Transformed – teen devotion – June 11, 2023
One truth shared: God calls us to serve!
When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt… So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
But 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 3:4-7,10-12
Bruh or Bro? Jesus—Give Us The Words To Serve!
It’s kind of funny when some of the latest and greatest words floating around in the world today are confusing to older generations. Have you ever had to “translate” for aging ears what is being said?
Imagine if you if you had to do the same today, but the words were from Scripture. How would you help adjust aging ears to Moses’ interaction with God through the burning bush? Let’s give it a try.
God had some amazing work for Moses—go and tell Pharaoh to “let his people go!” In power God also promised he was going to be with him as Moses proclaimed God’s Word. Moses’ response? Excuse after excuse, all the while freely admitting that he was unworthy as he remembered his past and his guilt and his weaknesses. Basically, he told God that this was not going to work. That he didn’t think he was the right choice for God. To sum up Moses’ response in one teen word, “Bruh.”
But God wasn’t going anywhere, and his plan for Moses was not going to change—he had work for him to do—and he was going to be with him every step of the way. God’s response, I suppose you could say was, “Bro!” In boomer terms: “Moses, focus up. You got this, and I’m with you. You’re forgiven—you know me, it’s time to get it done—and you just wait to see what I’m going to do!” Ten plagues later, God’s work of power and judgment against Egypt came on display and it was amazing, it was phenomenal, it was “slay.”
So what does that mean for you? It’s hard thinking that the all-powerful ruler of the universe actually thinks we are exactly the ones he needs to serve others, to share Jesus our Savior, and share with confidence too! We are broken, weak, and can easily come up with 100 excuses of our own—all of which might be accurate and on point. We are sinners just like Moses. But the God who didn’t give up on Moses will never give up on you either. Our God rejoices, not when he calls the equipped, but as he equips the called! And he has fully equipped you. It all goes back to Jesus’ perfect life, his love-filled sacrifice on Calvary’s cross, and the glory of an empty tomb. Forgiveness was won, and in faith it is yours! You are ready. And God shouts out your name in victory and adds to the end the biggest “Bro!” ever heard! So focus up!
Look around, you might not see a Pharoah, but you’ll see someone soon enough that you will get a chance to share your amazing God with—just like Moses. No. Cap.
Prayer: Powerful Jesus, I am weak, but you are strong. I am broken and sinful, but your work of saving me has done more than fix me—it has made me perfect in your sight. Thank you for calling me to faith through the Holy Spirit. Thank you for calling me to serve. Give me courage. Give me strength. Give me the words of truth—your Word is truth—to share with others in joy! In your name I, a humble minister of your Word, pray. Amen.
