Moses is a powerful figure in Old Testament history. "But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face." {Deuteronomy 34:10} "Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth." {Numbers 12:3}

Moses was the son of the Hebrew bondservants, Amram and Jochebed. He had a brother (Aaron) and a sister (Miriam). His lifetime breaks down into three 40-year periods: 40 years in Pharaoh's household; 40 years in Midian tending his father-in-law's sheep; and 40 years in the wilderness as he led Israel to Canaan. His life was spared from Pharoah's decree that the male Hebrew children be killed; and Pharaoh's daughter raised him as her own son (Exodus 2:5-7). Through God's providence, his mother became his nurse (Exodus 2:8-10), and she taught him about his true Hebrew heritage. When Moses was 40 years old, after killing an Egyptian who was mistreating one of his Hebrew brethren, he fled to Midian (Exodus 2:11-25). There, while Moses tended his father-in-law's sheep, God called him to lead His people out of Egypt.

God appeared to Moses in a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-5). He asked him to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. Did Moses think he was the right man for the job? Not exactly. "But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" {Exodus 3:11} God told Moses He would be with him. "Then Moses said to God, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?"{Exodus 3:13} God told him to tell them I AM had sent him. "Then Moses answered and said, "But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you." {Exodus 4:1} To convince them, God gave Moses the sign of his rod. "...O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." {Exodus 4:10} God gave him Aaron, his brother, to be his mouthpiece. But all his problems were not solved!

Moses went before Pharaoh to bring God's message. "...Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness." {Exodus 5:1} Because of Pharaoh's stubbornness, the Egyptian people endured ten plagues. Finally, after the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh allowed God's people to leave Egypt. True to his nature, he changed his mind and pursued after them. Israel came to the Red Sea and, because they feared the Egyptians, they wanted to return to Egypt. What did Moses do? "...Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." {Exodus 14:13,14}

On two occasions, Moses interceded when God was so angry, He wanted to destroy Israel. Why? Because he loved them. Moses endured much during those 40 years in the wilderness. As his confidence and faith in God grew, his need for Aaron diminished. God allowed Moses to lead them right to the entrance of the Promised Land. But Moses had sinned and was not, therefore, allowed to enter. Before he died, God did allow him to look at the Land, and then He buried him. He had a weak beginning, but a strong ending. God's accomplished his work through His servant Moses. God knew Moses would be an effective leader. He wasn't perfect-- but he was faithful to God. He set a powerful example for us!