How can we apply the respect Moses received to our Christian witness today? Setting the Scene: Exodus 11:3 “And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was highly esteemed in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and of the people.” Why Moses Gained Such Respect • God’s direct blessing: “the LORD gave the people favor.” • Consistent obedience: Moses delivered every message exactly as received (Exodus 7:6). • Visible holiness: His life was marked by intimacy with God (Exodus 33:11). • Unflinching courage: He confronted Pharaoh repeatedly despite danger (Hebrews 11:27). • Servant leadership: He pleaded for Israel rather than seeking personal honor (Exodus 32:11-13). Principles for Earning Respect Today 1. Divine favor precedes human favor. Seek God’s approval first (Proverbs 3:3-4). 2. Obedience draws attention. Walk in the light you already have (John 14:21). 3. Authentic holiness is attractive. “Let your light shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). 4. Courage under pressure stands out. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7). 5. Servant hearts disarm opposition. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). Practical Steps for Daily Witness • Begin each day submitting plans to the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty. • Speak truth graciously, even when unpopular, mirroring Moses before Pharaoh. • Keep promises; consistency builds trust just as Moses’ words proved reliable. • Serve without seeking credit—help neighbors, co-workers, strangers quietly. • Display settled confidence in God’s power during crises; people notice calm faith. • Cultivate visible holiness: pure speech, integrity with money, moral boundaries. • Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness, pointing others to Him rather than self. Living Examples in the New Testament • Peter and John: respected by the council for their boldness and evident association with Jesus (Acts 4:13-14). • Stephen: even opponents “could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him” (Acts 6:10). • Paul on Malta: kindness and miracles earned respect, opening doors for the gospel (Acts 28:1-10). The Ultimate Goal: Pointing to Christ Respect is never an end in itself. Like Moses, who led Israel to worship the LORD, believers leverage earned esteem to spotlight the Savior. “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). |
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