Content in Midian part I

My generation likes to think we can change the world, and many of us have discovered we can. Major internet companies such as YouTube (2005) and Facebook (2004) are the projects of young entrepreneurs. Organizations such as Charity: Water (2006) and Kiva (2004) have recent starts as well and are vastly changing the lives and communities of those they work with. The moment the ideas sprung into being, I do not believe any of these founders knew the impact they would have. Imagine if the founders of these companies and organizations never sought to bring change. Businesses in impoverished nations would not exist. Communities would be without clean water.

So, how did I start thinking about this? Believe it or, from reading Exodus. I think Moses felt a strong desire to bring about social justice, though he did not entirely know why or what that meant. I wonder if he thought he would make a difference as part of Pharaoh’s household. When he fled for his life from that very household, he must have wondered if God had a plan for him at all. Not a whole lot in his life made sense just yet.

One thing we learn about Moses is he becomes content in Midian living as a shepherd, looking out for sheep in the desert (2:21). The Egyptians found shepherds detestable so this is quite the occupation switch for Moses, especially since your identity is in your family and what your family does. He’d given up on standing as a protector for the people of Israel.

Moses is having a normal day and sees a bush on fire in the desert. This isn’t too abnormal in the desert. When he saw the bush wasn’t consumed by the fire he went to look at it. It is here that he has a powerful encounter with God. God calls Moses and tells him who He is. He says He has seen the affliction of His people and is going to do something about that. I can only imagine how Moses is feeling at this moment. He’s standing in the presence of God; already this is a pretty momentous moment. Memories of old dreams that still leave a deep ache in his heart and memories of old lives that never made sense come flooding back with each word God speaks.

Yet again this post was originally rather long so it will be in two parts (and explains the lack of transitions). Intertwined in this Exodus series will be more on what I believe God is calling me to and my responses to this. God is always so timely by leading me to the right places in Scripture and encouraging and challenging me with His faithfulness. We are on a journey and only God knows the destination.