Destined to Deliver: Moses, The Man God Chose

 Destined to Deliver: Moses, The Man God Chose

The story of Moses is a profound epic of divine calling and human response. While God's sovereign choice initiated the Exodus, Moses' character, forged through unique experiences, reveals qualities that positioned him not just strategically, but spiritually, for this monumental task.

Born Hebrew, raised Egyptian, and exiled as a shepherd, Moses possessed unparalleled insight. Yet, it was more than circumstance. His early passion for justice, seen when he defended a fellow Hebrew (Exodus 2:11-12), showed a heart aligned with God's concern for the oppressed. Later, despite his high Egyptian learning, the Bible describes him as uniquely humble: "Moses was very humble, more than anyone else on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3). Though initially hesitant, questioning God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" (Exodus 3:11), he ultimately obeyed. This blend of humility, a heart for justice, and developing faithfulness—Hebrews 3:5 calls him "faithful in all God's house"—helps us understand why God entrusted him with such a mission and communicated with him "face to face, as one speaks to a friend" (Exodus 33:11).

God authenticated Moses' call with powerful signs. A key example was Aaron's staff turning into a serpent before Pharaoh. When Egyptian magicians replicated this, Aaron's serpent swallowed theirs (Exodus 7:8-13). This dramatically symbolized that God's power, wielded through His chosen servant, was overwhelmingly superior to Egypt's magic and deities.

Pharaoh's resistance led to ten devastating plagues, targeted judgments demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy over Egypt's gods and Pharaoh's claims:

• 1. Water Turned to Blood: Attacked Nile gods (Hapi, Osiris) & Egypt's lifeline.
• 2. Frogs: Mocked the fertility goddess (Heqet).
• 3. Gnats/Lice: Defied magicians ("finger of God").
• 4. Flies: Showed God could discriminate, sparing Goshen.
• 5. Livestock Pestilence: Struck wealth & animal deities (Hathor, Apis).
• 6. Boils: Afflicted people/animals, challenging healing gods (Isis).
• 7. Hail & Fire: Judged sky/weather gods (Nut, Seth).
• 8. Locusts: Devastated crops, attacking agriculture gods (Osiris).
• 9. Darkness: Assaulted the sun god (Ra) & Pharaoh's divine status.
• 10. Death of the Firstborn: Judged Pharaoh & Egypt's future, leading to release.

Each plague systematically dismantled Egypt's spiritual and political foundations, revealing the God of Israel as supreme.

Moses' life demonstrates how God prepares His chosen leaders. His unique background provided strategic advantage, while his character—marked by humility, faithfulness, a passion for justice, and intimate communion with God—made him a vessel fit for divine purpose. The signs and plagues confirmed God's overwhelming power, validating the mission He entrusted to His remarkable servant, Moses.