A Study on the Character of Moses

Moses characteristics

 

Moses in the Bible

God’s servant, Moses, was called by God to lead His people, about 2 million of them, out of bondage and out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-22). It started when he was tending to his father-in-law’s sheep in Midian. He led the sheep out to the desert to Mount Horeb (also known as Mount Sinai), and he encountered a bush that was burning yet not consumed by the fire.

As Moses turned to see what was going on, God called to him from the bush. God told Moses to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. He then explained to Moses that He’d heard the cries of the people of Israel, who were in bondage in Egypt, and that He would use Moses to confront Pharaoh and bring His people out of Egypt.

Moses' Characteristics

Moses didn’t believe he was worthy of God using him for such a mission. In response to God’s request, He asked Him, “Who am I? Why would You send me to go before Pharaoh? And what makes You think I could bring the children of Israel out of Egypt? No, God. You’ve got the wrong guy!” (See Exodus 3:11).

God told Moses that He would be with him, but Moses remained unconvinced that he was the right man for the job, even after God provided him with miracles to confirm to the people that God had sent him. Moses wanted God to send someone else, but God refused, allowing only Aaron, Moses’ brother, to go with him. Eventually, Moses complied and prepared to leave Midian to go to Egypt. (See Exodus 3:1-21)

Trusting God in Difficult Times

Moses doubted himself and didn’t immediately put his faith in God. He is among the most prominent biblical figures in both the New and Old Testament. His name means “drawn out.” His name is fitting since he was “drawn out” of the water after his mother placed him there to save his life, and it also signified how he would later “draw out” God’s people from Egypt. He may have neglected to put his faith in the right place initially, but Moses is of the spiritual giants of the Bible.

His faith in God became so deep that he is the man mentioned in Hebrews 11, the faith chapter. Though it didn’t start that way, he eventually lived a godly and righteous life.

 

Christian and faith-focused printables

 

Moses' Personality

We learn in Number 12:3 that Moses is a humble man. This is telling about his character since we know that he was raised as a prince of Egypt. For the first forty years of his life, he reaped the benefits and lived as a part of the royal family. The Bible also tells us in Acts 7:20 that God blessed Moses with good looks and favor in the sight of men. Yet, he was still humble.

Moses found confidence in God, not himself. That allowed him to be the vessel for God’s chosen leader. But he wasn’t perfect. We know that as we read through his story. Yes, even God’s chosen leaders make mistakes. But Moses had a close friendship with God.

There are at least two verses that speak of this friendship:

“So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” (Exodus 33:11)

“But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10).

Our Relationship with God

If the same words were used to describe you, how would that make you feel? Would you remain humble? Moses did. That humility brought him even closer to the Father.

What if Moses hadn’t humbled himself and drawn closer to God? Perhaps God would have found someone else, and Moses would have lost the blessing. Follow Moses’ example: Humble yourself. Draw near to the Father. Accept your calling. You’ll be glad you did!

RESPOND

Lord, as I read about the humility and courage of Moses, I am humbled to the core. Please help me to choose to wrap myself in the garment of humility, to focus not on myself but on others, to consider others as better than myself. Draw me close to you and may I be so blessed to be called your friend. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

A Leader After God's Own Heart by Jim George
A Leader After God’s Own Heart looks at the biblical life of Nehemiah, who provides an outstanding example of leadership you can follow.

 

REFLECT

Humility is not passive resignation. And it’s not the fine art of belittling yourself or others. It comes from knowing Christ and seeking a deeper relationship with Him.

REMEMBER

Moses found confidence in God, not himself. That allowed him to be the vessel for God’s chosen leader.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

God is Always in Control 

Prayers of Praise

How to Trust God in Difficult Times

ONE-WORD THEMES FOR ALL THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE PRINTABLE


6 Responses

Tevin
Tevin

September 19, 2023

I want book im from south africa

Edmond Phiri
Edmond Phiri

September 19, 2023

This is Holy Ghost wrapping me with courage and humility.

I’m greatly helped here . Thank you

Heather
Heather

February 05, 2023

I’ve been in a place where God has been calling me to be a Moses, and I’m officially resigning from my Egypt this coming Tuesday as I follow him. This blog post really summarized Moses in a way that is so helpful for me in this process. Thanks!

Susil D.Marak
Susil D.Marak

January 20, 2023

The Mose’s character has been many many blessing give hert touching for my life.So I wish to try Mose’s character.

Merveille Arama
Merveille Arama

May 31, 2022

Amen

Pr shibu George
Pr shibu George

January 27, 2022

I really appreciate you for the explanation about moses .God will use you mightly

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Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


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