The Background: A Life of Three Acts

The life of Moses spans 120 years, divided into three distinct 40-year segments (Acts 7:23, 30, 36), each defining a different aspect of his character.

• Act I: The Prince (40 years in Egypt): Born a Hebrew slave during a time when Pharaoh ordered the killing of all male Hebrew infants. He was rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in the royal palace (Exodus 2:10). His early life instilled in him a deep knowledge of Egyptian administration, military strategy, and royal education. This prepared him for the leadership he would later need.

• Act II: The Fugitive (40 years in Midian): When Moses saw an Egyptian mistreating a Hebrew slave, he intervened and killed the Egyptian. Fearing for his life, he fled to the wilderness of Midian, where he settled, married Zipporah, and became a simple shepherd for his father-in-law, Jethro. This life stripped him of his royal arrogance, teaching him patience, humility, and reliance on the harsh, quiet wilderness.

• Act III: The Deliverer (40 years leading Israel): At age 80, God called him back to Egypt to lead the Exodus.

I. The Character of Reluctance

The call of Moses at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3) reveals a character riddled with self-doubt and resistance, which is surprising for a former prince.

• The Command: God revealed His name (I AM WHO I AM) and commanded Moses to return to Egypt to tell Pharaoh to let His people go.

• The Excuses: Moses offered five separate excuses for why he was the wrong man for the job:

  1. Who am I? (Insecurity about self)

  2. What is your name? (Insecurity about God's power)

  3. What if they don't believe me? (Insecurity about the people)

  4. I am slow of speech and tongue. (Insecurity about ability)

  5. Please send someone else. (Outright refusal) (Exodus 3:11–4:13)

• The Character Trait: Reluctant Obedience: God was angered by Moses’ resistance but responded with patience and provision, giving him miraculous signs (staff to snake, hand to leprosy) and appointing his brother, Aaron, as his spokesman. Moses’ eventual agreement was not eager but obedient, demonstrating that God equips those He calls, despite their fears and failures.

II. The Character of Intercession

Once in ministry, Moses' defining character trait became one of profound intercession (praying on behalf of others).

• The Lawgiver: Moses was the one who went up Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments and the entire Law, forming the foundation of the relationship between God and Israel.

• The Great Advocate: Throughout the forty years in the wilderness, whenever Israel rebelled (like with the Golden Calf incident), God threatened to destroy the people and start over with Moses. But Moses repeatedly threw himself on God’s mercy, pleading with God to forgive the people, demonstrating a love and selfless advocacy for the very people who constantly complained about him (Exodus 32:11–14).

Applying the Truth Today

Moses' life is a powerful lesson for the new Christian: your past failures do not disqualify you, and your feelings of inadequacy do not negate God's call. The 40 years Moses spent as a shepherd humbled the Prince, preparing him for his life’s mission.

If you feel ill-equipped, remember that God specializes in transforming reluctant servants into powerful leaders. Your obedience, even when it is scared and slow, is more important than your perceived ability.

Reflection Questions for Your Journey:

1. Five Excuses. Do you often give God excuses about your ability or insecurity ("I can't talk to people," "I don't know enough")? Which of Moses' five excuses are you using right now?

2. The Shepherd and the Prince. What part of your past background (skills, education, difficult experiences) has God used to prepare you for your current ministry, even if you didn't see it at the time?

3. Reluctant Obedience. What specific area is God calling you to step into today, despite your reluctance? What would it look like to move forward in fear, trusting God's provision?

Your Reading Guide

To grasp his character's crisis, read the interaction at the burning bush in Exodus 3:10–4:13. Next, focus on his powerful, humble intercession in Exodus 32:11–14. Finally, read the simple summary of his life in Deuteronomy 34:10–12.