What steps can we take to ensure we listen to God's instructions like Moses? Hearing God in Exodus 3:16 “Go, gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has appeared to me and said: I have attended closely to you and to what has been done to you in Egypt.’ ” (Exodus 3:16) What Moses Models for Us • God speaks clearly, expecting obedience. • Moses hears, believes, and prepares to act. • The command is public—he must relay God’s exact words to the elders. Step 1: Cultivate a Hearing Heart • Slow down: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). • Tune your ear: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). • Expect clarity: God never mumbles; His Spirit illumines Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). Step 2: Value Scripture as God’s Living Voice • Moses received verbal revelation; we receive written revelation equally authoritative. • “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). • Regular, systematic reading readies the heart to recognize God’s prompting. Step 3: Confirm Through Godly Counsel • Moses went to “the elders of Israel.” Community guards us from self-deception (Proverbs 11:14). • Share insights with mature believers; welcome accountability. Step 4: Obey Immediately and Precisely • Moses did not edit God’s message; he repeated it verbatim (Exodus 3:18). • Jesus links love with obedience: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). Step 5: Move Forward in Faith, Not Fear • Pharaoh’s opposition was certain, yet Moses stepped out. • “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). • Courage grows as we recall past deliverances (Exodus 3:19-20). Step 6: Stay Dependent on God’s Presence • The burning bush encounter marked Moses for life; later he pleads, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). • Prayerful reliance keeps instructions fresh and relationship-based (Philippians 4:6-7). Step 7: Expect God to Confirm His Word • Signs followed Moses—staff to serpent, leprous hand healed (Exodus 4:1-8). • While we don’t demand signs, God often affirms obedience through opened doors, peace, and fruitful results (Acts 16:6-10). Putting It All Together Listening like Moses means embracing Scripture, quieting our hearts, seeking wise counsel, obeying without delay, stepping out in faith, depending on God’s presence, and watching Him confirm His word. Each step draws us deeper into the living dialogue the Lord desires with His people. |
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