A. THE ROD OF GOD USED BY MOSES
1. Symbol. An outer instrument with an inner spiritual meaning. “A rod . . . it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it” (Ex. 4:2-3).
2. A test to do God’s Word. “Stretch out your hand with your rod over the streams . . . frogs” (Ex. 8:5).
3. An instrument of God’s power. “Lift up your rod . . . over the sea and divide it” (Ex. 14:16).
4. Part of an effective prayer. “With the rod of God in my hand . . . when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed” (Ex. 17:9, 11).
5. The family genealogy. “Write each man’s name on his rod” (Num. 17:2).
6. Protection (negative). “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4); staff helps and gives guidance (positive).
7. Symbol of blessing. “Jacob blessed both the sons . . . bowing in worship over the head of his staff” (Heb. 11:21, ELT).
8. Battle weapon – David. “Took his staff . . . and chose for himself five smooth stones” (I Sam. 17:40).
9. Symbol of power and obedience. A staff was also the king’s scepter. Jesus will “rule all nations with a staff of iron” (Rev. 12:5; Ps. 2:9, ELT).
B. HOW GOD USES INSTRUMENTS/METHODS
1. Moses’ rod was not supernatural; it depended on spiritual obedience from Moses for results. The rod became a serpent. “That they may believe that the Lord God . . . has appeared to you” (Ex. 4:5).
a. The instruments God uses changes with time.
b. From rod to gun, from parchment to paper, to Internet.
c. From house church, to Sunday school class.
d. From harp, to piano, to bass guitar.
e. From robe, to three piece suit, to sports jacket.
f. From sand, to chalk board, to PowerPoint.
2. The method becomes “anointed” because of the faith, courage and obedience of God’s person using it.
3. Why, because God reaches people as they are, when they are, and where they are.
4. Look beyond the instrument/method to God’s power working in His servants and in the listeners. What is the eternal principle God blesses?
Methods are many,
Principles are few,
Methods may change,
But principles never do.
5. The secret to the rod of God is the servant of God.
a. Fully yielded to do God’s will.
b. Fully trusting God to accomplish His will.
c. Fully obedient to do God’s will.
d. Moses disobeyed.
(1) “Take the rod . . . speak to the rock” (Num. 20:8).
(2) In pride Moses said, “Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” (Num. 20:10).
(3) Tradition. “Moses . . . struck the rock twice” (Num. 20:11).
(4) Punished. “You shall not bring this assembly into the land” (Num. 20:12).
e. Punishment for breaking God’s symbols.
C. MOSES’ EXCUSES WHY HE COULDN’T DO THE JOB
“I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt” (Ex. 3:10).
1. I am unfit. “Who am I that I should go?” (3:11). God’s answer: “I will certainly be with you” (3:12).
2. I am untaught. “What shall I say to them?” (3:13). God’s answer: “Tell them I AM has sent me to you” (3:14).
3. I am unbelieving. “They will not believe” (4:1). God’s answer: “Give them three signs: the rod, the hand, water” (4:2-9).
4. I am unable. “I am clumsy with words” (4:10, LB). “Send someone else” (4:13, LB). God’s answer: The Lord became angry (4:14, LB).
D. CALL IT AN ANOINTED METHOD, BUT YOU MUST BE ANOINTED
“If anyone thirst, let him come to Me and drink . . . out of his heart will flow rivers of living water . . . those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit” (John 7:37-39).
1. Desire the filling. “Come . . .” (John 7:37).
2. Realize you are empty. “If anyone thirst” (John 7:37).
3. Seek God. “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13).
4. Yield to His filling. “Present your bodies” (Rom. 12:1).
5. Separate from sin. “Present your bodies . . . holy” (Rom. 12:1).
6. Forgiveness of all known and unknown sin. “Confess . . . forgive . . . cleanse” (I John 1:9).
7. Ask. “If anyone thirst . . . drink” (John 7:37).
8. Believe. “When they had prayed . . . they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:31).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
For more information on the TRBC Pastor’s Bible Class, log on to the Internet for TRBC Home page at www.trbc.org/pbc.
