THE CALL OF MOSES (Exo 3)

The Call of Moses refers to the biblical account found in the book of Exodus, where Moses is called by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. The story is a significant event in Jewish and Christian traditions and holds great importance in the narrative of the Hebrew Bible.

According to the biblical account, Moses was tending to his father-in-law Jethro’s flock of sheep near Mount Horeb (also known as Mount Sinai) when he came across a burning bush that was not being consumed by the fire. Curious about this unusual sight, Moses approached the bush, and God spoke to him from within it.

God identified Himself as the God of Moses’ ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and revealed His plan to deliver the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt. He informed Moses that He had seen the suffering of His people and chosen Moses to be their leader, commanding him to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites.

Moses was hesitant and expressed his doubts and insecurities, questioning his own ability to speak convincingly before Pharaoh. However, God assured him that He would be with him, and Moses would have the necessary signs and miracles to demonstrate God’s power to the Egyptians.

Get A Free USA Scholarship, Visa & Accommodation

God also revealed His divine name to Moses, saying, “I AM WHO I AM,” and instructed Moses to tell the Israelites that “I AM” had sent him. This divine name, often translated as Yahweh or Jehovah, became one of the most sacred and revered names of God in Hebrew tradition.

Despite his initial reluctance, Moses eventually accepted God’s call and returned to Egypt to confront Pharaoh. Through a series of ten plagues, Moses, with God’s guidance, persuaded Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The event marked the beginning of the Israelites’ journey toward the Promised Land.

The Call of Moses is a pivotal moment in biblical history, as it established Moses as a central figure in the liberation of the Israelites and the subsequent receiving of the Law at Mount Sinai. It also highlights themes of obedience, trust, and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

When the Pharaoh who knew not the children of Israel emerged in Egypt, he made the children of Israel carry bricks and gave them hard labour. But God saw their plight and decided to send Moses to their rescue.

After Moses escaped from Egypt he went to Median where he later married the daughter of the priest of the Median called Jethro, who became his father-in-law, Moses assisted him in taking care of his flocks and one of the days he was taking care of the flocks, one of them escaped to a high mountain. Moses in a bid to rescue it ran after it until he came across a burning bush, the sight of the burning bush caught his attention because he saw the bush burning but the leaves were not consumed, he decide to go closer to see, but as he drew closer, an angel of God appeared to him in the burning bush and then he heard the voice of God calling his name saying “Moses, Moses” and Moses answered and said “here am I” and God said do not come near, put off your shoes from off your feet, for the ground on which you are standing is a holy ground.

Moses heard God’s voice and he answered, God spoke to him and told him how he was to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt, even though Moses gave excuse of being a stammerer, God insisted that he is the one chosen for the assignment and promised to be with him.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MOSES RESPONSE TO GOD’S CALL

God can decide to use anyone for his service regardless of their weaknesses
God does not need a perfect man to carry out service for him, He goes for the imperfect to get them perfected in the course of rendering service to him.
The deliverance of the Israelites was to fulfill God’s promise to Abraham.
The attention God gave to the affliction of the Israelites shows that God is not insensitive to our pains and suffering.

Assignment: