Emotions
Can you imagine the inner turmoil that Moses experienced, born a Hebrew, raised in an Egyptian home where riches and treasures were in abundance, nurtured by his Hebrew mother, yet retrieved from the river by the hands of Pharaoh's daughter? Imagine the mixed messages as he tried to discover "who am I?" Deep down he knew who he was, the influence of his Hebrew genes and the nurturing of his mother's touch perhaps caused him to long for a connection to his true roots. But, how does he go about connecting? I'm not sure what the Hebrew people thought of him, but I would guess they saw him as privileged...a Hebrew, yes, but privileged. Moses would have to prove his worth to be recognized as a Hebrew, I would imagine.
Imagine the mixed emotions that he must have felt when he killed the Egyptian who was attacking a Hebrew. But, this was his moment. While I believe that Moses was genuinely moved with deep compassion and concern for his people to the point of forsaking Egyptian riches, I believe this was his moment to identify with his culture and not that of the Egyptians. However, Moses' actions did not elicit the response that he desired from his people; they actually despised him all the more. When he came upon two Hebrews fighting each other he confronted them and urged them not to fight. They responded by asking 'who made you ruler over us...are you going to kill us like you killed the Egyptian?' You would think they would be grateful since they were under such heavy oppression, but not so. Not only did his people discover what he had done, but Pharaoh had learned of his actions as well.
Moses fled to Midian to escape the threats of death; but, isn't it interesting how The Lord caused him to return years later on an assignment to lift the burden of the Hebrews, which is what he initially attempted in his own strength? While Moses seemed to react to his emotional turmoil and handled the situation between the Egyptian and Hebrew in the wrong way, God was now sending him back with instructions on how to free the Hebrews in the right way. God assures Moses that He will teach him what to do and say. As he has this opportunity to set God's people free, his actions will now glorify God; he will not be moved by his own personal agenda. His actions now will be beneficial to many, not just himself.
Like Moses we are often faced with emotional turmoil where we are tempted to react how we feel, whether it is with angry outbursts, tantrums, jealousy, etc. When we miss the mark of responding in a way that is pleasing to God we can rest assure that we will be sent right back until we learn to respond in a selfless manner and in a manner that is pleasing to God.
Exodus 2-4
A Collaboration by Nicholas & Valerie Wilson
