The Archetypal Hero

“But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” –  Exodus 3:11. 

A prominent website surveyed people to find out who were the 5 greatest super heroes of all time. Number 5 was the Incredible Hulk, Wolverine was 4, Spiderman was 3, Batman 2 and Superman was number 1. If you made a list of the top five most influential, significant Biblical heroes, the list may look something like this: number 5 is Abraham, leaving his home and going on an epic journey following the call of God. Moses, standing up to Pharaoh and bringing the people out of Egypt is 4, David is 3, Paul is 2 and the only man to predict His death and rise from the grave on the third day has to be number 1, Jesus.  Moses was the most unlikeliest hero.

Moses was a fugitive wanted for murder, hiding out on a mountaintop with some sheep when God appeared on the scene and told him to return to Egypt and deliver his people out of slavery. It is fair to say that Moses didn’t exactly jump at the chance to confront Pharaoh and lead a million or so cranky Israelites out of Egypt into the desert. He made all sorts of excuses about his lack of courage and eloquence, and finally flat-out said, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.”(Exodus 4:13)  But God did not say, “You’re right; I don’t think you’re cut out for this job. I need a strong leader who won’t shake when he asks Pharaoh to let his slave labor go scot-free. I need someone without a shaky past. Someone who has a lot of experience in high stakes diplomacy. Clearly you are not that man.”

No, God knew what He was doing when He chose Moses as His spokesman. It wasn’t a mistake or a poor decision. It’s not like picking a stock and hope the company produces good numbers so you earn a return. This is God we are talking about. God knew Moses wasn’t perfect and that he was prone to fear. He knew Pharaoh would put up a fight and refuse to listen. But God enabled Moses to accomplish this seemingly impossible task, in spite of his human weaknesses, because God is greater than his fears, and stronger than his weaknesses.

God is still greater than our fears and stronger than our weaknesses. So often we want to give up when we have reached the end of our own abilities and endurance. When we do reach the end of our own abilities and endurance we enter that space in which only God can work. In that space is where God helps ordinary people do something that was impossible for them alone. That is the space where heroes are made.   

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your definition of a hero?
2. Have you been challenged by God to do something that would take you out of your comfort zone? If so, do you look for strength from within, or from God?
3. Pray this week to be used by God for His purposes.