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by Keith Campbell As we study the Bible, it is interesting to note how often a name that is given to a person or a place carries a prophetic meaning and lesson for us today. One such name is "Moses." "She named him Moses, saying, 'I drew him out of the water' (Ex. 2:10b)." From this verse, we learn that Moses means "draw out." This name is descriptive of Moses' life in several respects. First, he was drawn out of certain death. We are told that Pharaoh had decreed that all male children of the Hebrews should be put to death (Ex. 1:11). However, Moses was drawn out of certain death and into a life of privilege (Ex. 2:1-10), into the house of the very one who had ordered his death. Later, Moses was drawn away from his life of privilege to the life of a shepherd (Ex. 2:11-25). After a period of time, he was again drawn away from his life as a shepherd to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Ex. 3-4). Each time Moses was drawn out, it was to further God's purpose for his people. In the same way, we as Christians are drawn out to serve God's purpose. We are told by the Apostle John that we should separate ourselves from the sin of the world (1Jn 2:15-17). In this way, we are drawn out and separated from the world around us. By being drawn out from the rest of the world, we have a place where we can begin to seek and fulfill the purpose God has for our lives. In addition to being separated from the sin of the world in which we live, as Christians, each of us is also drawn out for a special purpose within the body of Christ, or the church. Paul tells us "And he gave some to be apostles; some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers (Eph 4:11)." To whatever task we are called, God will provide us with the resources we need to accomplish his will. Then the lord said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Juda, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts -- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you. (Ex. 31:1-6)" Here, the Lord had called these men to build the tabernacle in the desert and has provided them with the skills and talents they need to accomplish this huge task through the Spirit of God. God will also provide the skills needed to accomplish spiritual tasks (1Co 12:8-11) through the same Spirit that is present in all Christians. Not everyone has the same gifts (1Co 7:7), but every Christian does have a gift and a purpose for which they have been given that gift (Ro 12:6-8). It may not always be obvious to us what the purpose is for which we have been drawn out. It took almost 80 years for Moses to learn what purpose God had called him to (Ac. 7:20-30). During that time, though, God was preparing him. The time he spent in Pharaoh's house taught him leadership skills and military strategy. His time spent as a shepherd probably taught him patience and compassion. These were all skill that Moses would need when he was drawn out for his ultimate purpose: to lead the Israelites through the desert to the Promised Land. Like Moses, we may not know what purpose God has set for us, but if we listen for God's will in our lives and are obedient to him, he will prepare us to carry out his will when the time comes. |