The Jesse Tree: Day 8
MOSES
Moses’ story starts in chaos. He was born into a world where Pharaoh had issued a death sentence on newborn Israelite boys like him. Not exactly the best start. But his mother hides him, and when that no longer works, she acts in reckless faith, placing her baby in a basket and sending him down a river, praying for God’s protection. A prayer God answers, as Pharaoh’s daughter finds him, has compassion, and raises him as her own.
For a while, life seems quite peachy for Moses, until he kills an abusive Egyptian and is forced to flee as Pharaoh once again wants him dead. For decades, he shepherds in the wilderness, marries, has kids, and tries to forget his past.
Then comes the burning bush. A bush that burns, but doesn’t burn up. Moses approaches. And God speaks, sharing with Moses his plan of salvation for the Israelite people.
God’s plan? Moses. Deliver the people, go to Pharaoh, and lead an entire nation out of slavery. And Moses’ response is, “No thanks.”
When God calls, our first instinct is often fear or doubt. We know our weaknesses, our failures, our track record. Moses’ resume? Murderer, fugitive, wandering shepherd. Not exactly “national leader” material. But God says:
For a while, life seems quite peachy for Moses, until he kills an abusive Egyptian and is forced to flee as Pharaoh once again wants him dead. For decades, he shepherds in the wilderness, marries, has kids, and tries to forget his past.
Then comes the burning bush. A bush that burns, but doesn’t burn up. Moses approaches. And God speaks, sharing with Moses his plan of salvation for the Israelite people.
God’s plan? Moses. Deliver the people, go to Pharaoh, and lead an entire nation out of slavery. And Moses’ response is, “No thanks.”
When God calls, our first instinct is often fear or doubt. We know our weaknesses, our failures, our track record. Moses’ resume? Murderer, fugitive, wandering shepherd. Not exactly “national leader” material. But God says:
I will be with you- Exodus 3:12
That’s what matters. Not Moses’ skill, not his experience, not his charisma. God is with him. And that changes everything.
Advent reminds us of the same truth. Because of Jesus, Emmanuel, God is with us. Just like God was with Moses, guiding him, equipping him, calling him into impossible work, God comes into our world in Jesus; into our mess, our fear, and our failures.
This Advent, remember: you don’t need to have it all together to be used by God; you simply need His presence. The same God who spoke from a burning bush and led Israel out of slavery is the same God walking with those who are in Christ Jesus today.
Advent reminds us of the same truth. Because of Jesus, Emmanuel, God is with us. Just like God was with Moses, guiding him, equipping him, calling him into impossible work, God comes into our world in Jesus; into our mess, our fear, and our failures.
This Advent, remember: you don’t need to have it all together to be used by God; you simply need His presence. The same God who spoke from a burning bush and led Israel out of slavery is the same God walking with those who are in Christ Jesus today.
Pause to reflect
Are you hesitating because you feel unqualified, unready, or too broken?
What would happen if you leaned into God’s presence instead of your own ability?
In this Advent season, let's watch for the ways God is with us, guiding, strengthening, and calling us to participate in the impossible work of His kingdom.
What would happen if you leaned into God’s presence instead of your own ability?
In this Advent season, let's watch for the ways God is with us, guiding, strengthening, and calling us to participate in the impossible work of His kingdom.
Lord, when life feels chaotic, and I feel unqualified, remind me that You are with me. As You were with Moses, be with me now. Lead me, guide me, and let Your presence be my confidence. Amen.
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