Failed Starter
“And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended him and took vengeance for the oppressed by striking down the Egyptian. And he supposed that his brethren understood that God was granting them deliverance through him, but they did not understand.”
Acts 7:24-25
Oakland A’s relief pitcher Andrew Chafin calls himself a “failed starter.”
He’s referring to his lack of success starting ballgames earlier in his career. Because of this, he was moved to the bullpen, and Chafin has found success since then. Last night, he successfully finished the ballgame, earning a save.
Moses could be considered a “failed starter.” When he came of age in Egypt, he saw the cruelty and injustice against his people. Moses was determined to do something about it. (He does this seemingly without God’s direction.)
“Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to his brethren and looked on their hard labors; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. So he looked this way and that, and when he saw there was no one around, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.”
Exodus 2:11-12
The next day, two of his brethren were fighting. Moses tried to break them up. One of them said:
“But he said, “Who made you a prince or a judge over us? Are you intending to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and said, “Surely the matter has become known.”
Exodus 2:14
It was known. Pharaoh came looking for Moses. So, Moses flees for his life.
Instead of the bullpen, Moses goes to the sheep pen. He becomes a shepherd.
But God isn’t finished with Moses. From the burning bush, God calls Moses to go back to Egypt and lead the children of Israel to the Promised Land. Moses is very hesitant, but God was firm with him.
“Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.”
Exodus 3:10
Also, God promises to be with him.
“And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”
Exodus 3:12
God clearly wasn’t finished with Moses, and He’s not through with you.
So, if you are a “failed starter,” remember that you are still on the team, and God has plans for you, a hope and a future.
