Lesson Twenty Six

What Is In Thine Hand?
(Exodus 4:1-8)

 

Introduction:
This dialog between God and Moses took place at the sight of the burning bush as God calls Moses to what seems to be an impossible task. What Moses may not have understood was that all he needed to complete the task was in his own hand. And to make that point God asked him a question that even now, thousands of years later, could be asked of each of us…..What is that in thine hand? The rod that Moses held was the tool of his trade at that time; he was a shepherd. I am certain it never occurred to him what powerful acts he would accomplish with that tool and the presence of God. And a little bit later we will investigate what miracles he performed with what was in his hand. But first, let’s take a look at our hands, examine what is in them and determine whether what is there has become a tool or a hindrance.

I. OPEN YOUR HAND AND LET’S TAKE A PEEK

Birth certificate

1. I Timothy 4:12 Youth is no excuse for not serving the Lord. (Youth group missions trip) Titus 2:3-5 The “aged” women have a formidable task in front of them. It is their responsibility to be the example for the younger women in both their personal and spiritual lives. “I’m too old to serve” just won’t work, ladies. (Example: Mrs. Davis at Sunnyside) Your service in God’s work has no age restrictions. We are compelled to labor regardless of the years we have on us. Obviously, the type of service will change with the advancement of age, but until you reach your heavenly home, you are commanded to serve.

Your birth certificate can be your “rod.” You may have the enthusiasm and energy of youth, or you may possess the wisdom and grace of age. Use them!!!

Money

I Timothy 6:10 I am relatively sure no one in this room has bags full of this stuff, but the amount you have isn’t as relevant as what your spending priorities are and what you are willing to give to the Lord.

Notice that it is the love of money that’s the root of all evil, not the money itself. God isn’t able to use the tool of finances if it is so tightly gripped in your hand, it won’t come loose! In Matt. 10:8 Jesus instructs the disciples to go forth and minister to the needy, following it with the reminder “freely ye have received, freely give.” This isn’t just in reference to tithing, missions, etc., but also to be aware of those in financial need around you.

Watch/time

Rom. 13:11-14 WAKE UP!!! It’s high time! My husband has often said that it is much easier to get people to give their money than it is to get them to give their time. We no longer have the luxury of “biding our time.” It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine that we are in the last days and time is short. Think about the hours in a day and what percentage of your day is given over to the things of the Lord whether it be praying, studying, doing for others, etc. How much of your time does the Lord actually get?

Time is one of God’s greatest gifts, yet we treat it so lightly, i.e. in “killing” it. Sir Walter Scott once said, “When you kill time, remember that it has no resurrection.” Or how about the man who commented, “If you want to kill time, how about working it to death?” If time is one of the greatest gifts God has given us, what a blessing we can be if we offer it back to Him.

Slingshot

Gal. 5:14-16 My husband once met the wife of a guide on a hunting trip who always carried a handy weapon with her…a slingshot! She had a good reason to carry one. Imagine God prying your hand open as you stand there with guilt written all over you, and in your clutch he finds a weapon that hurts, discourages and maligns the work He has ordained. Biting and devouring one another

leads to being consumed and being consumed leads to disappearing. One of the most memorable examples of the result of murmuring and complaining was Miriam, Moses’ sister who ended up with a case of leprosy for her trouble. If we are going to use our slingshot for anything, let’s use it to battle the devil.

Bible

James 1:22; John 1:1 We have the advantage of a complete revelation of God… something Moses didn’t possess. We have a weapon
of superb ability, of divine inspiration. But as the verse states, we are commanded not only to hear the Word but to do what it says, lest we are deceived into thinking we are in good shape simply because we are knowledgeable in the scriptures.

II. WHAT MOSES DID WITH WHAT WAS IN HIS HAND

A. Divided the Red Sea Ex. 14:16

What looked like an unbelievable obstacle became a safe passageway for the Israelites. You have the capacity to make the way easier for someone in your sphere of influence. I am certain there is a least one person in your life that could use a “sympathetic” hand. Story of sympathetic jewel. (Nursery)

B. Drew water from a rock Ex. 17:5-6

We are so fortunate to be in a church where the Word is taught and preached on a regular basis…where you can gain confidence and assurance in what you believe. But with that advantage comes the obligation to do something productive with the water you have been given. (Jr. church, Sunday School, Thurs. night)

C. Won the battle with Amalek Ex. 17:9-11

You would have to be living in a cave not to realize that we are in a continual battle with the world, our flesh and the devil, but if you use the resources and the talents God has given you, you can certainly be the victor. Just be sure you correctly identify the enemy!

CONCLUSION:

Moses succeeded in what was expected of him as long as he used the tool provided for him and trusted the Lord for guidance and
instruction. But if you follow the story a little further in verses 10-13, you will discover that he kindles God’s anger when he pleads ineptness in his verbal skills and exhibits a lack of faith in God’s ability to overcome this weakness. And because of this
two things result:

Moses denied himself the opportunity to let God use his weakness and thereby show the power of God. “…even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth…” vs. 16

Moses denied Aaron a closer relationship with God. “…and thou shalt be to him instead of God.”

Don’t deny yourself or others by putting your hands behind your back and pretending there is nothing in them. Ecc. 9:10 says it well: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave wither thou goest.”

WHAT IS THAT IN THINE HAND?
 

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