Exodus 4:18-19 contain two conversations Moses had. The first conversation he had here was with his father-in-law. It was to get Jethro’s agreement for him and his family to return to Egypt. The second conversation was an assurance God gave to him. The Lord wanted to further allay his fear by telling him that those who pursued his life were dead. This conversation God had with him gives us an indication for Moses’ reluctance. The main reason he was so reticent about the mission was the fear he had for his life. Think about it this way. Moses was now 40 years older and married with a wife and two sons, hence he had more to consider. Unlike when he first acted so boldly and killed the taskmaster in Egypt, he now had a family to consider. This was probably also why he had to get the agreement of his father-in-law before he made his journey to Egypt.
It becomes clearer to us now that Moses’ reluctance actually stamped from fear. This could be surmised from all the questions he asked God, as well as the responses God accorded him. We can see that every response of God to him was to deal with his fear. Remember, He promised to be with Him. Then He revealed His unique name, I AM, to him. He also assured Moses that it was He, the Almighty who had made his mouth and hence, would enable his speech. And as if those assurances were not enough, God also gave him three miraculous signs - the staff that could turn into a snake, the hand that was afflicted with leprosy and then healed immediately, and turning the water of the River Nile into blood. God was even agreeable to send Aaron with him. Know it or not, fear incapacitates our faith and immobilizes, and prevents us from actively obeying and serving God. That’s why God’s word of assurance most of the time is “fear not.” We need to approach God with faith and not fear. Hebrews 11:6 puts it best. It says, “And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
From Moses’ conversation with Jethro, we can also tell that he had completely identified with the people of Israel. He referred to them as “…my own people.” Moses no longer considered himself an Egyptian. This is also why, Hebrew 11:24-25 said: “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” Though away from the Israelites for forty years, his heart was still with them. He wanted “to see if any of them he knew was still alive,” tells us that he was still concerned for their welfare. Without concern, one will never care. Any effective mission must begin with the capacity to see the heart of God and how he cares about the plight of the people. It is almost impossible to motivate a person for a mission if he or she only cares about himself or herself. Moses had the quality of compassion so must we have if we want to be effective.
So, Moses left Midian with his father-in-law’s blessing. Jethro wished him well. As he left, he took two important things with him - his family and his God. Verse 20 read, “So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.” Moses was planning to leave for good. That account for why he took his wife and his two sons along. Apart from his family, he took the staff which is referred to as the staff of God. Remember this was the staff he used to shepherd Jethro’s flock. It is now called God’s staff, a symbol of divine power and authority. It would be this staff that Moses would use to perform great signs. It was different from a magic wand. It was the sign of God’s presence and the power to do great wonders.
Lessons we must learn as we seek to serve God. Firstly, we must share the concern God has for the people He loves. Secondly, we must proceed to serve with faith and not allow fear to immobilize us. Thirdly, remember that God’s presence and power are always with us in the venture we undertake for Him. So, go in the power of His might!
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