Overcoming Fear, To Become A Leader

Hebrews 11:23-29

“By faith, when Moses was born, his parents hid him for three months, because they saw the child was beautiful and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith, when he grew up, Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be ill-treated with the people of God than to enjoy sin’s fleeting pleasure. He regarded abuse suffered for Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for his eyes were fixed on the reward. By faith he left Egypt without fearing the king’s anger, for he persevered as though he could see the one who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the one who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. By faith they crossed the Red Sea as if on dry ground, but when the Egyptians tried it, they were swallowed up.” Hebrews 11:23-29 NET

The story of Moses captivates me, not primarily because of his achievements but because of his vulnerabilities. Moses exemplifies a flawed human being, which becomes strikingly clear throughout his journey. His tale is less about his capabilities and more about how God intervened in his life.

From the very moment of his birth, Moses’s life was marked by divine intervention. His mother’s courageous act of hiding him during Pharaoh’s brutal edict, which ordered the execution of all firstborn males in Egypt, is a powerful testament to this. For three months, she safeguarded her son, driven by an intuition that he was destined for greatness—an urge from God compelling her to protect the life of this extraordinary baby, even in the face of certain death.

Ultimately, the narrative underscores a profound truth: it is not merely a story about Moses but a powerful statement about God’s intentions, the significance of this little life in the grand tapestry of history, and how it collides with God’s plan.

One might contend that Moses’s vulnerabilities were not weaknesses but rather the raw materials from which his greatest strengths were forged, profoundly shaping his character. His striking beauty and tendency toward codependency revealed his struggle with the attributes expected of a true leader. Even after being adopted into Egyptian royalty, he relied on others for affirmation, mirroring himself after Pharaoh’s firstborn, who would eventually become his rival. This stark contrast between Moses and Pharaoh’s son creates a palpable tension and drama within the narrative, but it also serves as a beacon of hope, showing that even the most vulnerable can become strong.

From an early age, Moses was acutely aware of his weaknesses and committed to rigorous study. He thrived under the guidance of esteemed Egyptian teachers and scholars, mastering the art and intricacies of astrology, astronomy, and Egyptian customs. Despite his Hebrew origins and rich heritage, he immersed himself in the world of the Egyptians, demonstrating an extraordinary capacity to navigate and integrate two disparate identities.

Moses’s world crumbled when anger ignited at the sight of his people’s mistreatment. Witnessing an Egyptian brutally abusing a Hebrew slave awakened a fierce determination to confront the injustice and prejudice around him. In a moment of overwhelming emotion, he took the drastic step of killing the Egyptian who committed the injustice, believing he could conceal his actions. Yet, the truth couldn’t remain hidden for long, and he was soon forced to flee Egypt. A man of immense potential, molded by the teachings of Egypt to be a leader, he now faced a profound internal struggle, divided between his profound emotions and his heritage; he had transformed from a promising young man who was to be a leader into a wanted criminal and fugitive. Moses left Egypt and wandered in the desert, haunted by the consequences of his poor choices.

At this pivotal stage in Moses’s life, his vulnerabilities came to the forefront, revealing his deep need for validation and acceptance from others. During this time, he encountered Jethro, the priest of Midian, who had seven daughters. One of these daughters, Zipporah, became his wife, linking him to a loving family that would support and nurture him for many years. Jethro’s mentorship and wisdom played a crucial role in shaping Moses’s character and leadership, underscoring the importance of guidance and wisdom in Moses’s life.

In this chapter of his life, Moses experienced a profound moment when he witnessed the burning bush on the mountain—a sight that filled him with wonder and awe. As he drew closer to the extraordinary flame, he had no inkling that this moment would forever alter the trajectory of his life. This was not just a miraculous sight but a divine encounter. In this sacred moment, he would meet God, who radically transformed his life in ways he had never imagined.

The intense passion that Moses once felt of anger for the injustices suffered by the Hebrews in Egypt was a true reflection of God’s heart for His people. In that pivotal moment, God not only clarified but also validated Moses’s emotions, presenting Himself as the powerful force dedicated to liberating the Hebrews from the grip of Egyptian slavery. To God, the Hebrews had paid their debt, which was their imprisonment, and now, at the appointed time of divine intervention, their long-awaited liberation was at hand, and Moses now carried the burden for that release.

I could delve into the profound ways God intervened in Moses’s life to lead His people out of Egypt, but the true essence of the story lies in how Moses’s vulnerabilities transformed into his most significant strengths. Despite being appointed by God as His chosen messenger, Moses faltered numerous times. A striking example is when he requested his brother Aaron to speak for him. This moment reflects God’s remarkable flexibility and deep understanding of human limitations, as He still accomplished His divine purpose through them both.

It’s important to consider why the law was given through Moses when it seems impossible to fulfill. The answer lies in God’s intention: He wanted people to recognize that the law was unattainable, not as a pathway to Him, but rather to understand that God himself is the ultimate pathway, not the law as a means to get there, but to focus on the beautiful end that God is. Moses’s life stands as a powerful testament to this transformative message.

Moses’s early life, up to the time of the burning bush, was not focused on following rules, laws, and ordinances; instead, it was about being true to himself and allowing God to guide him as a man, father, and husband. This aspect of Moses’s character is what Jethro recognized in his son-in-law. For Jethro, it was more important for Moses to become the leader of his own soul than to lead a nation, ensuring that the fears from his past did not control his present reality. This early focus on personal integrity and spiritual growth laid the foundation for Moses’s later role as a leader and messenger of God.

Although God was a mystery, Jethro, as a priest of Midian and a descendant of Abraham, understood that God could significantly help Moses. Jethro’s wisdom and guidance transformed Moses’s leadership style, undeniably illuminating God’s supremacy. Jethro’s acknowledgment of the God of the Hebrews as greater than all other gods marked a significant shift in understanding.

Jethro’s legacy exemplifies the vital importance of older generations mentoring the younger and sharing their invaluable knowledge and life experiences. Even today, in the Druze religion, Jethro is venerated as a prophet who communicated directly with God and passed that divine wisdom on to Moses, affirming the timeless impact of generational wisdom. Jethro’s role in Moses’s life was not just as a father-in-law but as a mentor and guide, shaping Moses’s leadership style and illuminating God’s supremacy undeniably.

There is much to explore in the backstory of Moses’s life, revealing layers beyond a simple reading of his encounters with God. Moses was on a profound journey of self-discovery, caught in the world of  Egypt that sought to mold him into a version of himself that he was never meant to be. Only when he forsook Egypt and found sanctuary with Jethro’s family did he begin to truly grow into the leader he was destined to become. Jethro played a pivotal role in Moses’s transformation, teaching him to listen attentively to God’s voice, discern His will, and follow His guidance faithfully. This vital mentorship gave Moses the foundation to emerge as a voice for God. By shedding the weight of sin in Egypt and embracing a life of peace and family alongside Jethro, Moses opened himself up to divine communication in ways he could grasp. Doing so put him on a path to fulfill his extraordinary purpose.

Even though Moses returned to Egypt as a leader, he still bore the weight of past proclivities that could have hindered him. Yet, God transformed these weaknesses into extraordinary strengths, presenting a remarkable example of personal change. The urgent mission at hand was to free his people trapped in slavery, and God had explicitly chosen Moses to lead this charge. God empowered him with miraculous signs and wonders to affirm Moses’s authority, demonstrating His divine presence and action through Moses. This was not just an assignment; it was a powerful testament to God’s ability to use an imperfect vessel to achieve the remarkable and to be the voice of hope for His oppressed people.

Stephen Barnett