What can we learn about faith from Moses' reaction in Exodus 4:6? Setting the Scene • Exodus 4 opens with Moses hesitant about his calling. God responds with signs to build Moses’ confidence. • Verse 6 presents the second sign: “Again the LORD said to him, ‘Put your hand inside your cloak.’ So Moses put his hand inside his cloak; and when he took it out, his hand was leprous, white as snow.” Immediate Obedience • Moses does not argue or delay; he simply follows the instruction. • Obedience happens before understanding. Faith responds to God’s Word first, clarity follows later (Hebrews 11:8). • Simple, swift compliance demonstrates trust that God’s commands are always wise and good (Psalm 119:60). Trusting God with Risk • Leprosy was feared, incurable, and isolating. By obeying, Moses risked becoming permanently unclean. • Faith agrees that the safest place is inside God’s will, even when obedience appears dangerous (Isaiah 41:10). • True faith values God’s purpose above personal comfort or safety (Luke 9:23-24). Witnessing God’s Power in Personal Experience • The sudden appearance of leprosy—and its later removal (v. 7)—became a private lesson before Moses showed signs to Israel. • Faith deepens as believers experience God’s power firsthand (Psalm 34:8). • Personal encounters with God equip servants to lead others confidently (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Humility and Realization of Need • Moses sees his own hand diseased, reminding him that apart from God he is frail and unclean. • Faith begins with humble recognition of human weakness and God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:5). • Dependence on divine cleansing foreshadows spiritual truths fulfilled in Christ (1 John 1:7). Confirmation for Future Challenges • This sign prepares Moses for confrontations with Pharaoh and doubts among Israel. • Faith stores God’s past acts as fuel for future obedience (Deuteronomy 7:17-19). • Remembering divine interventions turns timid hearts into courageous leaders (Joshua 1:9). Key Takeaways on Faith from Moses’ Reaction – Obedience precedes full understanding. – Trust submits even when the command involves risk. – Personal experience with God strengthens faith for public service. – Humility about personal frailty heightens dependence on the Lord. – Remembered proofs of God’s power sustain faith in future trials. Living It Today • Act promptly on clear biblical commands. • Step forward when obedience seems risky, knowing God remains sovereign. • Keep a record of answered prayers and divine interventions to bolster trust. • Allow every glimpse of personal weakness to drive deeper reliance on Christ’s sufficiency. |
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