This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, 'Who made you ruler and judge?' is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words,Moses first encountered Israel’s unbelief when he tried to defend an oppressed Hebrew and reconcile two men who were fighting. Instead of recognizing God’s concern for their deliverance, they resented his intervention and exposed his earlier killing of the Egyptian. Stephen reminds the Sanhedrin that Israel had often resisted the servants God raised up for their good. Num 16:3 They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them… ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ The Israelite’s challenge denied Moses any right to lead or correct him. Yet the question became deeply ironic, because God Himself would appoint Moses as Israel’s ruler, judge, and deliverer. Israel’s history repeatedly revealed resistance to God-given authority, reaching its fullest expression in the rejection of Jesus, the greater Prophet and Redeemer. Exo 2:14 But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us?”… is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer Forty years after Moses fled Egypt, God sent him back to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel from slavery. The man rejected by his brethren became the instrument of their rescue. Moses foreshadowed Christ: both were rejected by their own people, both were sent by God, and both brought deliverance. Moses delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage; Jesus delivers His people from sin, death, and judgment. Exo 3:10 Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh… through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. At Horeb, the Angel of the LORD appeared in the burning bush, and God called Moses into His service. The bush burned without being consumed, revealing God’s holy presence and His power to preserve what He calls for His purposes. Moses’ mission did not arise from personal ambition but from divine commission, and Israel’s redemption began with God’s faithful initiative. Exo 3:2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him…… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA central figure in the Old Testament, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite being initially rejected by his people, he was appointed by God as their leader and deliverer. 2. The Israelites The people of God who were enslaved in Egypt. They initially rejected Moses' leadership, questioning his authority. 3. God The ultimate authority who appoints and empowers leaders according to His divine plan. He sent Moses as a deliverer for His people. 4. The Angel A divine messenger who appeared to Moses in the burning bush, signifying God's presence and calling. 5. The Burning Bush The miraculous event where God called Moses to lead His people, symbolizing divine intervention and commissioning. Teaching Points God's Sovereign ChoiceGod often chooses leaders who are initially rejected or underestimated by others. His selection is based on His divine purpose, not human approval. Rejection and Redemption Just as Moses was rejected before becoming a redeemer, Jesus was rejected by His own people but became the ultimate Redeemer. Believers can find encouragement in knowing that rejection does not disqualify them from being used by God. Divine Commissioning God's call often comes with divine encounters and clear instructions. Believers should seek to recognize and respond to God's calling in their lives. Faith in Action Moses' account encourages believers to act in faith, trusting God's plan even when facing rejection or opposition. Leadership and Humility True leadership in God's kingdom is marked by humility and reliance on God's power, as demonstrated by Moses. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' initial rejection by the Israelites parallel the rejection of Jesus by His own people, and what can we learn from this about God's plan for redemption?2. In what ways does the account of Moses' calling at the burning bush challenge us to be attentive to God's voice and direction in our own lives? 3. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereign choice in leadership to our understanding of authority and service within the church today? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced rejection or opposition. How can Moses' account encourage you to persevere in your calling? 5. How does the theme of faith in action, as seen in Moses' life, inspire you to live out your faith in practical ways amidst challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3The original account of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, where God commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Hebrews 11:24-27 Highlights Moses' faith and his choice to align with God's people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in Egypt. John 1:11 Reflects the theme of rejection, as Jesus, like Moses, was rejected by His own people. 1 Samuel 8:7 Illustrates the pattern of God's people rejecting His appointed leaders, as seen when Israel demanded a king. People Aaron, David, Egyptians, Emmor, Hamor, Haran, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Molech, Pharaoh, Saul, Solomon, Stephen, SychemPlaces Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Haran, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Midian, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, ShechemTopics Angel#NAME?#NAME?, Appeared, Appointed, Asking, Bush, Deliverer, Disowned, Judge, Magistrate, Messenger, Redeemer, Refuse, Refused, Rejected, Ruler, Saviour, Saying, Sending, Thorn, Thorn-treeDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 7:35 5103 Moses, significance Library Stephen's vision'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God'--ACTS vii. 56. I. The vision of the Son of Man, or the abiding manhood of Jesus. Stephen's Greek name, and his belonging to the Hellenistic part of the Church, make it probable that he had never seen Jesus during His earthly life. If so, how beautiful that he should thus see and recognise Him! How significant, in any case, is it he should instinctively have taken on his lips that name, 'the Son of Man,' to designate … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ] The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant The Prayer of Stephen. Our Lord Appears after his Ascension. Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we to do with Routiniers?... St. Stephen's Day and Stephen, Full of Faith and Power, did Great Wonders and Miracles among the People. . . . Then they Stirred up the People. . . . And Caught Him, and Set up False Witnesses against Him. The Death of Stephen. Acts 7:54-60 Whether in Christ There was the Gift of Prophecy? Whether those who are not Practiced in Keeping the Commandments Should Enter Religion? Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels? Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the Angels and the Star? Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Sit at the Right Hand of God the Father? Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped? In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after the Flood... And Jacob, when He Went into Mesopotamia, Saw Him in a Dream... The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent. Wisdom and Revelation. As God in his Word Enjoins Common Prayer, So Public Temples are the Places Destined... A Glorious vision. It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ... The Secret of Its Greatness From Egypt to Sinai. The Son of Man Links Acts 7:35 NIVActs 7:35 NLT Acts 7:35 ESV Acts 7:35 NASB Acts 7:35 KJV Acts 7:35 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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