God did not approve of what Moses did. Moses took the life of an Egyptian. The man was clearly mistreating a Hebrew, and Moses stepped in to defend the oppressed. But though his concern may have been right, his method was wrong.
Moses believed that God was going to use him as a deliverer for his people. Seeing injustice stirred something in him. He stepped forward, assuming this was the moment. But he did not do it God’s way.
Note Acts 7:24-25
Moses thought his brethren would recognize his leadership. He assumed that because of his position in Pharaoh’s household, his education, and his courage, they would rally around him. He supposed they would understand. But they did not. Yes, what he did was wrong. He killed a man. Scripture does not excuse the act. But the emphasis in Acts 7 shows that he was misguided. He was trying to accomplish God’s will through human strength and timing.
Moses believed that by striking down the Egyptian, the Hebrews would see him as their deliverer. Instead, they misunderstood him. They did not approve of his actions. They did not follow him.
Have you ever been misunderstood? I remember early in pastoring, meeting with a couple where the husband was a believer but the wife was not. She was attending Jehovah’s Witness meetings and spiritual conferences. I genuinely wanted to help her. After a service, I met with both of them and carefully explained the Gospel, encouraging her to seek truth from the Word of God. Instead of responding positively, she became upset and never returned.
Another time, I tried to help a family struggling with their teenage daughter. I spoke sincerely and offered counsel I believed was biblical and helpful. But they did not receive it as help-they received it as interference-and they were offended.
Good intentions are not always enough. You must act God’s way, in God’s timing.
Abraham and Sarah had good intentions when Abraham had a child with Hagar. Perhaps Abraham thought, “I’m just going to help God out.” But that was not God’s plan. Later, Paul uses Hagar and Sarah as illustrations in Galatians 4:21 - Galatians 5:1-Hagar representing the flesh and human effort, Sarah representing the promise. One picture is salvation by works; the other is salvation by faith. Paul tells the Galatians to cast out the bondwoman-turn from self-righteous striving and trust fully in Christ.
Moses tried to force God’s will instead of waiting for God to act. He leaned on his own understanding instead of trusting in the Lord to direct his path (Proverbs 3:5-7). Zeal without submission can lead to failure. Calling without patience can lead to frustration. God had chosen Moses-but Moses had not yet learned to wait. Before he could deliver Israel, he would need to be delivered from self-reliance.
God did not approve of what Moses did. Moses took the life of an Egyptian. The man was clearly mistreating a Hebrew, and Moses stepped in to defend the oppressed. But though his concern may have been right, his method was wrong.
Moses believed that God was going to use him as a deliverer for his people. Seeing injustice stirred something in him. He stepped forward, assuming this was the moment. But he did not do it God’s way.
Note Acts 7:24-25
Moses thought his brethren would recognize his leadership. He assumed that because of his position in Pharaoh’s household, his education, and his courage, they would rally around him. He supposed they would understand. But they did not. Yes, what he did was wrong. He killed a man. Scripture does not excuse the act. But the emphasis in Acts 7 shows that he was misguided. He was trying to accomplish God’s will through human strength and timing.
Moses believed that by striking down the Egyptian, the Hebrews would see him as their deliverer. Instead, they misunderstood him. They did not approve of his actions. They did not follow him.
Have you ever been misunderstood? I remember early in pastoring, meeting with a couple where the husband was a believer but the wife was not. She was attending Jehovah’s Witness meetings and spiritual conferences. I genuinely wanted to help her. After a service, I met with both of them and carefully explained the Gospel, encouraging her to seek truth from the Word of God. Instead of responding positively, she became upset and never returned.
Another time, I tried to help a family struggling with their teenage daughter. I spoke sincerely and offered counsel I believed was biblical and helpful. But they did not receive it as help-they received it as interference-and they were offended.
Good intentions are not always enough. You must act God’s way, in God’s timing.
Abraham and Sarah had good intentions when Abraham had a child with Hagar. Perhaps Abraham thought, “I’m just going to help God out.” But that was not God’s plan. Later, Paul uses Hagar and Sarah as illustrations in Galatians 4:21 - Galatians 5:1-Hagar representing the flesh and human effort, Sarah representing the promise. One picture is salvation by works; the other is salvation by faith. Paul tells the Galatians to cast out the bondwoman-turn from self-righteous striving and trust fully in Christ.
Moses tried to force God’s will instead of waiting for God to act. He leaned on his own understanding instead of trusting in the Lord to direct his path (Proverbs 3:5-7). Zeal without submission can lead to failure. Calling without patience can lead to frustration. God had chosen Moses-but Moses had not yet learned to wait. Before he could deliver Israel, he would need to be delivered from self-reliance.