea what the details of that were. All he knew was that he needed to prepare. So, being about college age and new to the faith, he asked his pastor to help him find the best fit for college, one that would prepare him for his calling. He made his selection and worked hard until the fall semester to be sure he was financially able to pursue a theology education.

As he went on this journey, he began to understand the Lord was also calling him to pursue a business education followed by seminary. People - well-wishers - asked questions and became discouraging of it. But for him, the calling was sure; he took the dive into this education plan that lasted more than a decade. It was a unique decision that confused many. But it truly did prepare him for his calling.

His Bible college experience grounded him in the faith. The business degree helped him manage his ministry with good business principles and gave him the needed understanding to have a bi-vocational ministry. The seminary experience gave him the credentials he needed to become a military chaplain, ministering to those who suffered from moral injury after taking human lives in combat. Then, the military sent this chaplain back to college for a counseling degree, leading to a license as a counselor, as well.

But at the beginning of this long journey, this young man never could have dreamed of the ministry the Lord had called him to. God uniquely qualified him with a total of eleven years of college and firsthand mentoring by great Apostolic leaders.

All of that really happened. And it was a unique calling that required unique preparation for a unique ministry.

Moses’ Great Commission

After leaving Egypt, Moses lived the next forty years with honor and integrity. He was faithful to his father-in-law, faithful to God, and faithful to his family.

But he got here through some odd circumstances. God didn’t ask Moses to murder the Egyptian who was fighting his Hebrew brother, but because of this incident, God put Moses in a place where God could use him for His glory.

God prepares the heart for divine engagement.

A Turning Point in Israel’s History

So something was changing for Israel, here.

Israel had for a long time enjoyed the benefits of living in the land of Goshen. Remember Goshen??? It was a prime land for farming and ranching. For many years they had enjoyed this privilege because of Joseph, who had favor with Pharaoh.

But, God knew that one day a pharaoh “which knew not Joseph” would eventually come to the throne of Egypt and would enslave the Hebrew population (Exodus 1:8). God also knew that 430 years after the Israelites entered Egypt, Moses would lead them out of Egypt.

So what appeared to be a Hebrew shepherd having a conversation with a flaming bush was actually a turning point in Israel’s history, as well as the world’s history.

The smallest moments in the presence of God will send ripples through our world!

God Spoke to Moses

So, Moses is shepherding his flock on Mount Sinai, and God speaks to him. God informs Moses that this was a significant occasion and that the ground upon which he stood was holy.

Exodus 3:5–6 NKJV

5 Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” 6 Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.

He had been pampered as royalty in Egypt, receiving the best training as a youth that was possible, enjoyed the best of health, and had extraordinary writing and leadership ability… and with all of that, now he had a humble response:

Exodus 3:11 NKJV

11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”

And God then assured him that not only would he be successful, but he and the Hebrew nation would one day worship on the very mountain he was standing on.

Again - just a small moment here on the mountain with a burning bush - but how you respond in small moments with God is going to determine the if the greatest moments take place or not!

God Equipped Moses

But here’s what’s really important to understand… God not only spoke to Moses - He equipped Moses for what He was calling him to!

Whether Moses felt overwhelmed, unworthy, or simply compelled to be humble in the presence of God, we can’t really be sure. Moses made several objections to the Lord, and the Lord quickly responded to each one.

“Who am I?” Moses objected. The Lord stated:

Exodus 3:12 NKJV

12 So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

Moses again objected, “Who shall I say sent me?” The Lord came back at that with a revelation for him: “I AM THAT I AM.” And he identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:14-15).

And, you know, Moses, let me assure you that the children of Israel are going to listen to you. But Pharaoh… Pharaoh will be stubborn. But that’s okay… because I am going to smite Egypt with all My WONDERS.

Moses raised a few other objections (Exodus 4) and God gave him a short tutorial about features he never realized his shepherd’s rod had, how to cure leprosy, and how to turn water into blood. And then God reminded him of who had made his mouth and tongue.

Sometimes we need God to remind US of just who made OUR mouth and tongue.

And yes, Moses stirred God’s anger, but God was patient with him; eventually Moses accepted his commission.

And the fact is, even though God called Him to something as he walked in, when he walked out he was equipped to get the job done!

God Has Commissioned Us to Lead People Out of the Slavery of Sin

In the same sense as all of this happened with Moses, God has commissioned all of us to lead people out of the slavery of sin and into the promised land.

A lot of times this commission is framed as some sort of individual task, implying that we somehow “win someone to the Lord” on our own. But this thinking doesn’t reflect the Bible, and it’s actually not common practice in our day.

Some people seem to have a gift of evangelism and simply slip their sickly into the harvest and out come sheaves. But the truth is: this appearance and belief can give us a false reality.

There are not specially gifted people among us who can all by themselves regularly lead others to repentance, teach Bible studies, persuade people to be baptized, and influence people to receive the Holy Ghost. They couldn’t do their jobs without a publishing house to create the Bible study, artists to make the charts, businessmen contributing substantial sums of money to a church facility, faithful saints to maintain the church structure, cooks for special events, and those with the gift of hospitality to engage visitors and take them out to eat, and much more!

Everyone’s gifts and talents make the Great Commission happen!

Joshua’s Great Commission

So now let’s move to Joshua for a minute...

Joshua was commissioned by Moses to:

Deuteronomy 31:23 NKJV

23 Then He inaugurated Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”

Another Turning Point in Israel’s History

Moses’ ministry was coming to an end, and he announced that publicly. At 120 years of age, he was no longer capable of leading the fight. We know that Moses was forbidden from personally entering the Promised Land because of an act of disobedience; but he was allowed to see it.

Moses was now charged to hand over the mission to Joshua. No longer was the Promised Land simply a promise - it would soon become a reality under the leadership of Joshua. It was at this moment when both Israel’s focus and leadership changed. What had gotten them to this point would not successfully take them to the next point of their journey. It required a change of leadership.

God Spoke to Joshua

So the Lord spoke to Joshua to engage in a renewal of the covenant of circumcision for the people. They were the generation that would conquer the Promised Land. And Joshua’s willing response prepared the nation for the promise.

Now, check this out… what’s pretty amazing is that the end of Joshua 5 tells us the angel of the Lord was telling Joshua - just like the Lord had told Moses - to loose his shoes because he was standing on holy ground.

He then assured Joshua that the Lord would conquer Jericho, including its king and all the mighty men of valor (Joshua 6:2). And in addition to all of this, He gave Joshua a divine strategy to conquer the city.

God Equipped Joshua

From an early stage of his life, the Lord was equipping Joshua for leadership.

First of all, Joshua was a God-fearing servant to Moses. Joshua had witnessed God speaking face-to-face with Moses in the tabernacle. Joshua then chose to remain in the Tabernacle even after Moses left to return to the camp (Exodus 33:11).

Also, Joshua learned to depend on the Lord for victory. When Aaron and Hur kept Moses’ hands in the air, Joshua and the army of Israel conquered the Amalekites (Exodus 17:10-13).

And another thing, Joshua was a part of the search party that spied out the Promised Land. Out of the twelve spies, only Joshua and Caleb had the faith to align with God’s plan for their future victory (Numbers 14:6-9).

So Joshua’s experiences were preparing him to lead these people into the Promised Land. Again, here is God equipping someone for the commission He has given them!

God Has Commissioned Us to Enter the Land of Promise

And, in fact, everyone is invited to enter into the promised land.

Check this out… as the nation of Israel left slavery in Egypt, we too are invited to repent of our sins and turn away from our old lifestyle. Just as the nation of Israel crossed through the Red Sea, we are invited to receive the name of Jesus in baptism for the remission of our sins. And just as the nation of Israel crossed over Jordan into the Promised Land, we are invited to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!

The lifestyle of Holy Ghost empowerment is symbolized in the Promised Land.

And we can enter our own promised land by obeying what Peter preached in Acts 2:38:

Acts 2:38 KJV 1900

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Great Commission of Jesus’ Disciples

After His resurrection and before to His ascension, Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into the world and “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). The books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record this moment, but they each emphasize different details.

The Various Accounts of the Great Commission

Matthew emphasized baptism and talked about the Godhead.

Mark emphasized baptism as a part of salvation and also spoke of Jesus’ name as the authority for miraculous signs.

Luke’s account emphasized repentance and remission of sins in Jesus’ name.

Jesus Spoke to His Disciples

Jesus spoke to His disciples for forty days after His resurrection and before His ascension. And He talked about how it was essential for Him to be crucified, buried, and then rise from the dead.

He also instructed them to wait for the power to fulfill the Great Commission that would come on the Day of Pentecost. During this time, we notice Jesus gave special attention to peter, ensuring he understood the command to feed God’s flock.

Jesus Equipped His Disciples

And Jesus intentionally equipped His disciples over the course of His ministry.

When He sent them out to minister, they understood the power of His name and divine provision.

When He walked on the water, they understood His power over nature.

When He washed their feet at the Last Supper, they understood His humility.

When He rose from the dead, they finally grasped the point of His death, burial, and resurrection.

After receiving the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, they came into a fullness of understanding that prepared them for building a church that still grows and thrives today!

I Will Fulfill the Great Commission

Earlier, I spoke about how fulfilling the Great Commission is a team effort and that some are more gifted than others to fulfill specific tasks.

No matter our particular gifts, we all can do some basics that I’m about to give you:

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Live a sanctified life that glorifies God.

Be ready to give an account for our faith, pointing people to Acts 2:38.

Display love, kindness, and thoughtfulness in all we do.

Find our gifts and callings, and pursue them with excellence.

And as a team effort, we do all we can together and individually to put the gospel message and its fulfillment in the forefront of people’s hearts and minds.

Conclusion

Internalizing the Message

Though Moses started strong, having received the best training for the most esteemed leaders in his day, it was not a guarantee of success.

Having to run for his life, he spent about 40 years herding sheep. He faithfully engaged his duties and also remained faithful to the Lord. And finally, his day came. I’m sure he encountered significant doubts as to whether he would be able to make any meaningful or significant difference in his day. Still, the Lord granted him another forty years of life and world-changing ministry.

We all struggle with whether we will make a difference or if God will ever open doors for us to be used by Him. “WHEN, GOD? WHEN WILL MY TIME COME???” But when we remain faithful to God and make daily contributions of our time, talent, and resources, the Lord takes note!

Yes, each of us can make a difference in the kingdom of God. The key is being faithful - both individually and collectively - in our talents and giftings.

Has God given you a mind for business? Can you close a sale easier than you can close your front door? In order to keep ministry moving forward, the church needs people who have accumulated financial success and can bless through the gift of giving.

Maybe the Lord has given you an amazing gift for hospitality. Some people have an ability to introduce themselves and make friends instantly. What a great gift for taking guests out to eat after church and plugging them in to new friendships.

Perhaps you can pray for extended periods of time. Your prayers are vital for the health of the church.

Many people have amazing success with giving Bible studies and leading people to repentance and the waters of baptism. Others don’t do well with leading Bible studies, but they are effective altar workers. Some find fulfillment in helping to keep the church clean and maintained, and others would cause more damage than good with a hammer or a wrench! We are all different.

But all of us have amazing gifts to help the kingdom of God flourish. When we become part of a church and plug into areas where we can thrive, we make a difference!

Prayer

Embrace the Great Commission God calls us to fulfill.

Ask the Lord to send laborers into the harvest field.