Why do I believe that the bible events surrounding Moses are important? Why do I believe that Moses is important for us today?
Moses was born in roughly 1350 BC, 3300 years ago, and as we have studied Moses, we have seen that his birth points to the later birth of Jesus Christ. We have seen that the way in which Moses escaped death as a baby points to the later events of Jesus Christ. We have also seen that Moses’ relationship with God points to Jesus Christ. We have seen that the way in which Moses rescued a nation from slavery points to Jesus Christ; and we have seen that the way in which Moses spoke to God and listened to God, points us to Jesus Christ.
It may therefore come as no surprise to you that it’s been good to study the person of Moses because he points us to Jesus Christ; and the reason I love Jesus Christ is because he points us to God and shows us what God is really like.
This morning we have heard about a particular conversation between Moses and God. Moses and God had a close relationship! 1300 years later Jesus Christ walked the land of Israel for 33 years and declared that we can all have a close relationship with God. So, I’d like us very briefly to consider three things which God said to Moses, to see how they can also apply to us today:
1. (Exodus 33:14), “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
You may know that during the next six months I will be moving.
At the moment the time and destination is known only to God, but it is fair to say that it is a time of uncertainty for me, for my wife Moira, and for our children. We don’t know where we are going, but God does! Like Moses (Exodus 33:13), my prayer to God is that he will continue to ‘teach me [his] ways so I may know [him]’.
In many ways I’m not looking forward to having to move my children to new schools. They love the schools they are at, and would prefer to stay where they are; and yet we have known for over 3 years that early 2006 would be the time for us to move.
Are there circumstances in your life now which are causing you anxiety or discomfort? Do you long for re-assurance concerning your children? Do you hope there’s more to life than we can see with our eyes? To those who trusted him Jesus said (Matthew 28:20); “…I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
On Friday evening my seven year old son Matthew went for his first ever ‘sleep-over’ to a friend’s house. He had a great time! When I picked him up yesterday morning this is what he said to me, and I quote: “Daddy, before I went to sleep last night I prayed in my head to God, “God please be with me when I move to my new house and when I go to my new school.””
As he said this my heart was pounding because I hope and pray that my children’s faith will grow all the days of their life. Just as we have prayed this morning that Abigail will grow up to know God’s love, to experience the presence of Jesus with her, so I long for my own children to trust in Jesus.
2. (Exodus 33:17), “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”
In the words of the Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket, “…and there’s more!”
I’m driving my car with Matthew beside and I’ve got a huge smile on my face and he then says, “Daddy, almost immediately Isaac then said, “Matthew I’ve just had a flash in my head and God wants me to tell you that he will be with you.” Daddy, I think God was telling me that he really will be with me.”
God is not absent from us! The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus are not just stories. They are the story of God himself!
God said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Jesus taught his first followers to speak to God in a most unusual way. Up until then people had always thought that God was distant, and perhaps even frightening.
When Jesus knew that he was about to be arrested, and he knew that it would mean crucifixion, he fell to the ground and prayed these words (Mark 14:35-36), “Abba, Father …everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
In the midst of terrible mental anguish Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father.” Abba is an Aramaic-Hebrew word for Father. It is a word used intimately between a trusting child and their parent. The closest words we have for Abba would be ‘Daddy and Mummy’.
Jesus teaches us that we can live in a trusting relationship with God which enables us to call him ‘Abba …Father …Dad!”
When we pray ‘Our Father who art in heaven’ we are praying to our heavenly Daddy, our heavenly Dad!
3. (Exodus 33:19), “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
In ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ Edmund’s love for ‘Turkish Delight’ caused him to betray his family. He fell into the trap set by the Witch and since it tasted so good he became obsessed with getting more ‘Turkish Delight’. The temptation of luscious ‘Turkish Delight’ became stronger even than his family loyalty; (that’s often what happens when a marriage breaks down due to adultery). Later in the book as the Witch prepares to kill Edmund he is rescued by troops from Aslan’s army. Next morning Edmund comes face to face with his brother Peter and his sisters Lucy and Susan. At this point there could have been an almighty family brawl, the type of brawl which I hope and pray you do not experience this Christmas!
But there’s no brawl and no harsh words. After talking with Edmund Aslan says, “Here is your brother; and there is no need to talk to him about what is past.”
Edmund shook hands with each of the others and said to each of them in turn, “I’m sorry”.
Aslan rescued Edmund, and Edmund was restored to his brothers and sisters. That’s how God desires to be with us. God says, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
Perhaps you have done things or said things for which you feel ashamed, and wish that you could turn the clock back. Perhaps you wish that forgiveness for past mistakes were possible.
God made it clear to Moses that compassion and mercy are in his nature.
Even as he was being crucified (Luke 23:34) Jesus had it within him to pray, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Two thieves were crucified with Jesus; and one of them said (Luke 23:42 to 43), “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
To those who trust in him, God promises his presence: “My presence will go with you”; and it’s in God’s nature to have mercy. The question is: do we want God to have mercy upon us?
Shall we pray?
