“I don’t witness well, others can see my good works, but don’t ask me to talk to anyone!”
Does this statement ring a bell? Come on. Admit it. At some time or another we have either stated it out loud or even under our breath. Why do we? And when we do, can we overcome this statement? I believe both Exodus and the New Testament give us some clear answers this week on how to be amazed over being worried.
Our fears of inadequacy over being a verbal witness can affect all of us. Though I believe these misplaced fears can stem from thoughts of being ridiculed, labeled, or just feeling highly uncomfortable. What does the Messiah tell us about fear?
28 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell . . .
32 “Therefore, everyone who confesses Me before people, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before people, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Matt. 10:28-33
Granted, I don’t believe The Kingdom expects all of us to be a Stephen, Jeremiah, Isaiah, or a Moses. But we are called to be a witness at some time in our life. Would you like to see four basic beliefs that can start a foundation in learning to witness?
In the study of Shemot (Exodus 1-6), we read about Moses being called out from his peaceful sheep herding life to being a spokesman for Yahweh at the courts of Egypt. As many may know, Moses wasn’t too keen about the idea and needed a whole lot of convincing. But like so many of us, Moses still hadn’t fully understood the memo: Yahweh only needs a willing participant.
The point is, Moses was the right man for the job needed to fulfill the purposes of the Kingdom. Therefore, I don’t believe Yahweh was going to take no for an answer, which is why we see the story pictures unfold the way they do.
Let’s look at four pictures given to Moses, to assure him that not only did Yahweh have his back, but Yahweh was inspiring Moses to recognize how his actions would provide proof for another prophecy to be fulfilled hundreds of years later.
When Moses was told to go to Egypt, the first words out of his mouth were “who am I” to do such a job. Valid point. But notice Yahweh tells Moses to go to the people of Israel first and use the Name, “I AM WHO I AM” as well as saying, “I AM has sent me to you.” Do you notice who is taking on the burden?
To further convince Moses, Yahweh gives him four signs that wake up the deaf ears of not only his people, but of Pharoah. What are they? Read on to find out.
The first sign deals with authoritative power over the enemy through a staff. In my mind, this staff represents the victory we all have when we represent the Living King.
2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” And he said, “A staff.” 3 Then He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it turned into a serpent; and Moses fled from it. 4 But the Lord said to Moses, “Reach out with your hand and grasp it by its tail”—so he reached out with his hand and caught it, and it turned into a staff in his hand— 5 “so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” Ex. 4:2-5
A staff represents power or authority. It can also represent a scepter which is used by kings that either reject or welcome. Yahweh demonstrated his authority when condemning satan to crawl on the ground after tempting Adam and Eve. Likewise, after the life, death, and resurrection of Yeshua Messiah we are given the same authority thru the Name, which gives us a choice to accept the scepter of grace.
“18 And He (Yeshua) said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to walk on snakes and scorpions, and authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” Luke 10:18-20
The second sign seems to represent authority over sin, death, and decay.
Back in the Biblical day, leprosy represented a slow and agonizing death. It was not curable in the minds of most people. Consequently, Yahweh again shows his authority.
The Lord furthermore said to him, “Now put your hand inside the fold of your robe.” So he put his hand inside the fold, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. 7 Then He said, “Put your hand inside the fold of your robe again.” So he put his hand into the fold again, and when he took it out of the fold, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. 8 “So if they will not believe you nor pay attention to the evidence of the first sign, they may believe the evidence of the last sign. Ex. 4: 6-8
Likewise, Yeshua Messiah claimed power of death and decay.
11 While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as He entered a village, ten men with leprosy who stood at a distance met Him; 13 and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed. Luke 17: 11-14
The third sign shows authority over governments and our way of life.
In Egypt, the Nile River was the life blood of the seated government. It furnished nourishment and commerce for citizens. But yet, Yahweh says that all nations will bow before Him at the end of days.
9 But if they will not believe even these two signs nor pay attention to what you say, then you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground; and the water which you take from the Nile will turn into blood on the dry ground.” Ex. 4:9
Likewise, we see a similar picture for us by the Apostle John in regards to Yeshua. He states,
6 This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. I John 5:6-8
Finally, in the fourth sign, Yahweh clarifies that He has authority over what we speak.
“Then Moses said to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” 11 But the Lord said to him, “Who has made the human mouth? Or who makes anyone unable to speak or deaf, or able to see or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now then go, and I Myself will be with your mouth, and instruct you in what you are to say.” Ex. 4:10-12
Notice the words of Yeshua when telling His disciples not to worry when giving witness.
18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings on My account, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who are speaking, but it is the Spirit of your Father who is speaking in you. Matthew 10:18-20
I don’t know about you, but when I am given this much assurance of something far greater than me, I believe I can give testimony. For when I am a son, bondservant, king, and priest of the Living Elohim, I am given authority over evil, decay, governments, life and words. Please join me this year, by stepping up to be a witness to those around you. Bring them to the foot of the cross of our Savior before this world meets the same devastating end as Egypt. For if we love our neighbor as ourself, we owe it to them to give testimony.
Be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn