City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“‘So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.’ But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ And God said, ‘I will be with you…’”

Exodus 3:10-12a (NIV)

Reflection

In the book (and the trilogy movies, which combined, are seven hours and fifty-four minutes) The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Bilbo is a reserved hobbit who likes his comfort, but secretly longs for adventure. Gandalf, a very wise wizard, sees this desire and gives him the opportunity to accompany the dwarves on their mission to reclaim their stolen treasure.  The dwarves think Bilbo isn’t able to help them at all, but Gandalf sees something in Bilbo the dwarves do not, something even Bilbo doesn’t see in himself. In the end, Bilbo is instrumental in recovering the treasure from the nasty dragon Smaug. Many years later, his story helps his nephew Frodo in the journey to rid Middle Earth of the One Ring. 

Just like Bilbo, God called Moses out of his comfort zone. Although Moses had a burden for his fellow Israelites, he was very reluctant. In hindsight, Moses was the right person for the job: he was born a Hebrew, raised as a prince, and knew how to survive the desert. After the Israelites were free and the forty years of wandering in the desert were over, he empowered his protégée, Joshua (several times Joshua was told “Be strong and courageous” and “Do not be afraid”).

Application

Maybe God is calling you out of your comfort zone. Just take the first step. Then another. And another. Somewhere in your journey, you will be called to empower another disciple, likely multiple. Your story and your journey will help with theirs. Be strong and courageous, and do not be afraid.   

Prayer

Dear Lord, lead me out of my comfort zone and teach me to empower disciples. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.