The Choice Of Moses
Exodus 2:11-25
Moses, first of all….. if your knowledge of Moses has come from Hollywood you have missed out on one of Gods greatest servants.
We tend to look at the bible with a world view instead of searching the scriptures and finding out what is Gods view on the matter.
Moses was flawed, just like us, Moses had doubts, fears and limitations, just like us. Moses was used greatly by God despite his perceived liabilities. Moses limited himself, God knew he could be used. And here in churches all over this world, men and women sit, idle, because they have focused on what they see that keeps them for serving while God is trying to open doors for you to serve. We really need to stop slamming those doors in Gods face.
-
The Circumstances;
Exo 2. 11-14And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?14 And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.
Acts 7:23-2923 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.26 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons
Acts clarifies it more for us, it came into his heart, he thought upon his brethren, he had a bond, he loved them. Are your fellow brethren on your mind other then Sunday morning? Or does your job and the world drown out fellowship? When was the last time you prayed for someone in this church that wasn’t prompted by a prayer request? Do you pray for Brother James and the leaders daily? Or just when you think they need it. I need it every day. SO do you .
-
His sympathy with Israel;
Exo 2:11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.
When he saw his brethren in trouble he had compassion for them because they were his own. Recently, saved born again members of the body of Christ took sides against the preaching of the cross in the streets of Deland. They took sides against Jesus and took sides with their personal comfort. It costs to serve, it costs to love. Moses didn’t sit back and count where it would affect him he took the side of his brethren. He didn’t care that a coworker might see him passing out a tract or holding a sign, he wanted to do right. I was in NC a few yrs ago saw a street preacher.
-
His rash act;
Exo 2:12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.
Note he didn’t look up.
Moses acted for his brethren, he acted out of love but he acted rashly. He did not seek God, we decided he was sufficient enough alone to deliver his kindred.
I can look back in my life where I acted on things that I thought were what I needed to do, I didn’t seek counsel or even pray first, I just did it. And on some, years later, I’m still paying the price for going too fast.
Moses thought that by his own hand he would deliver Israel. Forty years later he learned it was not his hand but God’s right hand that did the delivering!
Exodus 15:6, 7 Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
What a difference some maturity and growth does. Moses now gets it, it is by God that all is done that matters. What we do by our hands rarely works out right.
3, His flight;
Exo 2:15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.
Again I do not see Moses praying. He is reacting. Here is a very good reason we need to be consistent in our service. Come to the street and you will see Brother Chris, or others deal with people that contend. They have learned the proper way to deal with objections. Not because they are smarter or better than we are, it is because they have spent time in the word learning what God says about each thing. They have prayed over it, studied. They no long have to react, they can just respond how God desires. Are you faithful to some ministry? Or do you go when you feel like it? Do you pray over service or do you just go with the flow? Do you go out on the street having saught God or do you just go?
-
The Choice
Hebrews 11:24-25 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
When we was come to years. He was 40.
The law dictates when a man could go into service. Jesus was 30 according to the law before he began his public ministry.
Acts 7:23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel
I am so glad that the Lord came to do away with the law. I can stand side by side with children and preach. There is no age limit before you can get saved. My daughter can serve now and not have to wait. But I have a responsibility. I need to serve and show her how to be a good servant. Do you share your work in the Lord with your family? DO they know what you are doing to spread the Gospel. The other night we looked at pictures of Mars hill and I showed Ashley where we were going in a cpl weeks to preach. I want her as much involved as I can, in prayer, in helping, in service. She can pass out tracts; she is so cute she hands them out 20 to 1 to me. They will take them from her faster than from me. It is a blessing to be part of a church where all ages have a part in spreading the good news.
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
2 Timothy 3:15; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
I want my daughter to enjoy being a kid, have fun but I also want her to have fun in serving, Handing out tracts is not a chore, although some saved men and women make it sound like it is, it is a joy of fellowship. What a thrill it is to see young kids run ahead of the adults at the Christmas parade and give out tracts. We lag behind their youthful energy. We should do everything we can to encourage it.
The Choice.
He chose. He made a definite decision. He chose a path without thinking or maybe even caring the end result. Salvation is a choice. No one is saved apart from a definite decision for Christ. Most do so without thinking of an end result, most do it selfishly to save their selves, few get saved because they truly love Jesus, they get saved because they love themselves that a love for Jesus grows out of that. HOPEFULLY. Some get the f ire insurance and never serve. Some sit in a pew, happy they ar secure while giving no concern for the thousands upon thousands heading for hell.
A Christian will complain that we are street preaching. But they do not witness. There will come a day, when they stand before their savior. Having to explain why they were too embarrassed or afraid to share the good news that they so gladly received. Are your saved? Then you received the good news, do you share it with the same zeal that you talk about that great TV show or ball game or movie? Surely Jesus is much better than a Hollywood production. Why do Christians spend more time recommending a book or movie and rely on lifestyle evangelism to save souls. WE NEED TO PREACH.
He made a choice against his position in Egypt.
Egypt a type of the world.
Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Philippians 3:7-9 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
John 17:10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
God gets glory in us? In my life? What a joy to know even with my many faults God still wants to glory in who I can be. I cant be a glory to God until I get the world out of my path. I need to follow Christ and not the TV. I need to follow Jesus not the comment section of the Deland Beacon. Where did you spend more time this week? In Gods word and in prayer? Or in gossip? Sports? Moses could have had a lot more comfort if he embraced Egypt instead of his brethren. We get great turnout when we have a smack down or a march for Jesus, but for every day ministries the same few attend.
He made a choice against the possessions of Egypt.
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 10:23, 24 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
Do not get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with having a good job, making good money. But if that good pay and job turn your heart from Jesus it would be better that you would be broke and in Gods will. Moses had to downsize a bit when he fled, I doubt he fled in a U-haul full of stuff.
He made a choice against the pleasures of Egypt.
Timothy 6:9, 10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I am sure the riches available to him were tempting, they would be to me. Who doesn’t want to have no cares about money?
God says that we deserve the wages of death for out sinful lives. But instead offers a free gift of eternal salvation thru the blood of his precious son.
God made the choice to sacrifice perfection for a filthy rag.
Moses looked upon his brethren and saw nothing they could give him to better his life.
God looked at me and I had nothing to offer him but he still loves me and gave his all for no return. To me it’s a bad investment but to God it was worth it all.
He made a choice against the perils of Egypt.
1 John 5:19If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
2 Peter 3:10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
With his choice came danger. You choose to side with God this world will rise up against you. He was hunted and wanted dead. Now few on the street want us dead today but they want us gone for sure. Rational people will obey the law but will still content.
Hebrews 11:25. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
“Affliction” He chose to suffer affliction. I do not to be afflicted, I want to be accepted. But if acceptance comes with me putting the tracts away and the sign down. I guess I will have to live with Gods love and the scorn of men.
John 15:19-21 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
Jesus died on the cross because they hated him, men do not like their sin pointed out. Just standing on a street corner quietly holding a sign that says Jesus Saves will get them to think about their sin. You do not have to mention their sin and they will be mad at you for bringing it up. You may have never opened you mouth but they do not like you. When you do open your mouth the hatred gets worse. Our job is to get their mind on Jesus, on their eternal destination. Our job is not to win them with kindness, although you should be nice and smile when you’re on the street. But once you mention Jesus you will divide.
What is your choice?
The Result—a great life. Who has not heard of Moses, the man of God? Had Moses decided to mount the throne of Egypt and become its Pharaoh, he would have been unknown to the vast majority of people, and his body would probably have been an interesting mummy in the Museum at Cairo! True fame and true success consists in putting God first in the life.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Joshua 1:5-9 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
You are not alone; you have a Holy Spirit dwelling in you. You have the Son of God, the Saviour ever interceding for you. How can it get any better than that?
“Queen James Bible” Clumsily Cleanses Scriptures of “Homophobia”
Monday, 24 December 2012 17:30
Written by Michael Tennant
What do you do if you claim to be a Christian but are offended by Scriptures condemning the practice of homosexuality? If you are one of the unnamed editors of the new “Queen James Bible” (QJV), you simply rewrite the offending passages to your liking, and — voilá! — the problem is solved.
Based on the 1769 edition of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, the QJV changes eight passages that the editors, on their website, say “anti-LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] Bible interpretations commonly cite” as evidence that “homosexuality is a sin.” “We edited those eight verses in a way that makes homophobic interpretations impossible,” they assert. Indeed they did.
Ironically, on another page of the website they explain that they chose to bowdlerize the KJV because “most English Bible translations that actively condemn homosexuality have based themselves on the King James Version and have erroneously adapted its words to support their own agenda.” Considering that multiple translations over many centuries, using a variety of sources, have translated these verses similarly to the KJV, it is obvious who is “erroneously” changing the clear words of Scripture “to support their own agenda.”
In fact, the crux of the editors’ argument for changing the passages is so weak as to make further investigation of their claims almost unnecessary. “Homosexuality,” they write, “was first mentioned in the Bible in 1946 in the Revised Standard Version. There is no mention of or reference to homosexuality in any Bible prior to this — only interpretations have been made.”
While it is true that the word “homosexual” did not appear in Bible translations until recent times, there is a good reason for that: The word did not exist in the English language prior to 1890. That does not, however, mean that the subject was not broached in earlier translations. As Wheaton College professor and professional Bible translator Douglas J. Moo told the Christian Post:
Few, if any English translations use the actual words “homosexuality” or “homosexual.” But the history of English translation shows that versions have consistently used other language to refer to what we would call homosexual relationships.
For instance, the King James Version of Romans 1:27 refers to “men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly.” It would be very difficult to deny that this language, and the language found in many other places in both the [Old Testament] and the [New Testament], refers to homosexuality.
Yet that is exactly what the editors of the QJV do.
Take the famous story of God’s destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, found in Genesis 19. Traditionally the sin that brought on the judgment has been thought to be the residents’ homosexual behavior. When Abraham’s nephew Lot, a resident of Sodom, received two visitors, the men of the city surrounded Lot’s house and demanded, “Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them.” The next day the visitors — actually angels — led Lot and his family out of the city, and God destroyed both it and Gomorrah.
The editors of the QJV, however, say that they “side with most Bible scholars” — left unnamed — “who understand the story … to be about bullying strangers.” Thus, they changed verse five to read: “And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may rape and humiliate them.”
And what of Jude 1:7, which in the KJV bluntly states that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for “giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh”? Since the editors of the QJV have already decided that the sin of Sodom was not homosexuality per se but the attempted rape of angels, they changed “strange flesh” to “nonhuman flesh” to align with their “clarification” of Genesis 19:5. But the men of Sodom were not aware that Lot’s visitors were angels, so why would God condemn the Sodomites for wanting to sleep with nonhumans?
Other, even clearer condemnations of homosexual behavior are transformed into condemnations of idolatry instead. The editors insert the phrase “in the temple of Molech” in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 to imply that homosexual behavior is only an “abomination” when it takes place in the context of pagan worship. For example, Leviticus 18:22 in the KJV, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is an abomination,” becomes “Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind in the temple of Molech: it is an abomination” in the QJV.
As other commentators have pointed out, if this same logic were applied to subsequent verses in Leviticus 18, it would transform a blanket prohibition of bestiality into one conditioned on whether it takes place in pagan temples. Is this what the QJV editors intend?
The editors tie themselves in knots trying to explain that the word translated “abomination” really means something less, such as “ritually unclean” or “taboo.” But, they explain,
To simply replace “abomination” with “taboo” would only address 18:22, and not the death penalty proposed in 20:13. Furthermore, we don’t believe homosexual relations to be taboo, so that solution would have been unsatisfactory. Since abominable offenses aren’t all punishable by death like this one leads us to believe there was translative error at some point: If having sex with a man is punishable by death, it wouldn’t be called an abomination. Therefore, we left the word abomination as is, and found a much more elegant and logically clear solution to this interpretive ambiguity….
Obviously these editors also have their own definitions of “elegant” and “logically clear.”
Romans 1:26 and 1:27 get a similar, albeit more subtle, treatment as the verses in Leviticus, again premised on the idolatry theory.
Other verses, too, are subjected to unwarranted edits, but the result is the same: to sweep away Scriptures plainly declaring homosexual behavior a sin.
By the way, the QJV got its name because, according to the editors:
Commonly known to biographers but often surprising to most Christians, King James I was a well-known bisexual. Though he did marry a woman, his many gay relationships were so well-known that amongst some of his friends and court, he was known as “Queen James.” It is in his great debt and honor that we name The Queen James Bible so.
In truth, James’s sexuality is a matter of dispute among historians. Robert Bucholz and Newton Key, in Early Modern England, 1458-1714, assert that “the issue is murky.” But given the QJV editors’ lack of concern for scriptural fidelity, their similar disinterest in historical accuracy is hardly surprising.
The QJV isn’t the first attempt to rewrite Scripture to make it say what some want it to say; and if the editors get their druthers, it won’t be the last. The QJV “resolves any homophobic interpretations of the Bible,” they write, “but the Bible is still filled with inequality and even contradiction that we have not addressed.” The Almighty is surely waiting with bated breath to see how mere mortals can once more “improve” upon His Word.
THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE 