We often forget when we read stories about Moses confronting Pharaoh that he was confronting family. As an adopted family member who had fled in shame, he bravely fought to pull others out of the bondage. How difficult his stand must have been considering their adoption for him had saved his life. Yet, this "gift-of-life" did not necessitate a debt at the expense of his calling.
Bible Reference - Exodus 2-4
Story Recap - The Pharaoh of Egypt set a decree that all newborn Israelite boys be drowned. His daughter, however, finds a living Israelite baby crying in a basket on the river. Moved to pity, she adopts him. As Moses ages, he defies his wicked grandfather and wrongly murders an Egyptian following the cruel decrees. He flees and time passes (he marries and has children/ Pharaoh dies and is replaced). He is called by God to confront the new Pharoah and lead others out of their bondage.
Reflection -
Moses is an interesting story when you consider estrangement. He left his Egyptian family twice.
I can so relate to Moses in his first separation. He
sees the injustice his "family system" is causing. He
tries to be a change agent for good but it backfires. Perhaps, it was his youth and inexperience. Perhaps, it was the final release of pent-up rage and confusion.
Many times it takes tremendous courage to break the automatic repeating of family wrongs. The courage required can often lead to improper and even sinful actions on our part. How difficult! How exasperating! BUT, this needn't dismiss our stand or doom us to a life of cruelty and bitterness.
As the story continues, Moses is accused and in fear and shame, flees. Though motivated by fear and shame, it is interesting to note that though God has him return, he has him leave purposefully and finally later. During this first separation, God uses this time to heal and reveal Himself to Moses.
Relationships are messy but God is the ultimate conservationist. What may be a selfish and bitter fleeing on our part can be part of God's plan to separate us and plant us into an environment where He can flood us with perspective and His peace. God is a pursuing God and pursues us though we flee with guilt. Like Moses, can we rest with God... allowing him to point out our failures and retrain us. Can we
receive this rest from him as we relearn in an environment free from the sin in which we have been "trained". We do not need to live in guilt but live in growth with the Lord and see where it takes us.
As the story "concludes" (at least the Egyptian-family part of it), Moses is called by God to reenter the system, confront his family and free others. He is not called to reengage and "try to change the system".
There are many instances in the Bible where we are called to be salt-and-light". I was often asked, "Why haven't you reentered, endured the abuse as you sought to bring a light into a dark place". Good question... one worthy to wrestle through with advisers and the Lord. I like Moses' example because it shows that the
way this is done is based on calling. Moses obeyed God's calling, went through steps, but ended up leaving. His final leaving was final! It was not a fleeing from shame but a running towards a calling from God. The "salt-and-light" he was arguably unable to leave with his family did indeed leave a legacy of God's power that became a primary example of God's provision for generations to follow.
Prayer -
Lord, meet me now. Forgive me for ways I have sinned against my family. Though their actions required corrections, I have been far from perfect in all my dealing with them. I have, at times, echoed their sins towards them... becoming the very thing I'm condemning. Change me from the hypocrite. Though they may never see or acknowledge this change, let me name myself by the name you give me... forgiven... loved... redeemed. Let me meet you in new ways. Let me see you like never before. Let me not live in shame and fleeing
from but faithfully following your lead as you point me the direction day-by-day (like Moses' plague by plague or the journey following the pillar of fire/ cloud). Allow me to cling to you so closely that I would reflect your glory, being "radiant because [I have] met with the Lord" (Ex 34:29). Bring me completely from a place of "hid(ing) his face because he was afraid to look at God" (Ex 3:6) to "speak(ing)... face to face as a man speaks to a friend" (Ex 33:11). To you, be the honor and praise!
One final note -
I must end by quoting the ending feelings toward Moses:
- Family: "Get out of my sight! ... The day you see my face you will die." (Ex 10:28)
- God: "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to a friend." (Ex 33:11)
What his family withheld him, the Lord provided!
