From Milquetoast to Moses ∙∙

From Milquetoast to Moses ∙∙

By faith [Moses] endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. – Hebrews 11:27

Hebrews 11:24-29  

 24 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

 25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.

 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.

 27 It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

 29 It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned.

Timidity is characterized by a deficiency in courage and confidence. Timid individuals often lack self-assurance and inner strength. They are quickly startled and remain on high alert. This state is typically marked by self-doubt and anxiety about what might happen. Perpetually shadowed by self-doubt, they are preoccupied with the fear of unforeseen circumstances. Such individuals navigate life with a cautious tread, constantly wary of what might lie around the corner.

“The timid are afraid before the danger, the cowardly while in danger, and the courageous after danger” (Jean Paul).

“History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid” (Dwight D. Eisenhower).

And yet the Father chose Moses to become one of the most outstanding leaders of all time.

Numbers 12:3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more humble than any other person on earth.

The Hebrew term anav, often rendered as “meek” or “humble,” essentially means to be lowly, bent over, and in need, paired with a humble mindset that chooses to endure wrongs rather than retaliate. In the Targum Palestine, this translates as being bowed down in his mind, i.e., overwhelmed (Pulpit Commentary).

Moses initially resembled the timid and cautious Mr. Casper Milquetoast, incarnate, a timid soul, “the man who speaks softly and gets hit with a big stick.” Think Barney Fife rather than the imposing figure of Charlton Heston.

Despite this, Moses was transformed into a man of faith and a formidable leader. How did this change occur? Initially, he acted out by slaying an Egyptian, and things immediately went from bad to worse. It led to immediate and severe repercussions, leaving him humiliated and exiled to the wilderness.

The wilderness is the Father’s school for testing, preparation, and refinement. Moses undoubtedly faced significant discouragement and disillusionment. What motivated his actions as he faced the challenges of life? He had more excellent opportunities than most people could ever imagine. His heart was forever captured when he encountered the Father at Sinai. The Father spoke words of assurance, commitment, and purpose into his heart.

Moses lacked confidence, and his first words after the Father told him what He wanted him to do were filled with recoiling self-doubt, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)

Moses offered many excuses as to why he was a poor choice and inadequate for the task.

Exodus 4:10 Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

The Father used Moses just as he was, filled with doubt and lacking confidence. Does that hit a little close to home? The Father uses folks just like us.

Despite it all, God eventually used Moses to free the Israelites from Pharaoh’s control, just as the Lord had promised. By faith. . . he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible (NLT).

Moses overcame Pharaoh by believing that the Father would keep His promises.

Exodus 4:11-12

 11 Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD?

 12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”

“When we trust God, we get what God can do; but when we trust ourselves, we get only what weak people can do” (Wiersbe).

REFLECT & PRAY

Whatever task the Father assigns us, He will empower us to accomplish it as long as we stay focused on Him and rely on His strength and direction.

Isaiah 46:11 I have said what I would do, and I will do it. I have planned it; surely I will do it.

Father, I recognize many of Moses’ weaknesses in myself. Please inspire me to live by faith and place my trust in You.

INSIGHT

Life is fleeting, and wisdom is learning to hear the Father’s voice, attuning ourselves to the Father’s guidance, and making the best choices grounded in what He Says.

While the Bible acknowledges that sin brings momentary pleasure and godliness involves temporary hardship, the ultimate rewards of a godly life far surpass the fleeting joys of sin (Stanley).

Of course, it is important to remember that not all pleasures are sinful.

1 Timothy 6:17 God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.

However, many impulses and cravings can lead to sinful actions. Frequently, our yearnings and desires are emotional reactions to the things we see, taste, or experience. By engaging our conscious mind, we can seize these impulses or random thoughts and desires, allowing us to resist them effectively (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Hebrews 11:25 [Moses] chooses to be mistreated with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

“Moses chose the imperishable, saw the invisible, and did the impossible” (Havner).

“The decisions we make today will determine the rewards tomorrow. More than this, our decisions should be motivated by the expectation of receiving rewards . . . The Epistle to the Hebrews emphasizes: ‘Don’t live for what the world will promise you today! Live for what God has promised you in the future’” (Wiersbe)!

Hebrews 12:2 Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God, the Father.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯8-22-2

© Dr. H 2024