God doesn't ask Moses what's in his wallet but what's in his hand? (Apparently they didn't have wallets back then.) What he seems to be asking was something more than, "what's in your hand?" but rather "what are your resources, abilities, experiences, opportunities and skills?" For Moses it was shepherding, so the thing that was in his hand was a staff. For forty years Moses had been a shepherd. He knew how to care for, guide, and protect sheep. He also knew the desert, every crack and craig of the country side of Midian, the desert between Egypt and Israel. And now God was asking him to take what he had in his hand and make it available to Him.
Often when God is calling us to do something new, he doesn't call us to use or even develop all new abilities or skills but simply make what we have in our hands available to Him. At least that's what he did with Moses. "Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff", he replied. The Lord said, "Throw it on the ground." Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, . . ." (Exodus 4:2,3) Moses gave God what was in his hand and when He did, look what God did with it. He did all kinds of supernatural things.
- He turned it into a snake to get the attention of Pharaoh.
- He used it to part the waters of the Red Sea so the children of Israel could cross on dry land.
- He used it to bring water from a rock so the children of Israel wouldn't die of thirst in the desert.
- And He used it to defeat the enemies of Israel.
What I like about this story is that God doesn't ask Moses to do anything too difficult or impossible. All He asks him to do is be available and obedient. I can do that or at least I want to. What happens after that is up to God. How about you? What's in your wallet, . . .I mean hand? What unique experiences, talents, skills and opportunities are yours? Will you make them available to Him? Imagine what He can do with them!
4 comments:
Denny, what a powerful post. Today during my quiet time (kids napping) I was looking at how I was using my skills. All the Lord needed from Moses was his staff to make such an impact. Thanks for reminding me to keep it simple.
Mary,
Thanks for your comment. I was thinking it's really not that easy but it is simple. Oh for the faith to be availalbe and obedient!
Sounds alot like a Sunday Morning Insight... right before announcements. Got group?
Great thoughts!
Denny, what a powerful insight! I've most recently felt a special bond with Moses (can't wait to meet the man in heaven), but I have never thought of this "hand' concept. Keep writing!
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