What lessons can we learn from Moses' assumptions in Acts 7:25? Setting the Scene Acts 7 records Stephen retelling Israel’s history. When he reaches Moses, he pauses to note an inner conviction that sprang up in Moses’ heart long before the burning bush. Exodus 2:11-12 recounts Moses striking down an Egyptian oppressor. Then Acts 7:25 comments: “He thought his brothers would understand that God was delivering them through him, but they did not understand.” The Assumption Exposed Moses believed three things: • God had appointed him to deliver Israel. • His fellow Hebrews would immediately recognize that calling. • The timing to act was “now.” All three assumptions proved premature. The result was forty years of exile in Midian (Exodus 2:15). Lessons for Today • God’s call is real, but His timing is perfect – Ecclesiastes 3:1: “For everything there is an appointed time…” – Moses had the right mission but the wrong moment; God waited until he was eighty (Exodus 7:7). • Zeal without clear direction can hinder God’s work – Proverbs 19:2: “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge.” – Moses’ passion cost him credibility and forced him into the wilderness classroom. • People need revelation, not presumption – Only God can open eyes (Luke 24:45). – Until the LORD confirmed Moses with signs (Exodus 4:1-9), Israel remained unconvinced. • Humility precedes usefulness – Numbers 12:3 describes Moses as “very humble, more so than anyone on the face of the earth.” That quality was absent when he acted in his own strength. – 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” • God often works through process, not shortcuts – Forty years in Midian refined Moses’ character, taught him shepherding, and prepared him to guide a nation of former slaves (Psalm 78:72). • Communication matters – Moses never voiced his sense of calling to his brethren; he assumed they would “just know.” – Proverbs 15:23: “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply.” Clear words can prevent confusion and conflict. Walking It Out • Wait on God’s timing; confirm your calling through Scripture and wise counsel. • Temper zeal with prayerful patience. • Speak plainly about what God is doing rather than expecting others to read your intentions. • Embrace God-ordained seasons of preparation; they deepen humility and sharpen effectiveness. |
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