GOD’S SIGNS TO CONFIRM MOSES’ WORDS

Exo_4:1-9



This wonderful chapter tells us how Moses’ three misgivings were tenderly and sufficiently dealt with by his heavenly Friend. To his first misgiving God made answer by giving him three signs. Here first we meet with that rod which was so often stretched out, over the land of Egypt, over the sea, and during the sojourn in the Wilderness. Moses was but a rod, but what cannot a rod do, if handled by an Almighty hand!

Leprosy was the type of sin, and the cleansed hand suggests God’s marvelous power in cleansing, and so qualifying for service, all who yield themselves to Him. The third sign of the water turned to blood was not less significant, revealing the divine power operating through this feeble human instrument to produce wonderful effects in the world of nature. We must not live on signs, but on the Holy Spirit, though the outward sign reassures and strengthens us.



GOD’S PROMISES OVERCOME MOSES’ RELUCTANCE

Exo_4:10-17



To Moses’ second misgiving God made a promise of exceeding beauty, which all who speak for God should consider. Compare Exo_4:12 with Jer_1:7-9 and 1Co_2:4. If we looked at our natural powers as Paul used to do, we should glory in our lack of eloquence, as affording a better platform on which God might work. See 2Co_12:9-10.

In answer to the third misgiving God gave him his brother as assistant. Indeed, he was already on his way; but he was a weak man, and gave to Moses a great amount of anxiety and pain in their afterlife. After all, it is best for a man to lean only on God for counsel and ready help. If we step forth with this supreme alliance, we shall escape the hampering association with Aarons. We may as well get all we need at first-hand.



MOSES AND AARON ANNOUNCE GOD’S PURPOSE TO ISRAEL

Exo_4:18-31



So often the keenest tests of a man’s fitness for his life-work are furnished by his behavior in his home. It may be that Zipporah had resisted the earlier imposition on her son of the initial rite of the Jewish faith and her proud soul had to yield. No man who has put his hand to God’s plow can take counsel with flesh and blood, or look back. At whatever cost we must set our own house in order, before we can emancipate a nation.

When God designs it, He will contrive for us to meet the man, or men, who are to help us in our life mission. Our paths meet in the Mount of God. When the Alps were bored for the railway track, the work started on either side, and the workers met in the middle. Help is coming to you from unexpected quarters, and will meet you when you need it most.