Love Is Stronger Than Death Series

MOSES THE SERVANT OF GOD

Moses led a colorful, controversial and commended life. He was The Prince of Egypt, the Giver of the Law (John 1:17), and God’s Faithful Servant (Heb 3:2, 5). A man more humble than anyone else (Num 12:3), he spoke to God face to face, as a man speaking with his friend (Ex 33:11), communicated God’s word to the people, and even showed up in the New Testament to talk with Jesus (Lk 9:31). He was also a psalmist (Ex 15:1-18, Deut 32, Ps. 90, Rev 15:3), an historian (Num 33:2), and a prophet like no other (Deut 34:10).

Exodus to Deuteronomy relates the story of Moses’ personal redemption, Israel’s national deliverance, and God’s implementation of His promise to Abraham. At the end of the wilderness sojourning, Israel emerged as a nation, the apple of God’s eye, and a thorn to their enemies, and God displayed His sovereignty over Egypt, Israel and all the nations of the earth in a powerful way.

In this 15-part series, we will learn names of individuals, tribes and places; experience the tests of personal conflict, group dynamics, and national wars; and understand a bit more of Moses’ effort, the people’s experience and God’s expectations of His people.

LOVE IS STRONGER THAN DEATH (EX 1:1-2:10)

Columbine was supposedly nothing but the loss and end of innocence. On April 20, 1999, two students armed themselves with shotguns, semiautomatics, and bombs, entered Colorado’s Columbine High School, and killed twelve students and a teacher. However, the courage, bravery, and heroism of the students and teachers in the school gave optimism to the country that all was not lost.

The story of younger brother Craig Scott and his sister Rachel Scott had touched millions of people. Craig was in the library with his African-American friend Isaiah Shoels when they heard shots in the hallway. Craig instinctively played dead and prayed, but when the killers saw Isaiah, they said some racist remarks to him and shot him to death.

After the killers had left the room, Craig displayed a maturity beyond his years. He shouted for those in the library to run for their lives. Once outside, he comforted the crying students and prayed with them for those who were inside. However, deep in his heart, Craig had a hollow feeling. Scott did not only lose his good friend to killers; unknown to him, he also lost his sister, Rachel Joy Scott.

According to a Denver newspaper, Rachel was truly a joy to be around. A classmate said, “When she came into my class, she was going through some difficult family times. But you wouldn’t know that at all, because she shined. She shined for God at all times. She made a choice to love life.” A friend shared, “Life was just like one big amusement park to Rachel.” A potential roommate, who was planning to rent an apartment with Rachel in August, said, “She saved me in so many ways. She taught me the value of life. She taught me to love every second you have."

(April 25, 1999, “17-year-old girl ’shined for God at all times” http://denver.rockymountainnews.com/shooting/0425rach2.shtml)

During the worst of times, people rise to the occasion. The first two chapters of Exodus tell of a cruel king, an oppressed people, and a few heroes, who were all women. The account began with slavery and moved quickly to forced abortion and infant genocide. Love, kindness, and hope prevailed when violence, bloodshed, and fear threatened.

When Israel was in danger of extinction, a few stubborn ladies outsmarted the heartless, headstrong, and heavy-handed Pharaoh, who had considered the Israelites a political liability, a national danger, and an inferior race. God blessed the ladies and treated them well and favorably for displaying faith instead of fear.

How should believers act in times of adversity, hostility, and tragedy, especially when others’ lives are at stake, depend on us, and require critical assistance?

SHARE YOUR COMPASSION WITH OTHERS

8 Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt. 9 "Look," he said to his people, "the Israelites have become much too numerous for us. 10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country." (Ex 1:8-10)

Some time ago the movie Elephant Man made a big impression on me. The Elephant Man was a deformed man who was made into a circus act because he looked part-man, part-elephant. The circus owner exacted money from the curious crowd that paid to see the disfigured man.

A kind surgeon saw the man’s misery, rescued him from his tragic plight at the circus, brought him into normal society, and persuaded the general public to accept him as a man, and not a freak. The welcome was short-lived and, inevitably, the public regarded him as a creature or monster - disgusting, deranged and dangerous.