Moses is a great hero of faith, a living legacy who changed the course of history. Under his leadership (and God’s power) an entire people group was freed from slavery without ever lifting a weapon. He brought the people a new concept in governing: the rule of law. This was God’s law and would be higher than any pharaoh or dictator. This governing concept was years ahead of its time (and it’s still used in many parts of the world).
Moses was amazing, and he deeply wrestled with God. When God called him to go to Pharaoh, he asked God to send someone else (Exodus 4:13). He complained to God and questioned his call (Exodus 5:22-23). He learned, though, to trust God and His promises. When Pharaoh’s army was coming to kill the Israelites, Moses told them not to be afraid because God would fight for them (Exodus 14:13-14). He still wrestled with God, mainly because the people he was leading had little faith and lots of grumbling! Moses got angry and frustrated and complained to God – a lot – about the people. He also loved his people and protected them. At the end of his life, Moses went up to a tall hill to see the Promised Land, and God Himself buried Moses, His friend.
I think Moses’s leadership can be summed up as, “Dear God, why me?” Sometimes that was “why did You choose me?” Other times it was, “Why is this happening to me?!” Still, Moses stuck it out; he had grit and he trusted in the Lord. His endurance and faith paved the way for a new chapter in human history. God used Moses to change the world.
It is not easy following God. It is hard because of our selfishness; we want to go our own way and be left alone when God wants us to go His way and use us to make a true contribution to the world. It is also hard because God is different than we are; He is so good and so strong – following Him changes us and stretches us. He loves us and knows it is hard; He invites us to wrestle with Him. Like Moses, we can complain, cry out, and question. Like Moses, we are invited to keep following, even with our struggles, and let God use us to truly make a difference.
