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December 18 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came to draw water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. When they came to Reuel their father, he said, “Why have you come back so soon today?” So they said, “An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds; and what is more, he even drew the water for us and watered the flock.” Exodus 2:16-19. Moses had fled from Egypt after slaying an Egyptian who was abusing a Hebrew slave. Moses was discovering that he was not to be the deliverer of his people—it was going to be God. Moses needed to learn about weakness, for he had risen to such a high status among the Egyptians that he mistakenly thought he could command obedience. God was going to do a work on Moses so that he would become obedient to the real Deliverer. In this story we see Moses becoming the servant. He defends the daughters and provides them with water. This is totally uncharacteristic of his behavior in Egypt. Yes, Moses was learning the value of weakness and humility. His commanding appearance must have caused considerable attention—all the more striking because he was willing to be a submissive servant. Moses was beginning to learn the key to serving the Lord. We know that our weakness, when surrendered to God, will allow His strength to dominate. He alone can achieve the desired results of our labors. In the case of this family in the land of Midian, Moses would be accepted into the family and learn submission for the next 40 years. I pray that it will not take that long for most of us who follow the Lord. Father, Your ways are so wise. You know how to treat each of us in a special manner that will mold us into the image of Christ. Thank You for causing us to be servants, for that type of service is the result You desire. We give You thanks in the name of the great servant, Jesus. Amen. |
