Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.'” The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” – Exodus 4:1-2
A lot of doubt and a lot of fear. Especially, for a man who is encountering God for the first time. A man who most of his adult life was spent running in fear. After all, that’s why Moses retreated to Midian. Why should now be any different?
Of course, we know how the story ends. We know about the plagues; and, we know how Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. We are also painfully aware of the many episodes in which Israel failed in their obedience during their roaming through the desert over the next 40 years. As we read the above conversation between Moses and God, we are encouraged as our thoughts immediately jump to the near future. We read the above interaction in the light of foreshadowing the liberation of Israel and their taking possession of the promised land. But, there’s more to it than that. This dialogue not only speaks to Moses’ future, but it also reveals Moses’ past.
When Moses entered Midian, he took up the occupation of a shepherd and, like any good shepherd, Moses carried a staff. The staff served many purposes. Not only was it used to direct animals and fend off any prey, the staff was also used as a tool for remembering special events that happened in the life of the shepherd. It was very much like the lines on a wall to mark a child’s growth; or, it’s similar to a family Bible listing important dates such as birthdays, marriages and deaths. On a staff, a shepherd would make a scratch or mark in the wood to commemorate an occasion. Another example of this is a soldier who could share about each and every scar on their body. The soldier could elaborate on the circumstances of each of their scars as if each were a trophy of sorts. The shepherd, too, would know the event and its details referenced by each mark on their staff.
In essence, not only was God preparing Moses for his future, but God was also reminding Moses of his past. God was showing Moses all of those important events that had occurred in his life while saying, “I was there with you all along.” Not only was God using a staff to demonstrate his power; but, God was also using the staff to demonstrate his protection.
There are times in our lives where we experience fear. But, God is faithful. It is imperative that we remember his faithfulness. While I’ve seen God demonstrate his faithfulness so many times, I so easily forget. I’m overcome with fear and anxiety. I write this blog to serve as my own staff – to remind me of God’s faithfulness.
God’s past faithfulness prepares us for his future promises.
Before I end, let me also point out the third party in the dialogue above – “they”. There’s many “they’s” in my life. Some “they’s” have seen me in my best times; some have seen me in my absolute worst. My failures, I know, may cause some to doubt – they may not believe. But, thankfully, God is still God; and, when I fall, his purpose still prevails. I’m humbled by my failures and the matchless grace of my Father. I’ll continue to grow.
Still, there have been others, even leaders of churches, who have doubted my conversations with God. They’ve asked ridiculous questions such as, “What did he sound like? Does he have a deep voice?” They’ve equated hearing God’s voice to like that of a cheap Hollywood film. How can the hearing of God’s voice – the voice of the groom – be such a foreign concept to today’s church – his bride? I just don’t understand and it deeply saddens me.
Regardless of those who may doubt – I cannot forget who I’ve known and experienced.
God is real. The relationship is real.
“My sheep hear my voice…” – John 10:27
