StewardLife Lesson 37
 |
One of the most interesting conversations in Scripture is the discussion of Moses with God at the burning bush.
God had given Moses gifts that Moses never considered. And when God asked Moses to use them, Moses said "I have WHAT gift?"
It's all there in Exodus 3.
"I'm sending you to Pharaoh to bring the Israelites out of Egypt," God said.
"Why me?" Moses asked.
"It's OK, I'll be with you," the Lord replied.
"But suppose the Israelites ask me your name? I don't even know you," Moses replied.
"Then tell them Yahweh sent you. They'll listen. Then take the elders and go see the King of Egypt. Tell him you want to take the Hebrews out in the desert to worship."
Moses replied, "What if they call me crazy and say I dreamed it all?"
God turned Moses' staff into a snake and then back again, and made Moses' hand diseased and well again, but that still didn't convince Moses, who continued, "You want me to bring these messages but you know I can't talk in front of people."
"Who do you think gave you your mouth?" God asked Moses. "Don't worry, I'll tell you what to say."
"I don't want to go. Please send someone else," Moses said, supposing by his refusal he could convince God to change His plan.
But he did go and use the gifts God gave; and the result is recorded in Deuteronomy 34:10,12.
"Since then no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. For no one has shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel."
INSIGHT OUT
In the Biblical narrative of Thomas (John 20:26-29) Jesus speaks of seeing. This is a recurring theme of this web site: practicing to change your "heartsight" vision through the Holy Spirit so that you see God's grace and blessing everywhere in your life. So how do people see Christ today? Can you cause a resurrection appearance of Christ for someone? Others (especially non-believers) can perhaps recognize God in the world around them, but they can only learn of Christ by seeing Christ in you. As you live the StewardLife, be a resurrection appearance of Christ for someone this week.
EXERCISE
Most likely you have a gift or two that, in the church, you try to minimize. After all, if the church knew you were good at that, they'd be after you to do it for God. Duh!
Become somewhat introspective (see with your heart and not with your head) and examine the gifts you know you possess. Describe a time when you resisted using a gift God has given you which He expected you to use. Can you envision a time in the future when that might happen again? What might God do to help convince you that He needs your hidden gifts?
