Originally published Monday, 26 October 2015.
She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.” Exodus 2:10
Moses, she called him. He was drawn out of the water, rescued from danger and death by a compassionate princess. After all, compassion is compelling and pushes us into a response. It forces our eyes open until they burn with tears and aches so deep that we’d like to silence it with apathy.
But brave daughters of Pharaoh resist; they reach out, open baskets, and weep along with the hurt inside.
And, I’d like to ask: Where are the vulnerable situations around us? The humble baskets? The needs? Then we could talk about how to be a rescuer like Pharaoh’s daughter, and that’s appealing and fulfilling and self-gratifying, whether or not we choose to admit it.
But, I know the real question must be this: Do we recognize any Moses in ourselves?
Maybe it’s not just Moses who has been "drawn out of the water." And, it’s not just the beggar or the homeless person or the battered woman who needs to be rescued. It’s me. It’s you.
Until we settle that, we will never truly have compassion. For, only when we look into the eyes of the fatherless, the needy, the shamed, and the outcasts and see the distinct reflection of ourselves, but for the grace of God, we cannot respond with compassion.
Today, let’s become more acquainted with the Moses in each of us, desperate and needy in life's waters.
Because then, Fellow Moses-hearts, the glorious purpose of God will become all the more dear – that our God draws up His people.
His power surpasses the clutches of a basket and triumphs over the authorities of a tomb. Jesus Christ rose victorious and secured our destiny in His arms, forever.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus… Ephesians 2:4-6
...knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 2 Corinthians 4:14
Prayer
Lord, help us to see the baby Moses in each of us - that we are broken, needy, and helpless without your love and mercy. Humble us into compassion. Make us more aware of our need of you, that from our lives may flow an example of your grace to the people around us. Thank you, Lord, that you are a God who raised Jesus from the dead and promises to raise us up into your presence. In Jesus' name. Amen.
31 Days of Purpose: Devotions from the early life of Moses
From a boat-basket to a burning bush, Moses’ call to leadership is filled with everyday people and situations, all divinely orchestrated for God's divine purpose. As we study the early years of Moses, we see a consistent theme of God raising up the unlikely and transforming the average with His anointing. That's me, and that's you - common people, yet commissioned for a high calling. Let's step into it this month, together. Click here for the whole series.
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