In confirming Moses, God has given us sure signs whereby we will know gospel preachers.
First, our Lord gave Moses power over the devil. He picked up his rod, which had become a serpent, and it became his rod again (Ex. 4:2-5). Likewise, the message of grace that God's servants preach has power over Satan. The gospel gives you power over temptations by exalting God's faithfulness to the poor. The very things that Satan uses to accuse your conscience now turn into petitions for your deliverance. Am I poor because I've squandered the joy of my inheritance through rebellion, neglect, and sin? Then blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom of God (Matt. 5:3). Do I mourn my unbelief and disobedience? Then blessed are the mourners, for they shall be comforted (Matt. 5:4). Am I powerless to fix my circumstances, and must I wait upon grace? Then blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness? Then I shall be filled (Matt. 5:6). Does Satan have an accusation to level at me? Then Christ is my advocate with the Father, and His plea is "Jesus Christ the Righteous, whose blood made atonement for sin" (I John 2:1-2). Does the accuser trouble me? Then I have a Comforter who defends and upholds me with the Truth of redemption already accomplished (John 16:7-11).
You can know every gospel minister because he has power over the devil. We preach pardon to sinners because we've received it as sinners. Like Peter, "… we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." We preach deliverance because we've been delivered. Paul said, "Blessed be God… Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us [the trial of faith], so our consolation [deliverance] also aboundeth by Christ (II Cor. 1:3-5)."
Secondly, just as God's message has power to cleanse the conscience, it gives every believer power over the flesh (Ex 4:6-8). Moses put his hand into his bosom, "… and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. And [God] said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh." The heart of man is depraved, and leprosy is a horrifying spiritual picture. We murdered the Son of God by nature. He who is the spotless, harmless, and undefiled Messenger of grace, we crucified Him in order to keep our sin. We cry, "O wretched man that I am…", but we don't know the full meaning of total depravity. Yet, when the gospel is received in the bosom, the defiled is made clean.
The gods of this world might not heal a man and make him merciful, gracious, and kind, but when God gives a man His gospel, then he's healed. "See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand (Deut. 32:39)." God doesn't heal the old nature, but He subdues it under the new nature. The new nature is spotless and clean; it is God's habitation through the Spirit (Eph. 2:15-22). For our sakes, the storm of God's wrath flooded against Christ until it had no more fury to expend. When all was quiet and justice was satisfied, there was peace between God and His Son. And, the Lord Jesus presented us to the Father as the offspring of His obedience. It is because of this peace that the Holy Spirit begat us and strengthens us to overcome the world (I John 5:1-5). "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (vs. 4)."
Many accuse us of licentiousness, but they wouldn't honestly say such if they observed the effects of our gospel ministry. When I look upon the men and women that faithfully attend the preached Word, I see the power of faith in their lives. They've given all to Christ. They're not antinomians, fornicators, covetous, or idolaters. This gospel makes them willingly and consistently lay down their ambitions and pride for the glory of Christ. God's believing people are loving people. Religionists are phony, callous, and ever concerned with hidden applause. God's people are genuinely concerned for one another.
Lastly, God has given us a third sign for those who reject the first two. Don't let this third sign come upon you. The water of the gospel will turn to blood, and the message of life will be death to you (Ex. 4:9). You will be condemned by this gospel, if you do not believe this gospel. Instead of blessing, you shall receive the curse. For it is written, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." You say, 'I don't believe in hell'. You will. You say, 'I don't believe you're telling the Truth'. You will. You say, 'I will not bow to Christ'. Yes, you will.
Now, examine those who preach to you. The mark of a faithful gospel ministry is that the power of the Lord is present to heal (Luke 5:17). The message of grace is set forth like a fresh banquet, both clearly and consistently, for the glory of Christ and the salvation of man (I Cor. 2:4).
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