At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses[b] and was about to kill him.
Exodus 4:24
Chapter 4 of the book of Exodus is a long conversation between God and Moses. However, the content paints a picture of Moses trying very hard to tell God ‘I don’t want to do this job’ and God trying very hard to convince Moses. At some point, you might wonder: why couldn’t God just send someone else? What made Moses so important?
In fact, when Moses finally ran out of excuses he told God, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13). In other words, Moses was saying ‘Lord, how else can I say this, I have tried to be diplomatic in saying no but right now I’m just going to say it, please send someone else!’
In the end, however, Moses came to terms with God and agreed to proceed on this mission. Suddenly, something unexpected happened: “ At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses[b] and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it.[c] “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. So the Lord let him alone. (At that time she said “bridegroom of blood,” referring to circumcision. (Exodus 4:24-26).
Wait a minute! The potential loss of Moses seems like a significant setback after God’s efforts in preparing him for his mission. Was God truly willing to let Moses die because of his son’s uncircumcision? God’s demand for obedience stands higher than any mission, even one of such importance. Paul explained this better by saying “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19 NKJV).
Don’t be fooled by how much God seems to have invested in you. You are important in His mandate but you are neither irreplaceable nor indispensable. The God who formed you has other tools and ways to fulfil his purpose, even better than you. So, as God begins to use you, be sure to keep a humble heart and remain resolutely devoted to his standards. Let’s close today by meditating on the words of this song:
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence;
Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation;
And renew a right spirit within me.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for your interest in me; and your desire to use me. Please help me always remember that I am nothing without you.
