Towards Dependence

When I teach my children new skills, I intend for them to learn it and be able to do it themselves. When they were babies, I had to do every single thing for them, but as they grow older, my job as a parent is to teach them to do things independently. My 8-year old doesn't ask me for a cup of water every single time he is thirsty, my 6-year old doesn't ask for help to get dressed, and my 3-year old knows where to find his shoes. We appreciate this kind of independence, but this is not the way it works in our relationship with God.

Does God want us to be independent as we get confident in our new-found skills? I don't think so. As we take up that task we are not so confident in, those of us who know God would probably pray and ask for his help. But what happens as days go by? We probably get used to doing this task, we're getting better at it, and we don't have that same reliance on the Lord as we first did.

My kids and I are going through the part about the Israelites' journey through the Promised Land in our morning Bible time. As I narrate the Bible stories to my sons, I am amazed by the ability of this one man to lead the huge bunch of grumbling, complaning Israelites through an unpredictable wilderness. While it is no simple task to be a leader in any capacity, what stands out to me most at this time is Moses' dependence on God.

He seems to have mastered the habit of taking every situation to the Lord. Pharaoh's heart hardened? He called out to God. The Israelites grumbling against him? He cried out to God (Exodus 17:4). Feeling disappointed? He went to the Lord (Exodus 5:22). Did he have a request? He asked the Lord (Exodus 8:12). Faced by a problem? He took it to the Lord (Exodus 15:25). He even interceded on behalf of the very people who kept complaining against him (Exodus 32:11). What a great response! He didn't think of himself as a great and experienced leader, able to handle things himself. Instead, he recognized he was out there just doing what his Master has called him out to do. And Moses knew, the best way to do it is God's way.

As we experience more of the Lord, may we grow in our dependence on Him. Like Moses, let us go to Him in every situation -- joy, sorrow, fear, disappointment, shame, anger, embarassment, pain, guilt, everything! There is nothing He cannot handle. Yes, He loves to listen to us, and He is only a thought away.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Back to the Palace

Position, power, passion, readiness, confidence and talent – Forty-year old Moses had all that is required of a leader. He was in an advantageous position to release the Hebrew slaves, because he was the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. His passion for his people is demonstrated when he killed an Egyptian who was beating a fellow Hebrew. He was on his toes. He was aware of the hardships of the Hebrews. “He went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labour.” (Exodus 2:11) Moses also had the best training. "Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.” (Acts 7:22) But all these could not help Moses liberate his people from slavery. The Hebrews did not even accept him as their leader. “Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.” (Acts 7:25) Later on, Moses had to flee from the palace for killing an Egyptian.

Away from the palace, Pharaoh, Egypt and the murder of an Egyptian, Moses soon got used to a different lifestyle in Midian. He was tending his father-in-law’s sheep. Forty years had gone by and Moses had become a different person. No more was he the confident and talented guy. He had become a shepherd. His reluctance to free the Hebrews is seen in that he asked too many questions and gave too many excuses to God. Looks like even his powerful speech had become slowness of speech and tongue, or he was just giving a lame excuse when he said, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (Exodus 4:11)

At a time when Moses had lost his vision and passion, God met him at the burning bush and sent him back to the palace – the very place he had fled forty years ago. This time, he had no position or power. His confidence was not on himself but on God and His Power. With God, Moses was able to deliver God’s people and lead them.

Like young Moses, we often think we are best equipped to serve the Lord when we have the talent, when we are in an influential position or when we have the required resources. But, God does not want any of those. He is looking for people who will depend on Him completely with whatever they have. As goes the saying, God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.