God never appointed a prophet - who He is anointed - that He sent to the mission field without giving him very clear instructions as to the nature of his assignment; in other words, what He wants him to accomplish. A prophet does not act on his own strength rather he is subject to God’s authority from whom he receives directions, guidance and promptings.
At every encounter with a new prophet, God never ceased to underline He would be close-by and not distant. What other firm assurance could He have given than; “I will never leave you nor forsake you” which in other terms meant that He would be working hand in glove with them.
It was a close-knit relationship in which God alone called the shots and charted the course. The what, when, where and how of the prophet’s portfolio/operations was entirely in His hands. All He required of them in return was absolute obedience to His instructions; their work programme was one for Him to dictate; total dependence was sine qua non. Any attempt at taking initiatives was doomed to failure. The Bible has numerous examples of prophets and kings who have had it their own and have reaped only self-destruction.
During the recruitment exercise, God appeared miraculously to some, spoke audibly to others and ensured there was no doubt in their minds of the missions they were entrusted with. However, not all of them responded promptly to the call by forsaking everything, packing their bags and setting off on the road. Moses in particular thought he was not the appropriate person to send and of course he presented a host of excuses why he should not be the one to undertake the assignment. In fact, he shamelessly declined God’s offer. That did not go down well with God. Moses had to go, and he went.
Joshua, Moses’ lieutenant, when called to succeed Moses down played his ability to step into Moses’ shoes. He not only considered himself inadequate, but was also frightened by the volume of work such a mission entailed. To calm his fears God told him; “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5-6,9)
The mantle of leadership, required for governing the Children of Israel, proved to be a heavy one. For king Solomon, the Israelites were ‘a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth’ and for whom he pleaded to God; “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:9-10)
There is no reason for us to fear however huge and daunting the task before us may seem. God says he will watch over His word to make sure it comes to pass. Besides, He is not a human being that He should lie. His faithfulness has distinguished Him and set Him apart. His purpose has always been to care and fend for His creation. In all that humankind has achieved, God’s hand has been the driving force behind it.
However, humankind time after time has failed Him, while He has been steadfast and true. His promises to His chosen people have always been ‘yes and amen.’ It is not any different in our day. To the one who meets God’s standards, humbles himself and abide by His precepts he will crown with blessings.
Fear has been one of the major impediments to the successful execution of God’s mission, the reason why God assured them repeatedly that there was nothing to fear. He is the God above all other gods. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end - He for whom nothing is impossible. At the creation, He spoke and things that never were came into existence; things devoid of form assumed shape. When we examine closely the wonders the prophets accomplished in His name, how very awesome!
Prophet Moses parted the
It is the same God with whom Enoch walked for 300 years “then was no more, because God took him away.” (Genesis 5:24) The prophet Elijah was a close collaborator until he ascended into heaven and did not experience death. That is the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob. He is a living God, alive for evermore – the omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent God. He has not changed; He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) He is able to perform miracles in your life if you would let Him. You have absolutely no contribution to make. Remember if you are weak He will give you strength; if you are sick He will heal you. If you are poor he promises to make you rich. If you are thirsty, He will give you to drink.
His arms are open wide to receive you back to the fold from which you have strayed. There is none holy as our God. Moses said of Him: “Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?“ (Exodus 15:11)
The Children of Israel were marked by the experience they had in
Are you going through some difficulties, problems or issues for which you need to cry out to God for help? God will come and rescue you. He will assign a Moses and a Joshua to lead you into freedom. The moment is here and now.
Child of God, the Egyptians no longer have any influence over you, because God has commanded Moses to retrieve you on His behalf. To God be the glory for ever and ever!
