"Floating, Not Sinking."

In "The Making of Moses and Other Game-Changers", Pastor Sam shared a number of points that related to the three topics of our Sunday: African-American heritage, the dedication of children, and the offering for our denomination's "Alabaster" ministry that seeks to help fledgling churches with building projects.

The title of today's blog is a quote from Pastor Sam. Towards the end of the sermon, Pastor Sam spoke on two aspects of letting go. In Exodus 2, we see that Moses's family had to let him go when he was too big to hide. However, the "letting go" was done in a strategic manner that not only saved Moses's life, but also made opportunity for the family to continue interacting with Moses over the next few formative years from infancy to early childhood.

First, they prepared for calculated risk. Yes, the Nile was dangerous. Aside from the issue of drowning, there was the risk of infants being devoured by animals. Jochebed (Moses's mother) made a basket that could securely hold her child. But the basket was not just secure, it was camouflaged. And the basket was not just camouflaged, it was also being watched by Moses's sister Miriam. Clearly, the family had planned and prepared.

Second, they were present as partners for career success. When none other than Pharaoh's daughter (and her servants) retrieved Moses from the basket, Miriam was present to make an offer. To paraphrase, she said "I can find a Hebrew woman to take care of this child for you." And, in an irony ordained by God, Jochebed spent the next few years being paid by the Pharaoh's household for nursing her own son, the Hebrew boy that the Pharaoh had said must be killed.

Did Moses's family let go? Absolutely. Scripture tells us that Jochebed returned to child to Pharaoh's daughter. Pharaoh's daughter named the child. And Moses grew up in Pharaoh's household. But, in a wonderful postscript, we learn that the household of Pharaoh never grew up in Moses.

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. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. (Hebrews 11:24-27)

Yes! Friends, that is strategy in action. Seeing our children with the eyes of faith, so that we are not sidetracked by what we see with our physical eyes. Recognizing that the riches of Christ Jesus far outweigh and outlast anything the world tries to offer. Doing all we can to prepare our people, then releasing them with both visible and invisible support systems in place. And when they grow up, they will forsake the world and stand with Jesus.

So, who is your "Moses"?