The Mission God Gave Moses
Moses is one of the most central figures in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. His life and calling were marked by divine purpose, and understanding the mission God gave him reveals both God’s plan for Israel and the principles of faith and obedience.
1. Background: Moses’ Early Life
Moses was born into the Hebrew tribe of Levi during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. Pharaoh, fearing the growing population of the Israelites, had ordered the killing of all Hebrew male infants. To save him, Moses’ mother hid him for three months and then placed him in a basket on the Nile, where he was found and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter.
Moses grew up in the Egyptian palace, receiving an education and exposure to Egyptian culture, yet he never forgot his Hebrew roots. As a young man, he fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. He settled in Midian, married, and became a shepherd.
It was in the wilderness of Midian, while tending his father-in-law Jethro’s sheep, that Moses encountered God in a miraculous way that would shape the course of history.
2. The Divine Encounter at the Burning Bush
God appeared to Moses in the form of a bush that burned but was not consumed (Exodus 3:1–6). This extraordinary sight drew Moses near, and God spoke directly to him. It was here that God revealed His awareness of the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt, saying:
“I have surely seen the affliction of my people… I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, and I know their suffering.” (Exodus 3:7)
This declaration set the stage for the mission God would entrust to Moses: liberation and leadership.
3. The Mission: Deliverance of Israel
The core of Moses’ mission was to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey. God’s instructions were clear:
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Confront Pharaoh: Moses was commanded to return to Egypt and demand the freedom of the Israelites (Exodus 3:10). God assured him He would be with him and empower him with signs and wonders to convince Pharaoh.
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Perform Signs and Wonders: God gave Moses miraculous signs to authenticate his mission:
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His staff turning into a serpent (Exodus 4:2–4).
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His hand becoming leprous and then healed (Exodus 4:6–7).
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Turning Nile water into blood (Exodus 7:17).
These signs served both to demonstrate God’s power and to strengthen Moses’ own confidence.
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Lead the People: Moses was tasked not just with delivering a message but guiding the Israelites through hardship, organizing them as a community, and teaching them God’s laws.
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Communicate God’s Covenant: Part of Moses’ mission included reminding Israel of God’s covenant, His promises, and His expectations. This involved instructing them in moral, social, and religious laws, which would form the foundation of Israelite identity (Exodus 19–24).
4. Challenges in the Mission
God was aware of Moses’ hesitations. Moses initially expressed self-doubt, claiming he was not eloquent and feared rejection (Exodus 4:10). In response, God appointed Aaron, Moses’ brother, to speak on his behalf.
The mission was not simple—it involved confronting Pharaoh, enduring the Israelites’ complaints and doubts, and leading them through the harsh conditions of the wilderness for forty years. Despite these challenges, God repeatedly reaffirmed His presence, giving Moses courage and authority.
5. The Mission’s Significance
Moses’ mission was more than political liberation; it was spiritual and covenantal. Through Moses:
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God demonstrated His power over oppressive rulers.
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Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people was solidified.
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The moral and legal foundations for Israel were established, influencing generations to come.
Moses’ obedience to this divine mission showed faith, humility, and perseverance, making him a model of leadership and a mediator between God and His people.
Conclusion
The mission God gave Moses was monumental: to confront oppression, lead a nation to freedom, and establish a covenantal relationship between God and Israel. It required courage, faith, and endurance. Through Moses, God not only liberated the Israelites from physical bondage but also began shaping them into a people set apart for His purposes—a mission that echoes through history as a testament to divine guidance, human obedience, and transformative leadership.