For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
Two men. Two conversations with God. Two choices of surrender. God used one man to give the Law; the other man was God’s fulfillment of the Law.
In Exodus 3, God reveals Himself to Moses and calls him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses’ immediate response was “Who am I?” Moses was raised an Egyptian. He was removed from the misery of slavery the Israelites had endured. It would have been natural for him to question, “How can I return and tell your people You will free them?” Did he feel someone who had endured their suffering would be better suited? When my friends or neighbors experience pain or suffering beyond my level of comprehension, I sometimes ask “who am I” to offer help? I feel inferior in that I cannot relate to their pain, so I question how I could take part in their healing. Maybe Moses was just overcome by every weakness he recognized in himself and questioned how God could use him. These are natural responses any of us can have when we see people suffering and hear God telling us to share His message of hope and deliverance. God gives Moses a beautiful response. He answers the question of “Who am I?” by revealing who He is – “I Am Who I Am.” Salvation does not lie in who we are, but in Who God is… when I surrender to His Lordship, He can use me to bring hope.
In Luke 22, Jesus is praying on the Mount of Olives, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” What God began with Moses, He was fulfilling in His Son. The Son of Man knew this, but He still had a choice. He chose to surrender. Jesus’ willingness to give up would bring salvation to all. What the Law was incomplete in doing, He accomplished when He cried from the cross, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) When Jesus, part of the Trinity himself, surrendered to God’s plan, He was setting an example while giving His most powerful message: God’s way brings life.
Two men. Two choices. Both chose to surrender, and both were used to bring salvation: One to a nation; the One to the World. Hope happens when we surrender.
Prayer: God, help me to choose Your way above my fear, my selfishness, or even my shame. Help me to know that Your way is perfect and when I surrender to You, I choose life. – Amen.
Suzanne Manning, Hospitality Team
