“Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God” (Exodus 3:1 ESV).
Moses had spent the first 40 years of his life as an Egyptian prince. Now, he would spend the next 40 years as a shepherd in the land of Midian. Midian was located near the Northeastern shore of the Red Sea in modern day Saudi Arabia. It was populated by the Midianites, a nomadic people group that descended from Midian, a later son of Abraham by his wife, Keturah (Gen. 25:1-2). It was in this land, that God prepared Moses to rescue Israel.
Moses had tried rescuing his people in his own strength, even killing an Egyptian taskmaster, but ended up running away to escape the wrath of Pharaoh. Yet, it was in the wilderness of Midian that God prepared Moses for his true calling. For God didn’t need a prideful prince, but a humble shepherd to lead His people Israel. And now, Moses was ready to answer God’s call.
God often uses wilderness experiences to prepare His people for leadership. He strips us of our self-effort and pride and lets us experience failure. Then when we turn to Him fully, depending on Him for all things, He calls us and we are ready to obey.
Moses’ life can be divided into three phases: 40 years a prince, 40 years a shepherd, and 40 years as Israel’s leader and lawgiver. He could not have fulfilled the final calling of his life without the 80 years of preparation.
Are you going through a wilderness time in your life? It might be that you are going through a time of preparation. Be ready to answer God’s call. It’s never too late. Remember, Moses was 80!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we see Your hand on our lives. You have made us and You have prepared us for Your calling. Strengthen us to obey. Stir up our spirits to have zeal for the work. We want to live for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.