ADVENT DAY 11: Dec. 11
Exodus 2:1-15
Moses
Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
7 Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. ESV
The Prophet Like Moses
By Ken Long
Moses was one of the greatest leaders in Israel's history. He led God's people out of slavery in Egypt, received the Law on Mount Sinai, and interceded for Israel when they sinned. Yet, even Moses knew that someone greater was coming - a prophet "like him," but far more perfect and complete.
Centuries later, that promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Just as Moses delivered Israel from physical slavery, Jesus delivers us from the slavery of sin. Just as Moses stood between God and the people as a mediator, Jesus is our eternal Mediator, standing before the Father on our behalf. Just as Moses provided manna in the wilderness, Jesus is the Bread of Life, satisfying our deepest hunger.
When Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the desert so that all who looked upon it might live (Numbers 21:9), he was giving us a glimpse of Jesus lifted up on the cross, bringing salvation to all who believe. Moses led his people to the border of the Promised Land - but could not enter. Jesus leads us all the way into the true Promised Land: eternal life with God.
Deuteronomy 18:15 (ESV) "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers - it is to him you shall listen."
Prayer:
Father God, I admit that I sometimes act like I am a sheep without a shepherd. But the truth is, you have been providing shepherds for your people for thousands of years. Thank you for all these people who care for me and search for me and find me. Thank for the greatest good shepherd of all, Jesus, who brings me home and heals my heart so I am bound to him never to wander again. Amen.
