Mensa Otabil - Leaving for God's Mission
- Watch
- Donate
Welcome to a brand new week as we return to our study of the book of Exodus. We are looking at Moses, his mission, and how he responds to it. So far, we’ve examined Moses' encounter with the burning bush, God’s commission to him, the miracles God showed him, and the doubts Moses expressed. Now, finally, Moses is ready to undertake the mission God has given him: to liberate the people of Israel from Egypt. We pick up the story in Exodus chapter 4, verse 18.
So Moses went back to Jethro, his father-in-law, and said to him, «Please let me go and return to my brethren who are in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.» Jethro said to Moses, «Go in peace.» God has commissioned Moses; he knows what his mission is, what he must do, and he has the tools, the equipment, the anointing, and the grace to fulfill his calling. However, he is still under someone’s authority-he is working for Jethro. Jethro is not only his father-in-law but also his boss because the sheep Moses tended were Jethro’s.
So what do you do when you have a compelling mission but still have people you report to? How do you manage that? We see what Moses did, and there are two things I want you to pay attention to. The first is that Moses sought permission from Jethro. He had this extraordinary experience with God-the kind that makes you feel you can take off on your own and do whatever you want because you have God’s approval. But Moses knows he has God’s approval and calling, yet he also needs man’s permission, specifically from his supervisor and father-in-law. So, he approaches Jethro and asks for permission.
I appreciate how he phrases his statement: «I want to return to my brethren who are in Egypt and see whether they’re still alive.» This language is idiomatic. If you read Exodus 2:11, you see that when Moses first attempted liberation and failed, the passage says he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. So, in his initial attempt to liberate his people from captivity, his first act was to assess their welfare. Now, he returns 40 years later, doing the same thing. In other words, what Moses conveys to Jethro is, «I’m going to complete the business I started; I’m going to finish the assignment I began long ago.»
Moses teaches us how to honor a call from God-a compelling mission in life-as well as how to honor those who have oversight over us. The second thing we notice is that Jethro gave his blessing to Moses. Jethro, as a priest of Midian and a spiritual man, understands that this young man, who came to him with nothing and is now married to his daughter, has grown into a man on a mission. He recognizes that he cannot hinder Moses' calling.
Sometimes we may be Jethros who need to give people the space to operate, or we may be Moses who need permission to act. Whether you are a Moses or a Jethro, this story teaches us that, no matter how compelling your drive is, you must do the right thing. If you are in a position to oversee someone, you must also be prepared to release them when the time comes. Both Moses and Jethro do the right thing, and by doing so, they accomplish God’s will and purposes for the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt.
That’s our insight for today, and we will continue with the next part tomorrow. Let’s share a word of prayer. Say with me: Heavenly Father, grant me the courage to obey Your calling and the wisdom to honor those You have placed over me. In Jesus' name, amen. May the Lord give us wisdom on both ends to honor Him in our mission in life. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.