After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.

Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’ This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the wilderness.

I often wonder how Moses felt after he tried to help and was rejected by his own people? Was he angry, bitter, depressed, or otherwise pained by this rejection?

After making an attempt to do good for others, which was rejected, I have found myself feeling similar emotions. Sometimes I just couldn’t understand why they would not see what was so clear to me.

What God has shown me is that timing matters. Sometimes a relationship has to be built first, other times those in a tough spot must experience even more pain to be ready for change. I think that is what we see here with Moses.

With a 40-year break, full of oppression, maybe the leaders of the Israelites were just humbled enough from their pain to listen to Moses? Maybe Moses had to learn a good many lessons on the farm as well before he was ready to lead and represent God with power?

Many amazing signs and wonders were performed by Moses, and he did lead them out of slavery and to the Promised Land. He also mentored Joshua to come and replace him as a leader.

What journey of faith-building is God taking me on today? Will I be patient and wait for his timing? Who can I bring up in discipleship along the way as I serve?

Lord, you are a mighty and wise God. Your plans dwarf mine. Keep me humble and hungry to seek after the truth. Help me to listen to your voice, as Moses did at the burning bush, and follow your lead.