The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

by John Hay, Jr.
Senior Pastor, West Morris Street Free Methodist Church

Series: MOSES TODAY
Week's focus: From Royalty To Fugitive- 2nd in a series
Scriptures: Exodus 2:11-25
Week of: September 17, 2006

TRACKING THE WORD IN WORSHIP
Note these principles from the Word for later recall, reflection & application

1. Moses' unsettled inner conflicts explode into violence and murder. Exodus 2:11-12

2. The would-be heir of Pharaoh becomes a fearful fugitive on the run. Exodus 2:13-15

3. Midian represents a place of escape, humbling, questioning, change, and preparation. Exodus 2:15-22

4. Working out our salvation with fear and trembling is critical soul work-for our lives and many others. Exodus 2:23-25.

GUIDED JOURNALING / DISCUSSION
Explore these questions in personal devotions or group discussion

1. Read Exodus 2:11-12. What feelings do you think Moses has for his own Hebrew people, even though he has been raised in the Egyptian royal family? What do you think motivates Moses to take action against the Egyptian? Is Moses justified in what he did? When is "righteous indignation" not righteous? What alternative to murder might Moses have taken? Discuss or journal your responses.

2. Read Exodus 2:13-14. In these verses, what puzzles Moses about what he sees occurring? Why do you think he questions these quarreling Hebrew men? What impact does their response make on Moses? Trying to put yourself in his shoes, why do you think he is afraid? Of what or whom is he afraid? In addition to these fears, do you think he is now afraid of himself? Discuss or journal your responses.

3. Read Exodus 2:15. What is the Pharaoh's reaction when he learns that Moses has murdered an Egyptian while coming to the defense of Hebrew slaves? What does Moses do? Is he right to run away? Explain your response in discussion or in your journal.

4. Read Exodus 2:15. Where does Moses come to rest? "Midian" represents for him a place of hiding, distance, and retreat. Have you ever fled or retreated to a "Midian?" Why are "Midians" necessary or helpful to us?

5. Read Exodus 2:16-25. Bible scholars believe Moses was approximately 40 years old when he fled to Midian and that he spent 40 years in Midian. What positive things happen for Moses while he is in Midian? How do you think Moses is changed during this chapter of his life? Today, do you think God uses such chapters in our lives to teach us His way, shape us in His image, and/or prepare us for His Kingdom's in-breaking? Discuss or journal your responses.

MARKINGS LEFT BY PREVIOUS TRAVELERS
Consider what other believers have shared about this Scripture

FROM SELF-ASSERTION TO GOD'S GUIDANCE "Such experiences come to us all. We rush forward, thinking to carry all before us. We strike a few blows in vain. We are staggered with disappointment, and reel back. We are afraid at the first breath of human condemnation. We flee from the scene to hide ourselves in chagrin. Then we are hidden in the secret of God's presence from the pride of man. And there our vision clears. The silt drops from the current of our life. Our self-life dies down. Our spirit drinks of the river of God, which is full of water. Our faith begins to grasp His arm, to be the channel for the manifestation of His power. And thus, at last, we emerge to be His hand to lead an Exodus." - F. B. Meyer

HOW WE ARE SAVED "Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved by love. No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend and foe as it is from our standpoint. Therefore, we must be saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness." - Reinhold Niebuhr

RESPONSES & OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE
Want to explore The Compass with others? Have questions?

If you'd like to connect with others who are working weekly with The Compass, e-mail me or call the church office (317.632.8311)

If you have questions about Scriptures or some of the questions, or just want to share what your are discovering through The Compass, you are welcome to e-mail me.

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