Seeing His Hand

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Category: General | Jun 1991

He was a refugee murderer when he stepped over the Egyptian border on his way to Midian.

The hand that slew a man later enclosed itself around a shepherd's rod. This was a curious thing to do since the Egyptians were taught that shepherds were an abomination (1). Such was the beginning of the second forty-year era of Moses' life. In the land if his birth, Egypt, he became a man of affairs, a trained administrator, a capable handler of people. Yet he still lacked the essentials needed by a man who was to emancipate and lead a holy nation. So for forty years as a shepherd in Midian he was to learn dependence upon God, patience in service and tender care for the sheep and lambs of his flock. At the end of those years of training God spoke to him from the burning bush.

In preparation for this mammoth task God began with the eyes of Moses. The great power and glory of Egypt were etched on Moses' mind and vision, but they were nothing in comparison with the bush which burned and was not consumed. Moses was overwhelmed by this desert wonder. It exceeded everything he had ever seen before. This nation of destiny might pass through the fires of affliction, but He would see to it that she was not consumed. This great sight, this experience of God's holiness and power, was a turning point in

the life of Moses. He would now see God and His purposes through new eyes, through sanctified vision.

The Lord next dealt with the hand which fatally smote a man. It held a shepherd's rod, for Moses cared for sheep in the wilderness. At God's command the rod was thrown to the ground where it changed to a serpent. Moses was commanded to pick it up by the tail and it became a rod in his hand again: a sanctified rod for divine service. What was learned here? that human ability at its best is not sufficient for God; that obedience to His commands is essential; that fear of the enemy, or his death-dealing sting, had been invalidated. Possessing a sanctified hand of obedience, Moses realized that God is stronger than His foes and the power of Egypt was not to be feared. Egypt is a type of the world, and today's Christian can draw a valid lesson from Moses' life.

The third experience for Moses was for the hand to be placed in his bosom, and on withdrawal it was found to be leprous. Indicated here is a truth for all to learn, that "in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing" (2). The arm of flesh must always fail despite our good intentions. The flesh is unclean, profitable for nothing, unacceptable to God. When the leprous hand was returned to the bosom and again taken out, it was clean. Now it could be used by God. Yet, with sanctified eyes and hand, Moses was still reluctant to serve God by returning to his former homeland, because he was not eloquent. He was commanded to go with the rod of His authority, and convey God's message via Aaron. Together they successfully confronted Egypt's despot which resulted ultimately in Israel's mighty deliverance from bondage (3).

But God was not finished with Moses yet. Israel was free, the Red Sea had been crossed, the covenant of obedience had been sealed by blood, the tabernacle was in process of being built' the law and commandments were written, and Moses sought yet another assurance. "Shew me ... Thy glory", he asked of the Lord. "Thou canst not see My face: for man shall not see Me and live", answered the Lord. Then He made a startling suggestion, "Behold, there is a place by Me ... I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand" (4). We must picture Moses resting, relaxing, in the cleft of the rock so close to God, and joyously, assuredly, gazing at the hand of God. Surely the memory of this would linger with him all his days. He saw with assurance the hand of God in his life. It was the hand of the great Creator, the hand of the Deliverer, the hand of the supplier of the manna and the water from the rock. The unmistakable

hand of God! Moses would look back in awe at the realization that nothing is accomplished for God unless His hand is in it.

And so today we need the same assurance of the hand of God in our lives. We must not be content with "getting by" in Christian experience knowing only the rise and fall of uncertainty in our Christian walk. We must see and know that divine hand with its guidance and protection. He is willing to give us this faith experience which can regulate, stabilize our lives to make them fruitful. It will not only be a joy to us, but an encouragement to others to hear of the hand of God in one's life. With this experience there comes, too, the need for sanctified eyes to see God's purpose. Should we not pray on opening our Bibles, "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things Out of Thy law" (5). Desiring, too, sanctified hands which hold aloft the rod of God, type of His authority which His Word reveals, that we may teach, reprove, correct, instruct, with righteousness in view.

At the end of Moses' life God spoke of him as "My servant" (6). What of you and me? Our ideal is to rest in our service for Him, and see the hand of God.

(1)Gen. 46.34,

(2)Rom. 7.18,

(3)Ex. 4:10-31,

(4)Ex. 33: 17-23,

(5)Ps. 119:18

(6)Josh. 1:2.

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Jun 1991
General