Moses’ Mandate From God

Unfortunately, the epitaph of many a man is well expressed in the words “Died, age 26; buried ... More

Mandate

In these verses we can see what Moses gave up. He gave up a kingdom, to lead his people out into the desert on a great adventure for God. This great man is not the man who, like the Jews, is thrilled about the past and jealous of his privileges; he is the man who is ready to answer God’s summons and leave the comfort and the ease he might have had.

 

1. Moses had a burden for Israel (vv. 30-34).

a.     He was looking (vv. 30-31) – The burning bush symbolized persecution.

b.     He was listening (vv. 32-34) – Moses had to learn humility for the task.

2. Moses had a mandate from God (vv. 35-36).

a.     He was sent to save them (v. 35) – The one they rejected returned to lead and deliver them.

b.     He was sent to separate them (v. 36) – Egypt was judged while Israel was set apart.

3. Moses delivered a message to Israel (vv. 37-38).

a.     A message about their Messiah (v. 37) – Moses and Jesus compared.

b.     A message about God’s mandate (v. 38) – Written with God’s own finger.

4. Israel disobeyed God’s message (vv. 39-43).

a.     They rebelled against Moses’ leadership (39-40) – Scorned their savior. 

b.     They rebelled against the law (vv. 41-43) – Disobeying the Scriptures.

 

It is pointed out how Moses, who was to be the minister of holiness, first had to learn how personally unfit he was for the task. Moses had to learn what it meant to stand as a sinner in the presence of a thrice holy God who was as a flaming fire (vv. 30-33). All that Israel gained by their blind and wicked rejection of Moses was further bondage. The parallel between Moses and Jesus is now brought into focus by Stephen (v. 37).

Application

Lord, help me to see some of the idols that people turn to today instead of following what the Scriptures teach. I must remem­ber that anything that comes between the Lord and me is an idol. Lord, I want to serve you more than anything this world has to offer.

Acts 7:30-43 (English Standard Version)


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