God’s Mercy is for Sinners Like Moses and Me – Family Devotion – June 24, 2020

Read: Exodus 3:1-15

Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you.”
Exodus 3:11-12

God’s Mercy is for Sinners Like Moses and Me

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In what ways is your life different from the lives of people who lived in Bible days? You live in a different part of the world, most likely. You speak a different language than they did. Your clothes are different from the clothes they wore. They didn’t eat mac and cheese, pizza, or burgers. They didn’t have electricity—so no Wi-Fi, tablets, or cell phones. No cars, no swing sets, no Little League. It may seem like we have absolutely nothing in common with the people who lived in Bible days.

I bet that you weren’t put in a basket and floated in the reeds of the Nile River when you were a baby, were you? So you might think that you and Moses have nothing in common. But have you ever been scared? Didn’t think you were good enough? Didn’t really want to do the thing that God wanted you to do? You and Moses have something in common after all.

When God called Moses to be the leader of the children of Israel, Moses realized what a big and serious job that was. He was scared and didn’t think he was good enough. He said, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He didn’t think he was right man for the job. But the thing is . . . God told Moses that he was the right man for the job. Being scared and hesitant isn’t a sin. But telling God he’s wrong sure is!

At that point God could have crumpled Moses up like a piece of paper and started over with someone else. He could have exploded in rolling black clouds of anger, with thunder and lightning bolts all around. But God didn’t. Instead he showed Moses mercy. He promised to go with him. He gave Moses signs that would show God’s power. He even promised to send Aaron, Moses’ brother, to help him. What a patient and kind God Moses had.

What a patient and kind God we have! Don’t misunderstand. It’s never okay to tell God that he’s wrong, no matter how difficult what he’s asking us to do. God says, “I will be with you.” He holds our hand when we’re scared, and he promises he always will be with us. He sends people to help us do the right thing. He will treat us with patience and mercy, just like he treated Moses.

Closing Prayer:

Your mercies are new every morning, gracious God. Every day we need them. Treat us with patience in our weakness, not because we are worthy, but because of Jesus, your perfect Son, our Savior. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• God told Moses he would be leader of his people. What did Moses answer?
• Why do you think Moses was scared to do the important work God had for him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The opposite of being scared is being overly confident in our abilities. Which do you struggle with more—being afraid or being too bold? Why did you answer the way that you did?
• Moses used excuses like being slow of speech to try to avoid answering God’s call. Come up with three excuses we use when we’re hesitant to do something difficult that God has asked us to do.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Think of a time when you were overwhelmed by task you faced. What promises does God give you to remember in that moment?
• Think of a time when Jesus was overwhelmed by the task in front of him. How did he handle that situation?

Hymn: CW 596:2 – Let Me Be Yours Forever

Lord Jesus, my salvation,
My light, my life divine,
My only consolation,
To you I all resign,
For you have dearly bought me
With blood and bitter pain.
Let me, since you have sought me,
Eternal life obtain.