Studying the Bible never jades. One may study a chapter or an entire story in the Bible, yet come out with different insights. Take the ten plagues that God meted on Egypt in the book of Exodus. Academicians have revealed that each plague was an indictment for the false gods of Egypt1 (an interesting study for those who enjoy history). But must we be theologians to be able to understand scripture? Not so. God meets us on the level of our need.
There are various methodologies to guide us and help us appreciate the wealth of knowledge and insight that is gained through faithful study of the Bible. A simple tool which I personally favor due to its simplicity is SOAP (which stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer); I further tweaked it to include Question (filtered through my circa, SOQPA).
When God called out Moses from the burning bush and appointed him to go to Pharaoh, Moses felt he was not fit for the assignment—which kindled God’s anger against Moses. God appointed Aaron to be his mouth and speak for Moses.2
Through observation, we notice that God instructs Moses what to say to Aaron only 3 times: The 1st plague—water turned to blood, And the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand . . .’”3; the 2nd plague—frogs, And the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your staff, . . .’”4; the 3rd plague—gnats, Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch our your staff . . .’”5 On the succeeding plagues Moses was directly commanding the plagues. Although Aaron was by his side, he no longer was given instruction to lift his staff. God was directly instructing Moses to lift up his hand instead: the 7th plague—hail, Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, . . .”6; the 8th plague—locusts, Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt . . .”7; the 9th plague—darkness, Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, . . . .”8
Despite Moses’ insecurities and fears he obeyed God. And witnessed signs and wonders performed before his eyes. Did God purposely harden Pharaoh’s heart to bring enough leadership practice opportunities for Moses? Had Moses disobeyed God would he have missed the opportunity to be used by God? Did Moses gain the confidence from witnessing the power that accompanied God’s words? Was it God’s presence that transformed Moses from timid to bold, insecure to fearless, cowed to leader? Were the numerous signs and wonders etched in Moses’ mind that allowed him to endure leading an obstinate people across the wilderness for 40 years? How may we apply this lesson in our walk with Christ?
Remember, our God is the same God who introduced himself to Moses as, “I AM WHO I AM.”. . . “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, . . . I have observed you . . . , and I promise that I will bring you up our of the affliction . . .”9 The same covenant keeping God had promised; thus, fulfills it! And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.10 We have the same God who gives his assurance, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”11
God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies those he called. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.11
Notes:
1. http://www.stat.rice.edu/~dobelman/Dinotech/10_Eqyptian_gods_10_Plagues.pdf
2. Exodus 3-4:17
3. Exodus 7:19
4. Exodus 8:3
5. Exodus 8:16
6. Exodus 9:22
7. Exodus 10:12
8. Exodus 10:21
9. Exodus 3:14-17
10. Exodus 13:21-22
11. Jeremiah 32:27
12. Hebrews 10:35-36
