Scripture to Read: Exodus 4:2–5
God loves to use ordinary things and do extraordinary things with them, as He uses us to accomplish His purpose and plans for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). We saw yesterday how Moses doubted how God planned to use him. Today, we read how God gave Moses a sign of His great power. Moses had a staff, as all shepherds did. The shepherd's staff was used to help keep the shepherd stable as he led his sheep over rough terrain at times. The staff was also used as an offensive weapon. If another animal came against the sheep, the shepherd used his staff to fight off the animal, for the shepherd must protect the sheep. Finally, the shepherd used the staff to pull the sheep back into the flock when one had wandered off, or if a sheep needed to be put back in line with the flock, the shepherd would use his staff to guide the sheep in the right direction. So, the shepherd's staff was important to the shepherd. In Exodus 4:3–5, God told Moses to throw his staff on the ground, so Moses had to surrender to God something important to him. God turned the staff into a serpent and Moses ran, as most of us would. Then God told Moses to pick up the serpent by the tail and as soon as Moses caught the snake, it turned back into a staff. God made possible what was impossible for Moses. God wants us to see that He will use us in ways we never thought possible as we surrender all to Him.
Challenge & Application
· What talents and gifts do you have that you see as just ordinary and not incredible?
· How could God use you, along with your talents and gifts, for His kingdom and glory?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!