The Famous Ones Part 13
An Overview of Moses’ Story
The story of Moses is one of the most powerful examples of how God qualifies the called in all of Scripture. Found in Exodus 1-4, Moses’ life reveals how God works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. From his miraculous rescue as a baby to his encounter with God at the burning bush, Moses’ journey demonstrates that God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called. His story reminds us that God’s plans are often greater than our abilities, experiences, and limitations.
Israel’s Oppression and God’s Plan
When the book of Exodus begins, the descendants of Abraham have multiplied into a great nation living in Egypt. A new Pharaoh rises to power and becomes fearful of Israel’s growing population. Believing they could one day become a threat, he enslaves them and eventually orders the death of every Hebrew baby boy. What appears to be a moment of hopelessness is actually the beginning of God’s rescue plan. Even when God’s people could not see it, He was already preparing a deliverer.
God is always working behind the scenes, even when circumstances seem impossible.
The Courage of the Hebrew Midwives
One of the first heroes in the story of Exodus is not Moses but the Hebrew midwives. Pharaoh commanded them to kill Hebrew baby boys at birth, but they refused because they feared God more than they feared Pharaoh. Their obedience preserved lives and helped protect God’s plan for Israel.
Their example teaches an important lesson for believers today. There may be times when following God requires courage and conviction. The midwives remind us that obedience to God must always take priority over the pressure of culture or human authority.
God honors those who remain faithful to His truth, even when obedience is costly.
Moses’ Rescue and God’s Protection
Moses’ mother hid him for three months before placing him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile River. She trusted God with what she could no longer control. Pharaoh’s daughter discovered the child, adopted him, and raised him in the palace.
The irony of this story is remarkable. Pharaoh wanted to destroy the Hebrew boys, yet his own household became the place where Israel’s future deliverer was protected and prepared. God not only preserved Moses, but He used the resources of Pharaoh’s kingdom to accomplish His purpose.
God often uses unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His plans.
What We Learn From Moses’ Years in the Wilderness
As an adult, Moses witnessed an Egyptian abusing a Hebrew slave and reacted by killing the Egyptian. When Pharaoh learned what happened, Moses fled into the wilderness of Midian. There he spent forty years working as a shepherd.
At first glance, these years may seem wasted. However, God was preparing Moses during this season. The wilderness became a classroom where Moses learned humility, patience, leadership, and dependence on God.
God Develops Character Before Responsibility
Before Moses could lead a nation, he had to learn faithfulness in smaller responsibilities. For forty years he cared for sheep, far removed from the palace where he was raised. God used ordinary routines to shape the character Moses would need later.
Many believers want God-sized assignments while overlooking God-given responsibilities. Scripture repeatedly shows that God develops character before He increases influence.
The Importance of Daily Obedience
Moses’ life reminds us that spiritual growth often happens in ordinary moments. Every day looked the same as he cared for sheep, yet God was preparing him for something much bigger. The daily rhythm of obedience was not wasted.
The seasons that feel ordinary are often the seasons where God prepares us for extraordinary assignments.
God Qualifies the Called Through His Calling
One of the central themes of Exodus 1-4 is that God qualifies the called. Moses was not chosen because he was the most talented, educated, or confident person available. He was chosen because God had a purpose for his life. Throughout Scripture, we see that God qualifies the called by developing character, strengthening faith, and equipping believers for the assignments He places before them.
One day while tending sheep, Moses noticed a bush that was on fire but was not consumed. As he approached, God spoke to him and revealed His plan to deliver Israel from slavery. Moses was called to return to Egypt and confront Pharaoh.
When Moses asked who he should say sent him, God responded, “I AM WHO I AM.” This declaration revealed God’s eternal nature, authority, and power. The God who called Moses was not one god among many. He was the self-existent Creator and Lord of all.
God Calls Imperfect People
Moses immediately began offering excuses. He doubted himself, questioned his abilities, and worried that people would not listen to him. Yet God chose him anyway.
Moses was not selected because of his qualifications. He was chosen because God had a purpose for his life. The same principle remains true today. God qualifies the called by supplying what they lack and empowering them through His presence.
Your Past Does Not Disqualify You
Moses was a fugitive who had spent decades in hiding. He had failures, regrets, and weaknesses. Yet God still called him to lead.
Many people believe their mistakes make them unusable. Moses’ story proves otherwise. God’s grace is greater than our failures, and His calling is not limited by our past.
God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called.
What’s in Your Hand?
One of the most powerful moments in Exodus 4 occurs when God asks Moses a simple question: “What is in your hand?” Moses responded that he was holding a staff. God then used that ordinary staff to perform extraordinary miracles.
The staff represented Moses’ identity as a shepherd. It was something familiar that he carried every day. Yet when Moses surrendered it to God, it became a tool for God’s purposes.
The same question applies to believers today. What gifts, talents, experiences, opportunities, or burdens has God already placed in your hands? Often, the very thing God wants to use is something we overlook because it seems ordinary.
God often begins His work with what He has already placed in our hands.
How God Qualifies the Called Today
The question God asked Moses is a question every believer must answer. What has God already placed in your hands? It may be a gift, a talent, a burden, a relationship, or an opportunity. Whatever it is, God invites us to surrender it to Him.
Too often we focus on what we lack rather than what God has already provided. Moses wanted different abilities, but God wanted his availability. When we trust God with what we already have, He can accomplish far more than we could ever imagine.
God still qualifies the called today. Just as He equipped Moses for leadership, He equips believers to fulfill His purpose in their families, workplaces, churches, and communities. The key is not perfection. The key is surrender.
God is not looking for perfection. He is looking for surrender.
Conclusion
The story of Moses reminds us that God specializes in using imperfect people. From a basket in the Nile to a burning bush in the wilderness, God’s hand was directing every step of Moses’ journey. His past did not disqualify him. His weaknesses did not limit God. His ordinary staff became an instrument of God’s power because he was willing to surrender it.
No matter what season of life you are in, God still qualifies the called today. Just as He equipped Moses for the task before him, He can equip you for the purpose He has prepared for your life. If you are willing to trust Him with what is already in your hands, He can use your life in ways you never imagined.
Like Moses, you may feel unqualified, but God is still able to accomplish extraordinary things through ordinary people who say yes to His call.
About Harvest Church
Harvest Church is an Assemblies of God church located in Fogelsville, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley. We are currently going through a sermon series called The Famous Ones, a study of well-known figures in the Bible, their relationship with God, and how their stories apply to our lives today. You can explore the rest of the series on our website or listen on your favorite podcast platform.