COMMISSIONED BY GOD
FOCUS VERSES: Exodus 3:9–10
9 Now therefore, behold, the cry
of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
10 Come now therefore, and I
will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. —Exodus 3:9–10
MOSES’ GREAT COMMISSION
After leaving Egypt, Moses lived the next forty years with honor and integrity. His actions in defending one of his own had been with noble intent, but acting out of haste put him in what many would have considered unfortunate circumstances. However, through it all, Moses was faithful to his father-in-law, faithful to God, and faithful to his family. God did not ask Moses to murder the Egyptian who was fighting his Hebrew brother, but as a result of the incident, God put Moses in a place where God could use him for His glory. God prepares the human heart for divine engagement.
A Turning Point in Israel’s History
Israel had long enjoyed the benefits of living in the land of Goshen, located in the eastern Nile Delta: a prime land for farming and ranching. They enjoyed many years of privilege because of Joseph, who had favor with Pharaoh. However, God knew that one day a pharaoh “which knew not Joseph” would eventually come to the throne of Egypt and enslave the Hebrew population (Exodus 1:8). God also knew that 430 years after the Israelites entered Egypt, Moses would lead them out of Egypt. What appeared to be a Hebrew shepherd having a conversation with a flaming bush was actually a turning point in Israel’s history, as well as the world’s history.
God Spoke to Moses
God spoke to Moses as he was shepherding his flock on Mount Sinai, also known as Mount Horeb. God informed Moses that this was a significant occasion and that the ground upon which he stood was holy. The Lord told Moses, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground… . I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:5–6, NKJV).
Although Moses had received the best training as a youth in Egypt, enjoyed the best of health and vitality, and possessed extraordinary writing and leadership capabilities, he immediately engaged in a humble response. “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11, NKJV). God assured Moses that not only would he be successful, but he and the Hebrew nation would one day worship on the very mountain where he stood.
God Equipped Moses
God equipped Moses for what He called him to. Whether Moses felt overwhelmed, unworthy, or simply compelled to be humble in the presence of God, we cannot be sure. Moses made several objections to the Lord, and the Lord rapidly responded to each one. “Who am I?” Moses objected. The Lord stated, “I will be with thee” (Exodus 3:11–12). Moses again objected, “Who shall I say sent me?” (paraphrase of Exodus 3:13). The Lord countered with a revelatory name, “I AM THAT I AM,” as well as identifying Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:14– 15). In addition, the Lord assured Moses that the children of Israel would listen to him, but Pharaoh would be stubborn. To this the Lord added that He would work His wonders—the children of Israel would be given favor, and they would leverage this favor to collect the treasures of Egypt for their future journey.
As Moses raised further objections (Exodus 4), the Lord gave Moses a quick tutorial of how to use his shepherd’s rod in a miraculous manner, how to cure leprosy, how to turn water into blood. He reminded him of who had made his mouth and tongue, and directed him to use his brother, Aaron, as his spokesperson. Though Moses’ objections stirred God’s anger, God was patient; eventually Moses accepted his commission as commander of the Exodus mission. God equips those whom He calls.
God Has Commissioned Us to Lead People out of the Slavery of Sin
God has commissioned us to lead people out the slavery of sin and into the promised land. This commission is often framed as an individual task, implying we somehow “win someone to the Lord” on our own. This thinking, however, does not properly reflect Scripture, nor is it common practice in our day. Some people seem to have a gift of evangelism and simply slip their sickle into the harvest and out come sheaves. The truth is: this appearance and belief can imply a false reality.
There are not specially gifted people among us who can all by themselves regularly lead others to repentance, teach Bible studies, persuade people to be baptized, and influence people to receive the Holy Ghost. They could not do their jobs without a publishing house to create the Bible study, artists to make the charts, businessmen contributing substantial sums of money to a church facility, faithful saints to maintain the church structure, cooks for special events, and those with the gift of hospitality to engage visitors and take them out to eat, and much more. Everyone’s gifts and talents make the Great Commission happen.
JOSHUA’S GREAT COMMISSION
Joshua was commissioned by Moses to “be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee” (Deuteronomy 31:23).
Another Turning Point in Israel’s History
As Moses’ ministry was coming to an end, he declared that at 120 years of age, he was no longer capable of leading the fight. Moses was forbidden from personally entering the Promised Land because of an act of disobedience; he, however, was allowed to see it. Moses was charged to hand over the mission to Joshua. No longer was the Promised Land simply a promise, but it would shortly become a reality under the leadership of Joshua. This was a strategic moment when both Israel’s focus and leadership changed. What had gotten them to this point would not successfully take them to the next stage of their journey. They required a change of focus and a change of leadership.
God Spoke to Joshua
The Lord spoke to Joshua to engage in a renewal of the covenant of circumcision for the generation that would conquer the Promised Land (Joshua 5:2–8). Joshua’s willing response prepared the nation for the promise. The end of Joshua 5 records the angel of the Lord telling Joshua—just like the Lord had told Moses—to loose his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. He assured Joshua the Lord would conquer Jericho, including its king and all the mighty men of valor (Joshua 6:2). In addition, He gave Joshua a divine strategy to conquer the city.
God Equipped Joshua
The Lord equipped Joshua for leadership at an early stage of his life. First of all, Joshua was a God-fearing aide to Moses. Joshua had witnessed God speaking face-to-face with Moses in the Tabernacle. Joshua then chose to remain in the Tabernacle even after Moses left to return to the camp (Exodus 33:11). Second, Joshua learned to depend on the Lord for victory. When Aaron and Hur kept Moses’ hands in the air, Joshua and the army of Israel conquered the Amalekites (Exodus 17:10–13). Finally, Joshua was a part of the search party that spied out the Promised Land. Out of the twelve spies, only Joshua and Caleb had the faith to align with God’s intent for future prosperity and victory (Numbers 14:6–9).
God Has Commissioned Us to Enter the Land of Promise
Everyone is invited to enter into the promised land. As the nation of Israel left the bondage of slavery in Egypt, we too are invited to repent of our sins and turn away from our old lifestyle. Just as the nation of Israel crossed through the Red Sea, we are invited to receive the name of Jesus in baptism for the remission of our sins. And just as the nation of Israel crossed over Jordan into the Promised Land, we are invited to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The lifestyle of Holy Ghost empowerment is typified by the Promised Land. Thus, we can enter into our promised land by obeying Peter’s directive in Acts 2:38: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
THE GREAT COMMISSION OF JESUS’ DISCIPLES
After His resurrection and prior to His ascension, Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into the world and “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19, NKJV). The books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the essence of Jesus’ message. However, they each emphasize different details.
The Various Accounts of the Great Commission
Matthew emphasized baptism and enumerated the manifestations of the Godhead. This is consistent with Matthew’s intent to address a Jewish audience and teach that Jesus fulfills all three manifestations as Father, Son, and Spirit. Mark emphasized baptism as a part of salvation and also emphasized Jesus’ name as the authority for miraculous signs. This is consistent with Mark addressing an audience of Gentile converts who would likely need teaching on the importance of baptism. Luke’s account emphasized repentance and remission of sins in Jesus’ name. Remission of sins would have been understood to be conveyed in baptism after repentance.
Jesus Spoke to His Disciples
Jesus spoke to His disciples for forty days after His resurrection and before His ascension. He elaborated how it was essential for Him to be crucified, buried, and then rise from the dead. He also instructed them to wait for the power to fulfill the Great Commission that would come on the Day of Pentecost. During this time Jesus gave special attention to Peter, ensuring he understood the mandate to feed God’s flock.
Jesus Equipped His Disciples
Jesus intentionally equipped His disciples over the course of His ministry. When He sent them out to minister, they understood the power of His name and divine provision. When He walked on the water, they understood His power over nature. When He washed their feet at the Last Supper, they understood His humility. When He rose from the dead, they finally grasped the essence of His death, burial, and resurrection. After receiving the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, they came into a fullness of understanding that prepared them for establishing a church that still flourishes today.
I Will Fulfill the Great Commission
Earlier in the lesson, we discussed how fulfilling the Great Commission is a team effort and that some are more gifted than others to fulfill specific tasks.
No matter our particular gifts, we all can do some basics:
1. Live a sanctified life that glorifies God.
2. Be ready to give an account for our faith, pointing people to Acts 2:38.
3. Display loving-kindness and thoughtfulness in all we do.
4. Find our gifts and callings, and pursue them with excellence.
As a team effort, we do all we can collectively and individually to put the gospel message and its fulfillment in the forefront of people’s hearts and minds.
INTERNALIZING THE MESSAGE
Though Moses started strong, having received the best training for the most esteemed leaders in his day, it was not a guarantee of success. Having to run for his life, he spent approximately forty years herding sheep. He
faithfully engaged his duties and also remained faithful to the Lord. And finally his day came. No doubt he encountered significant doubts as to whether he would be able to make any meaningful or significant difference in his day. Still the Lord granted him another forty years of life and world-changing ministry.
We all struggle with whether we will make a difference or if God will ever open doors for us to be used by Him. However, when we remain faithful to the Lord and make daily contributions of our time, talent, and resources, the Lord takes note. Yes, each of us can make a difference in the kingdom of God. The key is being faithful—both individually and collectively—in our various talents and giftings.
Has God given you a mind for business? Can you close a sale easier than you can close your front door? In order to keep ministry moving forward, the church needs people who have accumulated financial success and can bless through the gift of giving. Maybe the Lord has given you an amazing gift for hospitality. Some people have an ability to introduce themselves and make friends instantly. What a great gift for taking guests out to eat after church and plugging them in to new friendships. Perhaps you can pray for extended periods of time. Your prayers are vital for the health of the church.
Many people have amazing success with giving Bible studies and leading people to repentance and the waters of baptism. Others do not do well with leading Bible studies, but they are effective altar workers. Some find fulfillment in helping to keep the church clean and maintained, while others would cause more damage than good with a hammer or a wrench. We are all different.
All of us have amazing gifts to help the kingdom of God flourish. When we become part of a church and plug into areas where we can thrive, we make a difference.