At The Donelson Fellowship, we’re in a series of Sunday morning studies in Exodus 1 – 20, on the life of Moses. One of the best things I’ve ever read about this Old Testament hero was published in 1904, in I. M. Haldeman’s book, How to Study the Bible. Haldeman explains why we should read about Moses with interest and personal application.
The life of Moses presents a series of striking antitheses. He was the child of a slave, and the son of a queen. He was born in a hut, and lived in a palace. He inherited poverty, and enjoyed unlimited wealth. He was the leader of armies, and the keeper of flocks. He was the mightiest of warriors, and the meekest of men. He was educated in the court, and dwelt in the desert. He had the wisdom of Egypt, and the faith of a child. He was fitted for the city, and wandered in the wilderness. He was tempted with the pleasures of sin, and endured the hardships of virtue. He was backward in speech, and talked with God. He had the rod of a shepherd, and the power of the Infinite. He was a fugitive from Pharaoh, and an ambassador from Heaven. He was the giver of the Law, and the forerunner of Grace. He died alone on Mount Moab, and appeared with Christ in Judea. No man assisted at his funeral, yet God buried him. The fire has gone out of Mount Sinai, but the lightning is still in his Law. His lips are silent, but his voice yet speaks. The history of such a life is well worth attention, and the principles which underlie its antitheses, the closest study.
For my message on what we can learn from Moses about handling our tempers (“An Angry Spirit Can Cause You Problems”), click here.