“Some shepherds drove them away, but Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock.”
Exodus 2:17
In the previous chapter, Moses, who was a Hebrew, had just fled Egypt because he was being hunted by Pharaoh for killing an Egyptian who was beating one of his own, a fellow Hebrew. However, the Hebrews were angry with him for causing trouble and rather than thank him and provide safety, they leaked the story to the Egyptians causing Moses to run.
During his flight , Moses comes to a well to quench his thirst during his long travels. At this well Moses encounters a group of shepherds and another separate group of women whom the shepherds will not let use the well. Here in verse 17 of chapter 2 of the book of Exodus, we see Moses do something unique, stand up for the group of women. Today this would be thought of as chivalry but in these times there would be little benefit for Moses to do so because woman had no rights or privileges accept that granted by men. In fact, this passage is evidence that women had little authority. The women were driven away but Moses was not when he went to get water for the women. This was a common occurrence for the women which is why their father was surprised when they returned “early”.
Moses had a burning conviction to stop the Hebrew slave from being beaten and now again with these women due to his burning desire to free those oppressed by others. It is this burning desire that God uses for his glory. God knew Moses already possessed the quality he needed to free his people. We also see his ability to go against the norm. Standing up for women put him in a bad light with the shepherds, and yet he could have used the help of the shepherds for food and shelter. But his desire for justice was greater than his basic needs. In the end, the women reported back what he had done and he was blessed because of it.
In comparison, that which God may use us for we likely already possess just like Moses. We don’t need any special gifts to start serving but we often think we need to reach some special level of skill before serving. What desires do you have? Look at your talents and ask God how he might use them for his glory.
Also note that with this burning desire within Moses that God used for his Glory, there was a dark side. An anger that Moses could not control. Moses was obviously passionate and let his passion control him. He was passionate when he saw his Hebrew brother beaten, but could not control his anger. With our talents that God can use can also carry with them extra baggage. The sin in our lives mixes with the good we want to do and keeps us from our full potential. As Paul said, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” (Romans 7:15 New Living Translation). This is nothing new. But what can be new is our response to this struggle, to shed everything that hinders and fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12).
Verse 24, “God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham.” Much time had passed since Joseph past away and things became difficult for the Hebrews. But God chose the right time when everything had been brought to its fullness – suffering, Moses’ matured, old pharaoh died. Also during this time, The Israelis learned many skills that would later be used in the construction of the Tabernacle. Their skills were more advanced than other nations they often confronted because of the high skills they learned and passed down while under captivity. God surely remembered them before which is evident by the events that God orchestrated. God is always with us. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul wrote much of the N.T. while in prison. God had a plan for Paul just like he did for Moses despite their own personal short comings.
Believe that God has a plan for you as well. Your greatest gift to the Kingdom may come during times of great struggle in your life. And yet, these are the times we least expect to be used. And maybe like Israel, we may look back and see God’s had a plan all along. Perhaps time needs to pass in your life while you learn new skills. Proverbs says to do what your hands find to do. You may not be doing exactly what you have your sights on, but actively working for the Kingdom within your church and community is always the right thing.
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