FAITH – THE MAKING OF MOSES

Week 2: By Faith, Moses Chose

Introduction

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: Exodus 2:11-end, 3

Pilot text

Exodus 2:11-12, 3:1-3 2:11-12 11 Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. 12 So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two Hebrew men were fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, “Why are you striking your companion?”
3:1-3 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.”

Discussion Points

Looking beyond just the content of the chapter, what can we infer about the intention behind this narration?

1. Consider Moses’ upbringing as Pharaoh’s adopted grandson. How would this have differed from the experience of the Israelites?
2. What was the biggest choice that Moses faced while at Egypt, and at what point in his life did he make this choice? [See Heb 11:24-26]
3. What other key choice(s) does Moses face while at Midian? How was this choice key to his ministry?

Closing thoughts:

At every stage of our journey in life, we have to make choices – there are no exceptions. Sometimes these choices are more straightforward, for example of what to wear, or eat, or even whether or not to accept an invitation. Some other choices are not as straightforward, for example to be joyful in the face of tribulation, to be hopeful even when there seems to be no salvation in sight, or to respond to hatred with love. Straightforward or not, easy or not; one thing is clear – faith in God gives us the strength to choose right, because we believe that He is able to deliver on His promises. The right choice is that one which is in line with God’s will, and therefore aligns with His purpose for us. In today’s world Moses’ choice may seem bizarre (to put it kindly), but it was the right choice. Without the teenager who chose to be called a slave when he could have been a prince there would be no Moses, the greatest prophet of the old testament.

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

1. A fellow Christian tells you that Moses’ refusal to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter (his adoptive mother) demonstrates that God sometimes calls children to reject their parents. How would you respond?
2. A colleague who is a Christian shares with you in confidence that he did something morally wrong (which he knew this at the time) in order to get a promotion. He is now struggling to live with this choice. What would you advise?