Why Was God Going to Kill Moses (Exodus 4)?
As I embarked on a journey through Exodus, the majestic tapestry of God’s covenant with Israel, one particular incident captivated my attention: the moment when God sought to take Moses’ life. It was a pivotal juncture, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Why was the Lord, who had just appointed Moses as His instrument of liberation, now bent on his destruction?
The Challenge of Leadership: A Weighty Burden
Moses, a man of humble beginnings, found himself thrust upon a stage of momentous significance—the deliverance of an enslaved people. The weight of this calling lay heavy upon his shoulders, as he grappled with his inadequacy and the daunting task that lay before him. Fear and doubt crept into his heart, leading him to question God’s choice and even to attempt to evade his divine mandate.
In the presence of God’s majestic glory, Moses’ frailties were laid bare. The Lord, perceiving Moses’ vacillating faith, became enraged. His anger was not a capricious outburst, but a righteous rebuke directed at Moses’ lack of trust. God’s intent was not to destroy Moses but to refine him, to test his mettle and mold him into a vessel worthy of his high calling.
The Ritual of Circumcision: A Covenant Reestablished
As God prepared to carry out his judgment, Moses’ wife, Zipporah, swiftly intervened. With a sharp stone, she performed a ritual circumcision on their son, a symbolic act that sealed the covenant between God and the Israelites. This act appeased God’s wrath, averting the threat of judgment and restoring Moses to favor.
The ritual of circumcision served as a reminder of the Abrahamic covenant and the promises that God had made to his people. It was a physical manifestation of the spiritual circumcision, the cutting away of the fleshly nature and the renewal of the heart. By submitting to this covenant, Moses acknowledged his shortcomings and reaffirmed his faith in God’s ability to accomplish his purposes.
Lessons Learned: The Path to Divine Favor
From this incident, we can glean several important lessons about our relationship with God and the path to his favor:
-
Acknowledge Your Imperfections: God is not deceived by our polished exteriors. He knows our weaknesses and imperfections, yet still calls us to serve his purposes. We must embrace our limitations and rely on his grace to overcome our inadequacies.
-
Submit to God’s Authority: Moses’ attempt to evade his calling resulted in a severe rebuke from God. True obedience means surrendering our will to God’s, even when it challenges our understanding or desires.
-
Seek to Restore Broken Covenants: The ritual of circumcision was not merely an outward act; it represented Moses’ recommitment to the covenant with God. We too must be willing to humble ourselves, repent of broken covenants, and seek restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why was God so angry with Moses?
A: God’s anger was directed at Moses’ lack of faith and his attempt to evade his calling.
Q: What did Zipporah’s actions symbolize?
A: Zipporah’s act of circumcision represented the covenant between God and Israel and symbolized a spiritual renewal in Moses.
Q: How can we avoid God’s judgment?
A: We avoid God’s judgment by acknowledging our imperfections, submitting to his authority, and seeking to restore broken covenants.
Conclusion: A Call to Faith and Obedience
The incident of God’s anger towards Moses serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in our relationship with God. May we learn from Moses’ example, embracing our calling with humility and trust, and allowing the challenges we face to refine our character and strengthen our resolve.
Are you intrigued by the story of Moses and the complexities of his relationship with God? If so, I encourage you to delve deeper into the Scriptures and explore the profound lessons that they hold for us today.
