Moses was chosen from his mother’s womb to carry the fortunes of God’s people as inheritors of a new land where the law would go forth from Zion to the ends of the earth to “turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the children to the fathers” (Mal 4:5-6). To the degree the absolute rule of God is rejected, overruled or replaced with human authority and logic, by that same measure the blessings of God are forfeited and replaced by contemporary forms of slavery, addictions, mental illness, afflictions of the soul, perversion in mind and body.

Moses' personality can be assessed through his unique life history and his role as a didasko (teacher). His character development can be viewed through three distinct 40-year periods:

(a) His first 40 years were a period of learning in the palace of Egypt, where he absorbed the knowledge and culture of the Egyptians.

(b) The next 40 years marked a period of unlearning as he lived in exile in Midian, away from the luxuries and influences of Egypt, experiencing trials and hardships.

(c) The final 40 years were a period of relearning and being molded by God, culminating in his leadership of the Israelites and his role in writing Deuteronomy.

These phases highlight Moses' transformation from a prince of Egypt to a humble shepherd and finally to a leader and lawgiver. His early childhood experiences, combined with the trials and periods of waiting in the wilderness, were essential in shaping his character and preparing him for his ultimate purpose. Despite the challenges, Moses' elemental genius as a didasko was used by God to guide and instruct His people, demonstrating that even in times of doubt and hardship, God's plans for us remain steadfast.

The experiences of Moses and the pioneers of the nation State of Israel share several parallels. Here are some key comparisons:

• Moses at Court and Early Zionist Ideals: Just as Moses spent his early years learning and absorbing the knowledge and culture of Egypt, early Zionists like Theodor Herzl envisioned and conceptualized the idea of a Jewish state. Their initial efforts involved intellectual and cultural groundwork to rekindle Jewish identity and nationhood.
• Wilderness Period and Zionist Struggles: Moses’ time in the wilderness represented a period of unlearning and hardship, away from the luxuries of Egypt. Similarly, the early Zionists, along with their supporters, faced significant struggles and opposition as they worked towards establishing a Jewish homeland. This phase involved overcoming numerous challenges, both politically and physically.
• Deliverance and Establishment of Israel: Moses eventually led the Israelites to the Promised Land, guiding them with divine laws and teachings. This mirrors the efforts of Zionists and their allies who, through perseverance and faith, ultimately led to the establishment of the State of Israel. They were driven by a vision of reuniting the Jewish people with their ancestral land, a vision supported by many Bible-believing Christians who saw this as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

Both stories highlight a journey from conception through trials to ultimate realization, driven by faith and a sense of divine mission.

Here are three possible titles for a sermon celebrating Israel’s coming of age story framed within the context of Moses' life and mission:

• From Pharaoh's Court to God's Command: The Journey of Moses and the Birth of Israel
• Divine Intervention and Deliverance: Moses' Path from Egyptian Prince to Israelite Teacher
• Breaking the Chains: Moses, the Exodus, and the Rise of a Chosen Nation

The Jewish State: Theodor Herzl’s manifesto

Moses Strikes the Rock