READ: Ex. 2:11–22
For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand. – Acts 7:25
The task God has for Moses requires preparation. He will be the mediator and deliverer of the old covenant, preparing the way for Christ. Moses becomes aware of this calling while living at Pharaoh’s court.
From Acts 7:21–29 and Heb. 11:24–27, we learn he undergoes a deep transformation there. He comes to realize that God has a special calling for him — to deliver His people from Pharaoh’s grip.
He sees himself as part of the community of saints, brothers of the same household of God, objects of divine favor and love. This awareness causes a break with pagan Egypt, where he was educated in Egyptian religion and science and surrounded by its riches. But Moses sees the sinfulness in all this (Heb. 11:25). God is not honored there.
At forty years old (Acts 7:23), he no longer wants to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He doesn’t belong there, because God is not worshiped in that place.
He breaks from the palace and joins the despised and oppressed Israelites in Goshen. That is an act of faith. Moses knows Pharaoh will not accept this, but he is unafraid of his wrath (Heb. 11:27). He stays steadfast, focused on God, the Invisible One!
Then he meets his brothers — but it is a deeply disappointing encounter. When Moses defends a fellow Israelite from an Egyptian attacker and kills the Egyptian, his brothers reject him! This becomes clear a few days later when he tries to mediate between two Israelites.
They do not understand that he has been sent by God as their deliverer.
Ultimately, he flees to Midian, where he must wait for God’s appointed time.
Was it right for Moses to kill the Egyptian?
Sing: Ps. 86:6