Pastor Josh Weisbrod – October 27, 2019

Key Idea: God uses what is in our hands to partner with God in the mission to bring the love of Jesus Christ to the world. // Key Passage: Exodus 3:1-12; 4:1-5

SUMMARY: As the Israelites are crying out to God for freedom from slavery in Egypt, God sees, hears, and knows their suffering and has a plan to free them. Moses is part of that plan. God calls Moses to be the one to lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses believes that God has called the wrong person for the job. God dispels Moses’ doubt and excuses by using what is in Moses’ hand right now—a staff—to be part of the miracle God will perform. Moses is going back to Egypt in God’s authority and power, not his own.

TEACHING:

As Exodus chapter 3 opens, Moses is shepherding sheep in the desert. He is aware that his people and his family are still slaves in Egypt. What is God going to do? There is so much pain and suffering, what can I do about it?
God appears to Moses in a burning bush that is not consumed.
God calls Moses’ name two times. This is an indication of intimate friendship and relationship. It was intended to disarm Moses. “Moses, Moses” is like “My dear child.”
When God tells Moses He is the God of his father, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God is saying, “I am the God of the promise—the God of your fathers.”
Exodus 3:7 – God has seen, heard, and knows the suffering of the people.
I AM – is the proper name of God—I cause to be because I cause to be. I am in control. I have been there at the beginning and at the end. I have power.
Moses is called to bring the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, but he will go with the authority and power of God, not in his own power.
1. God sees, hears, and knows suffering.
- Psalm 34:17
- God is near
2. God sent a Savior.
- John 3:16-17
- You can either stay in slavery or walk in freedom.
3. God sent the Holy Spirit.
- John 14:15-17; Acts 2:1-4
- The response to the power of God is that “you will be my witnesses.”
- God has given us power because He’s given us a purpose and a mission.
4. God has called us to a great mission.
- Romans 10:13-14
- You are called. God is sending you just like He sent someone to you.
5. What is in your hands?
- Talent, gift, skill, etc.
- God does not ask how much is in your hands, but what is in your hands?

Conclusion

There is a lot of suffering and pain in the world. People often say, “Where is God?” As Christians, we are the answer to that question. God takes what is in our hands and can use it for a miracle in someone else’s life.

Reflection:

Throughout the week in your own time with the Lord, you can use these reflection questions as a way to deepen your relationship with God. Reflect on these questions in the presence of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to shine a light into your heart.

1) Have you ever met someone or do you know someone know who is in a difficult space and wonders Where is God? How do you respond?

2) Have you ever looked around you and wondered Where is God? What in yourself, your environment, or your surroundings triggered that thought?

3) Pastor Josh said that we are the answer in the world to the question Where is God? How easy or difficult is it for you to believe that?

4) God sent Jesus to save us, gave us the Holy Spirit to empower us, and called us to the mission of spreading the love of Jesus Christ to the world. We have everything we need to do what He called us to do. What prevents us from sharing the love of Jesus to the broken and hurting in the world?

5) When God told Moses he would bring the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, and Moses believed he wasn’t the right person to do it, God asked Moses, “What’s in your hand?” Moses responded, “A staff.” It was an ordinary tool in Moses’ work as a shepherd. God demonstrated to Moses then and there how God would take the mundane and produce the miracle. God asks each of us the same question, “What’s in your hand?” So, what is in your hand right now? What seems ordinary and mundane to you, but it is what you have? What do you have that you are willing to say, “Here is what’s in my hand. Use it as You want to use it.”?

6) How easy or difficult is it for you to believe that God can use what is ordinary and mundane in your hands and turn it in to a miracle for someone else?

FAQs:

I want a relationship with Jesus, but I’m not sure how to do that.

You can pray a simple prayer from your heart, no matter where you are or what you are doing.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

The next step is to tell someone. Talk to someone at church who is wearing a “How Can I Help You?” badge on Sunday, or share in your small group, that you prayed that prayer. They can make sure you get a Bible and support you in beginning your new life with Jesus.

I want to read the Bible but I’m not sure where to start. I don’t have a Bible.

If you are not familiar with the Bible and you aren’t sure where to start, you can always start reading about the life of Jesus in the book of Matthew in the New Testament. If you don’t have a Bible, let someone who is wearing a “How Can I Help You?” badge on Sunday morning that you don’t have a Bible and would like one.

I would like to get involved and serve in some way, but I don’t know how.

We invite you to attend Discover, which takes place once a month after the 10:45 am service on Sunday morning. It is a great way to hear the vision for the church and discover how you can get more involved and serve.

Full Podcast Episode: http://banner.church/podcast/2019/10/30/exodus-part-three-102719