1.2. DIVINE PREPARATION OF A DELIVERER

Exodus 2:2 "So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months."

He was hid by faith and saved by God. (Hebrews 11:23 ). He was nourished in his father's house for 3 months (Acts 7:20 ). He was pleasing to God. Gifts given at birth are intended to be used in service appointed by God.

Exodus 2:3 "But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river's bank."

The ingenuity and faith of Moses' mother (Exodus 2:3-4 ) was rewarded. Pharaoh's daughter's heart is opened seeing the lovely child (Exodus 2:6 ). Miriam his sister, seized the opportunity (Exodus 2:7 ) resulting in the mother being chosen to be his nurse (Romans 8:28 ). The first 40 years of training of Moses had begun. Those days of education in the palace were necessary, not accidental but productive in this future leader's preparation.

Exodus 2:11 "Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens."

At about 40 (Acts 7:23 ), he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, chose the people of God and their affliction (Hebrews 11:24-26 ).

Exodus 2:12 "So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand."

When a leader has to look this way and that before acting, he is not acting under the command of the Lord - or in the Lord's timing. Supposing it to be so is not good enough (Acts 7:25 ).

Exodus 2:15 "But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian;"

Moses knew what it was to be repudiated by his own people. (Exodus 2:13-14; Acts 7:27, 28, 35 ). The Egyptians sought his life. No one can endure such without the call of God, and the enduement of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8 ).

"Dwelt in the Land of Midian" (Exodus 2:15 ). Forty years of preparation in the palace. Moses thought he was ready. God used another 40 years of shepherding to make the leader He desired. An exile from Egypt, Moses helped the shepherd daughters of Reuel (Jethro) "the priest of Midian". His action showed he was God's deliverer in preparation. He gained one of Jethro's daughters as a wife (Exodus 2:16-22 ). We learn that God often does not hurry in preparing His workers. Preparation will include periods of time we would regard as unnecessary. In the most unlikely places our gifting will manifest itself.

Exodus 2:23 "Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage."

Because there was a new king in Egypt Moses could return. Because Israel's condition had worsened. Because Israel cried out and God heard. Because God looked upon and acknowledged the nation He had birthed. (Exodus 2:23-25 ). The time for release of leaders bears the same marks, namely:- hindrances removed - need of the hour - much prayer made - God honours His promises - God's time has come.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. How did the parents of Moses who was born to be Israel's deliverer, demonstrate their faith?
   • Do you believe God uses parents of faith to produce Leaders in His kingdom?
   • How do you see your spiritual responsibility to your children?

2. What ingenuity of faith did Moses' Mother enact?
   • How important was it that Pharaoh's daughter discovered the child?
   • What part did Miriam play?
   • Do you work with God for your children, trusting in His providential overruling?

3. When Moses acted sympathetically, did he act without the Lord's command nor the Lord's timing?
   • Do you have a tendency to act without getting the Lord's permission?

4. Do you have any idea what Moses felt like to be rejected by his own people, particularly in the light of Hebrews 11:24-26?
   • Do you know someone who has been rejected by their own people because they have chosen Christ?

5. How long did God take in preparing Moses for leadership?
   • Where did God work on Moses for the second period of his training?
   • Do you think it is not the length of years that is important, but rather, the kind of preparation?
   • Will the preparation be different according to the calling?

6. What number of things happened to indicate that the time of Israel's deliverer had arrived?