“He’s not the messiah, he’s a very naughty boy…”

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:

What did I like about today’s passage?

The scope of God’s co-working ranges from babies to world leaders. His plan to free his people from misery and establish new life with him as king has his fingerprints all over it. His unlikely chosen instrument is a baby boy given to his parents, not conceived by them. The boy escaped death at an early age and went on to be a leader empowered by God.

Does this remind you of anyone? Moses isn't exactly Jesus - he's flawed, lurching between anger and timidity, riddled with self doubt - but the important thing is that God chose him. This isn't just a story about a country from long ago, it's a message packed with meaning about what it means for God's kingdom to come and his will to be done today.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God chooses to work with people, not just for or against them. While God has the power to do what he wants independently of people, his aim is to bring people with him, and he will stretch a long way to work in less than ideal situations.

The story makes it clear that there was lots of resistance from God's chosen leader. Moses was meant to articulate God’s power, but maybe did a better job of putting our fears and doubts into words, at least at first. God’s perseverance with him and his provision of help, from miraculous signs to a partner in Aaron, shows his commitment to build and make the most of people’s strengths.

We are going to see a lot of incredible God stuff soon, from divine power to a whole system of religious rules, but I think it’s good to see how developing people’s potential in good relationships with him is at the heart of God’s fatherly kingdom intent.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

I've said it before, I'll probably need to say it again - trust God more, worry less.

Who am I going to share this with?

I have a lot to learn about how other people see God, especially people from other faith backgrounds in our school community. Not everyone wants to call him “Father”. But I’m pretty sure that all of us who believe in God agree that he is amazing. So I’m going to find a chance to share my amazement at God’s power and choice to work with people here.