Almighty Yet Considerate - CONSIDERATION FOR A MOSES

When Moses was 80 years old, Jehovah gave him a daunting assignment.  Moses was to deliver Israel from bondage in Egypt. (Exodus 3:10) Having served as a shepherd in Midian for 40 years, he was evidently shocked to receive this call.  "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites  out of Egypt?"  he said.  God reassured Moses:  "I will prove to be with you."  (Exodus 3:11, 12)  He also promised: "The elders of Israel with certainly listen to your voice."  Even so, Moses replied:  "Suppose they  . . . do not listen?"  (Exodus 3:18; 4:1)  In effect, Moses contradicted God! But Jehovah remained patient.  In fact, he went even further.  He empowered  Moses  to perform miracles, making him the first human on record to have such power. -Exodus 4:2-9,21. 

Moses still tried to excuse himself, claiming to be a poor speaker, God said:  "I will be with you  as you speak, and I will teach you what to say."  Was Moses at last won over? Evidently not, for he meekly asked God to send someone else. At that moment, Jehovah became angry.  But he was not unyielding.  Rather, as  yet another gesture of consideration for Moses' feelings, God appointed Aaron as spokesman for Moses. -Exodus 4:10-16. 

What does this account teach us about Jehovah? As Almighty God, he could have frightened Moss into speedy submission.  Instead, Jehovah was patient and kind, making an effort to reassure his modest and humble servant. Did this considerate approach work?  Absolutely!  Moses became an outstanding leader who tried to deal with others in the same kind and considerate way that Jehovah dealt with him.  -Numbers 12:3.

Note: What they did not tell you about you about here, is that Jehovah did get angry, but did not strike Moses, but made a bush look like it was burning. That was convince me in a heartbeat.  Jehovah did that after Moses asked him if he would find someone else.  I believe the Witness who wrote that paragraph was afraid that everyone would not think that God was kind and considerate and patient.  But he definitely is, the prove being that he did not strike Moses dead.  He is, after all, our Creator and he has the right, the authority, and the power to do what he feels is right. And we don't have the right to argue.  We can be angry, but the things that happen to us in this world; we need to endure to the best of our ability.  If you were and employer at your own business, how would you have handled a difficult employee. Probably either give him a warning or fire him. Jehovah did neither, even though he had the power and the authority to do so. 

Lessons we can apply: Are you a husband, a parent or a congregation elder?  If so, you have a measure of authority.  How important, then, that you imitate Jehovah by being considerate, kind, and patient when dealing with those under your care!  (Colossians 3:19-21; 1 Peter 5:1-3) When you strive to imitate Jehovah and the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, you will be both approachable and refreshing to others.  (Matthew 11:28,29) You will also set an example worth of imitation. -Hebrews 13:7.

Next time: Almighty Yet Considerate - A FEAR INSPIRING BUT CONSIDERATE SAVIOR

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