Dial "M" for Murder

April 20, 2013

Dial "M" for Murder

Exodus 2:11-25

Read Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand. The next day, when Moses went out to visit his people again, he saw two Hebrew men fighting. "Why are you beating up your friend?" Moses said to the one who had started the fight. The man replied, "Who appointed you to be our prince and judge? Are you going to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?" Then Moses was afraid, thinking, "Everyone knows what I did." And sure enough, Pharaoh heard what had happened, and he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in the land of Midian. . . . Years passed, and the king of Egypt died. But the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God. God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act. (Exodus 2:11-15, 23-25)

Reflect Moses tried to make sure no one was watching before he killed the Egyptian. But someone saw, and Moses had to run for his life. Sometimes we think we can get away with doing wrong if no one sees or catches us. Sooner or later, however, doing wrong will catch up with us as it did with Moses. Even if we are not caught in this life, we will still have to face God and his judgment. To escape punishment for killing the Egyptian, Moses fled to Midian, where he became a stranger in a strange land, separated from his home and family. But God was watching over him and preparing him for great service. Only after many years, was Moses was finally ready to serve God. God had promised to bring the Hebrews out of Egypt (Genesis 15:16; 46:3-4), but his rescue doesn't always come the moment we want it. The people had waited a long time for that promise to be kept, but God rescued them when he knew the right time had come.

Respond If you feel abandoned or isolated because of something you have done, or are wondering when God will act on your behalf, don't give up. God knows the best time to act. When you feel that God has forgotten you in your troubles, remember that God has a schedule we can't see.