«Then be said, ‘Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?’ So Moses feared and said, ‘Surely this thing is known!»‘ (Exodus 2:14).
Moses grew up and was educated according to Egyptian customs, but his heart and character belonged to his Israelite culture. When he saw an Egyptian mistreating a Hebrew man, motivated by his sense of justice, he acted impulsively and took the Egyptian’s life. Although he acted due to his indignation at seeing his people enslaved and abused by the Egyptians, his impetuous conduct was not justified. He was a capable member of the Egyptian army, but he still lacked the qualities that were essential to his service in God’s cause (see Patriarchs and Prophets, ch. 22, pp. 247, 248). It is crucial for us to keep watch over our natural inclinations to take justice into our own hands!
Moses wrongly thought that killing an Egyptian to defend the rights of the Hebrews would help him gain the affection and respect of his people. Although the leaders of his people had been told by God that Moses would be their liberator, he was not to get ahead of God’s plans for his life. The violence of the previous day disqualified him as a mediator for his people the next day. His positive influence was interrupted by a hasty act (see SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 505). Let us not try to get ahead of God’s designs for our future. His plans for your life will not be hastened nor delayed.
Moses had made sure no one saw him when he killed the Egyptian. So, the Hebrew man who was now accusing him must have been the same one Moses defended from the Egyptian the day before. The one he defended became his accuser. Have you ever done and risked a lot to help someone, only to have them unexpectedly turn on you and accuse you?
Moses thought that his bad action had not been seen by anyone, but there is nothing hidden under the sun; one day our faults will catch up with us. Now Moses, hated by the Egyptians but not accepted by the Jews, haunted by his fears and his guilty conscience, had no other option than to flee as a fugitive from justice, Accustomed to the luxuries of court life, he now had to confront a life full of deprivations and dangers in the desert.
The use of physical force is not what will make us suitable to serve others.
www.meditacionesdiarias.com
https://twitter.com/meditacionesdi1
http://www.instagram.com/meditacionesdiarias7
Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
