2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
A great theme verse for the new year is II Peter 3:18, and a great illustration of that verse is found in the story of Moses. Moses was the greatest leader in the Bible besides the Lord Jesus Christ. However, Moses’ life was a growing process. His life development stages are divided up into three forty-year segments — forty years in the palace, forty years tending sheep, and forty years leading God’s people. Someone said of his life, “Moses spent forty years thinking that he was a somebody, forty years learning he was a nobody, and forty years learning what God could do with a nobody.” Moses like every believer was in the school of faith.
1.) School of Capacity “Growing In Knowledge”
Acts 7:22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
Moses grew in his knowledge of man. After forty years of Egyptian schooling, Moses was a man of renown: “wise, and mighty in words and in deeds.” The historian Josephus reports that Moses was a great military leader and an heir to the Egyptian throne.
Moses grew in his knowledge of God. Faith simply believes in God’s Word. Moses knew and believed God’s promises to Abraham. At forty, he made a great stand for his faith when he forsook the power, prestige, and pleasure of Egypt to accept his calling to lead the people of Israel.
Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
2.) School of Shepherding “Growing In Grace”
Grace “is the desire and the power to do God’s will.” Moses quickly realized without God’s power he was worthless. It’s very hard trying to kill one Egyptian at a time, and it’s hard convincing God’s people you’re supposed to lead them. Upon fleeing Egypt for his life, Moses rescued seven sisters’ flocks at a well. God used Moses’ chivalry to win him a home, a wife, and the occupation of shepherding. David the greatest king of Israel and Moses Israel’s greatest leader both learned invaluable lessons from the pasture.
Learning the grace of following. “The Lord is my shepherd.” Moses was the meekest man on the earth. “Meekness is not weakness”: it is “me yielding my strength to God’s control.” The next time Moses would face the Egyptians, he would be following and relying on God’s every move. He would never have to flee from Egypt again.
Learning the grace of leading. For forty years Moses would care for his flock of sheep, feeding them, protecting them, until the day he saw a burning bush. From that day he would lead a flock of three million to the promise land.