by MarryEdwardd | 14 June 2019 08:46 pm06
Praise the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I welcome you, servant of God, to study the Words of Life. Today, we examine why God sought to kill Moses at the very start of his ministry—even though He called Moses personally and promised His presence. Understanding this event provides deep insight into God’s holiness, justice, and the necessity of obedience. It also warns us that neglecting God’s commands, even the simplest ones, can have dire consequences.
Moses fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was oppressing a Hebrew (Exodus 2:11–15, NIV). He escaped to Midian, where he lived for 40 years. During this period, God was preparing him spiritually, morally, and culturally for the task of leading Israel. This time of exile was not punishment but discipleship through humility. God’s preparation aligns with the principle that He equips those He calls (Jeremiah 1:5, ESV).
Moses married Zipporah, daughter of Jethro, a Midianite priest. Though both Moses and Zipporah were descendants of Abraham, their maternal lines differed: Moses came from Sarah, and the Midianites came from Keturah (Genesis 25:1–2, NIV). Yet all worshiped the same God, reflecting the unity of God’s covenant family across different nations and backgrounds.
At that time, the Torah had not been given; however, God had already established a covenant sign: circumcision. Every male child of Abraham’s line was to be circumcised on the eighth day (Genesis 17:10–14, ESV). This act was not merely ritualistic; it represented covenant relationship and spiritual identity. Neglecting it meant breaking a covenant God had personally instituted.
Moses failed to circumcise his son, demonstrating spiritual carelessness. Though he had been chosen and blessed with a divine vision, his failure almost cost him his life (Exodus 4:24–26, KJV). Zipporah’s swift action saved Moses, emphasizing the importance of immediate obedience to God’s commands.
This event teaches a crucial principle: God’s calling does not exempt us from obedience. Even leaders or prophets are accountable to God’s standards. This echoes Hebrews 5:8–9 (NIV), where Christ Himself, though perfect, learned obedience through suffering.
Physical circumcision prefigures the circumcision of the heart, which applies to all believers under the New Covenant. Romans 2:28–29 (ESV) explains:
“For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.”
Neglecting the spiritual reality of God’s covenant—heart obedience and faith in Christ—invites God’s judgment. Signs, visions, and miracles cannot substitute for genuine transformation (Matthew 7:21–23, NIV).
The New Testament reveals that baptism replaces physical circumcision as the covenant sign under the New Covenant. Colossians 2:11–12 (NIV) states:
“In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Baptism symbolizes death to the old self and resurrection in Christ (Romans 6:3–5, ESV). It is both the seal of salvation and a public declaration of faith, echoing Abraham’s obedience through circumcision.
God’s Holiness and Justice: Even Moses, a man of faith, faced divine judgment for neglect. God’s holiness demands obedience (Exodus 19:5–6, NIV).
Faithful Leadership Requires Obedience: Calling and vision are not enough; obedience safeguards both the leader and those under their care (1 Peter 5:2–4, ESV).
Covenant Continuity: Physical circumcision points forward to spiritual circumcision in Christ. God’s covenant remains consistent across testaments (Galatians 3:29, NIV).
Immediate Obedience: Zipporah’s action shows that faith often requires bold, decisive action. Hesitation can have spiritual consequences.
Many Christians experience signs, visions, and blessings, yet neglect obedience or the “circumcision of the heart.” God’s provision and miracles are not a license for spiritual carelessness. True discipleship involves:
Belief in Jesus Christ
Heart circumcision through repentance and faith
Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) as a covenant act (Acts 2:38, NIV)
Consistent obedience to God’s Word
Ignoring these principles is dangerous. Even the most spiritually gifted person risks judgment if the heart is not fully surrendered.
If you have accepted Christ, do not delay obedience in baptism or in aligning your life with God’s covenant. Lay a strong foundation in your heart first, for visible ministry without spiritual obedience is unstable. Remember: miracles and visions cannot substitute for faithfulness. True discipleship begins in the heart.
May the Lord bless you.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/06/14/the-danger-of-ignoring-gods-basic-instructions/
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