"Now Moses was a very humble [meek] man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3).
Moses meek? This man who attacked an Egyptian overseer and later took on a band of bullies? Certainly. There is a sense in which only a strong man can be meek because only a strong man can then temper his strength and use it in a controlled way.
What does it mean to be meek in the Bible? It does not mean to be a Casper Milquetoast. Rather, it means to be humble before God. Moses was not weak before men, because he was meek before God. He believed and obeyed God, even when it hurt. Hence, he became strong with God and strong with God’s people.
Moses was forty when he fled from Egypt. He lived a peaceful life for another forty years in Midian with one of Abraham’s godly descendants (Genesis 25:2; Exodus 18:9–12). At eighty Moses was called out of leadership retirement by God to deliver the Hebrews from bondage. On that occasion, Moses told God, “Lord, I’m not the man you want. I’m retired. Forty years ago I was ready to lead, but now I’m happy just being a shepherd. Please call somebody else” (Exodus 4:11).
God replied to Moses, “I will be with you.” God with us is the literal meaning of Emmanuel and this was God’s “Emmanuel Promise” to Moses. This should have been enough, but God gave Moses miraculous signs as well to perform before Pharaoh (Exodus 4:1–8). Yet Moses was still reluctant. “I’ve lost my rhetorical skills,” he said. “Surely there is someone more qualified to be Your preacher” (Exodus 4:10). Then God said, “I made your mouth, and I will give you My words to say. I’ve no need for human oratory” (Exodus 4:11–12).
Though Moses was fearful and reluctant, he obeyed God. He became meek before the One who made him. He believed what God said, spoke what God told him to say, and did what God told him to do. That is what it meant for Moses to be meek and to function as a mediator for Israel. It is also what God requires of each of us today as we seek to minister His Word and His ways to a lost and rebellious generation.
What is the Word God has given us and what is the sign that He has placed at the heart of worship to be a continuing miraculous testimony to us? Where do we find God’s marching orders for the new covenant? If you find yourself reluctant to say and do what God requires, take a closer, prayerful look at Exodus 3 and 4 today.
