January 17, 2024 - Exodus 3-4

After fleeing from Egypt, “Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb” (3:1).  Thinking about Moses and thinking about the paths so many others have taken, including ourselves, I think of Solomon’s proverb:  “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (16:9).  I read, just the other day, a statement that I see, often.  It is used when, looking back at a series of amazing, unusual, and maybe even hard to believe events:  “You can’t make this stuff up!”  When we read about all the winding paths the story of redemption takes, over centuries and millennia, we are tempted to use this contemporary proverb.  Better, though, to reference Solomon.  We think we are wise, we make our plans, and we have our intended outcomes but how often do things turn out very differently and our paths go in very different directions!  Moses, as a young man, surely would not have foreseen himself tending flocks on Horeb and experiencing all that was about to take place.  But the Lord was directing his steps, and the Lord knew exactly what he was doing.  Moses could trust God’s good and perfect will every step of the way as can we.  Oh, that we would always see God’s hand,  trust him fully, and live our lives not with fear but with hope and assurance!  And, so, the story of redemption continues.

Open my eyes that I may see

glimpses of truth thou hast for me.

Place in my hands the wonderful key

that shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for thee,

ready, my God, thy will to see.

Open my eyes, illumine me,

Spirit divine!   -- Clara H. Scott (1895)