God wants to teach his chosen people, the Israelites, humility. He wants them to have true humility, without a sense of powerlessness, self-abasement, or shame. This will be a very important lesson for the entire nation as it prepares for life in the promised land.
Israel’s teacher is going to be Moses, the leader whom God has chosen for them. Moses’ job will be not merely to take Israel to a different place on the map but to a different place in their spiritual life. Moses’ task will be to lead Israel to seek the Lord and to seek only him.
What a tremendous teaching responsibility! Israel has a 400-year history in a land of many false gods, so following the one, true God will be a dramatic change of direction for them. The people also have broken human natures that will lead them to think of themselves as the gods of their lives at the first opportunity. Of course, Moses won’t have to do this alone. God promises to be with him. That’s why the elders of Israel will listen to him.
What teaching has God called you to do? Like Moses, we have life lessons that we can pass along to others. As you share important life lessons, you have the opportunity to direct the people around you to rely not on their own strength but to cherish their strengths while relying on God.
Go with God.
Lord, you have taught us to prize, trust, and obey you. In the lessons we share today with others, help us to model your way of living. Amen.
About the author — David Den Haan
Pastor Dave Den Haan has served at Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan, since 1999. Previously he served a church in Minnesota. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children.
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