If you have ever been judged by someone who looked at outward appearances, without first having made effort to see your heart, you are not alone.
The scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses' seat, while he took the wrap (Mt. 32:2). There was no Christ in their message, for if righteousness could be obtained by following the law, then Christ died in vain (Ga. 2:21).
One day, Moses called the Lord "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" (Lu. 20:3) and God called him to the bush over it. God's response included something like this, "I don't think so. I am not dead!" (Mk. 12:27). Thus, Moses became a quick study in serving the living God (Ex. 3:4). We can also know this because Moses was like Jesus (Ac.3:20-22) and both Moses and Jesus received their instruction directly from God (Ex. 33:11, Jn. 6:69).
"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain," (Ex. 20:7). "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain," (Ps. 127:1).
Moses, having learned the spiritual application of the law (Ro. 7:14, I Co. 2:13, I Ti. 1:8), became faithful in all his house; having stepped down from being 'in charge' to become God's servant (Lu. 16:13, He. 3:5). No doubt, Moses looks forward to hearing, "Well done."
"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world... who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever," (I Pe. 1:18-23).
The message of Moses is still the same, today.
"Let my people go, so they may serve God."
© by Joyce C. Lock
http://my.homewithgod.com/blessingsandlessons/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.
About the Author
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and "Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/. Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.