We are in Exodus chapter three with our word for today which is used 6 times in our chapter. שָׁלַח stretch out, send, dispatch, let free, dismiss, to cause to go somewhere. It is used 843 times in the Old Testament. We see our word used of God sending someone out to accomplish his purpose or mission. This is how it is used in our chapter today. Exodus 3:10, 12 Come, I will וְאֶֽשְׁלָחֲךָ֖ send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt… He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have שְׁלַחְתִּ֑יךָ sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” Wow this is an amazing journey God is sending Moses on. Not only is it a great cause to be a part of but God himself will be with Moses and it gets better. Exodus 3:18,21-22 And they will listen to your voice… And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. God also is saying to Moses that he will be successful in a big way and will see some amazing miraculous power from God on display. You would think that Moses would be eager to jump at a chance like this. But as we will see in the next chapter that is not the case. Exodus 4:13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please שְֽׁלַֽח send someone else.” In this life things are not what they seem we can become easily discouraged and reluctant to trust God and embrace our purpose that God is sending us. And the truth is when God sends you out things often get worse before they get better as Moses experiences. Exodus 5:22-23 Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever שְׁלַחְתָּֽנִי send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.” But God’s promise to be with Moses and make his purpose successful came about at the right time.
The good news is that we have these same promises of God being with us and being successful for our mission as believers in Christ. Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Isaiah 55:11 So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. And yes we will become discouraged but God will provide his people to encourage us if we are open to being a part of his church and his mission. I’ll close with this inspiring truth. Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
