Day 26

Exodus 2:11–3:22; Matthew 17:10-27; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 5:7-14

MOSES GREW UP with an identity crisis. We’ll see that show up from time to time as we get to know him. He was rescued from drowning in the Nile River by Pharaoh’s daughter and was partially raised by his own mother. He was ethnically Hebrew —a slave —but was treated and educated like an Egyptian royal. This internal conflict led to his downfall in today’s reading. Moses murdered an Egyptian, and the next day, his fellow Hebrews ridiculed him for it. When Pharaoh was informed, he wanted to kill Moses, which forced Moses to run for his life.

Eventually, Moses settled in a distant land and pursued a new life. He married and became a shepherd —until God stepped in. One day, Moses saw a bush that was aflame but was not being consumed.

“Moses!” God said from the bush, startling Moses.*

“Here I am!” Moses replied.

This simple exchange encapsulates a posture that we absolutely must master if we are to truly find stability and comfort in our faith journey. This simple call-and-response is a massive turning point in the Bible. We’re certainly still following the story of a people set apart and a Promised Land that began with Abraham. But the story is about to move into high gear —and it all began with a simple response: “Here I am!”

The ensuing conversation between God and Moses revealed that the cry of the people had been heard and that God was on the move. Moses was instructed to return to Egypt and inform the people. He was then to demand the release of the Hebrews from Pharaoh himself.

Moses argued that the Hebrew people would never believe such a thing —and that they would certainly not believe in Moses as the messenger. “Who am I supposed to tell them sent me?” he asked (Exodus 3:13).*

“I AM WHO I AM,” was God’s reply.

When the Great I Am calls, let’s be paying attention. Whenever we answer His call, freedom is directly in front of us.

PRAYER:

You brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast. I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born.