Moses, The Wisdom Of The Egyptians, And Modern Education

Moses, acting in the power of his flesh, had killed an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew slave. He buried the man he had killed and went about his business. It was a small matter to such a powerful individual as Moses; in any case, he thought the Hebrews would understand his concern for them and rally to him when he identified himself to them. He was stunned when later he attempted to separate two Hebrew men who were fighting only to have one of the men divulge his knowledge that Moses was a murderer. Even more shocking to the powerful man were the actions and the query of the one man who was mistreating the other, for he pushed Moses aside and growled, “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us” [ACTS 7:27].

I well recall a humbling experience I was subjected to following completion of my doctoral studies in the challenging field of biochemistry. A friend approached me, presumably to congratulate me, but he deflated my ego when he said, “Congratulations on your degree. That and twenty-five cents will get you a ride on the bus.” The cost of the bus fare tells you how long ago this happened! My friend was correct!

My advanced education did not awe my dad. He was still amused, (dare I say disappointed), that I was unable to sharpen a ploughshare, fill a sickle, or forge weld iron, all skills he had mastered long before I was aware of the work he performed daily in his blacksmith shop. My education did not particularly impress my wife—she wanted the lawn mowed, the dryer repaired, and the garbage taken out. I was learning that a person must maintain perspective and not become overly fixated on personal achievement.

Understand that I despise neither education nor earthly achievement—I encourage you to do all you can to make yourself more efficient in your work, more marketable in securing your position in life. Moreover, whatever you possess in abilities or achievements in this life, offer what you have to God, permitting Him to use what you offer as you labour in His cause. Nevertheless, I am compelled to remind you that it is you, and not what you possess, that God seeks. Know that the Living God may use your abilities, but God does not need your abilities. God may use your station, but God does not need your position. Underscore this one singular thought: It is you and not what you possess that God desires.

MOSES WAS SET ASIDE UNTIL SUITED FOR THE LORD’S PURPOSE — A moment ago I stated a most important principle which each of us will do well to remember. Recall that principle at this time— It is you and not what you possess that God desires. If we imagine that God wants our possessions or our abilities, we need but consider Moses after he attempted to perform God’s work in his own strength. “Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian” [ACTS 7:29].

Perhaps you will remember the stunning words found in PSALM 50:8-15.

“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;

your burnt offerings are continually before me.

I will not accept a bull from your house