“Let My son go,” God said to Pharaoh, “or your son will die” (see Exodus 4:23). Two sons are being talked about, but there are three sons in the story, for Moses had a son as well. And Moses couldn’t pronounce judgment on Pharaoh’s house while his own house was in error (1 Peter 4:17). You see, in Genesis 17:11, God instituted circumcision as an outward sign of an inward belief, its counterpart seen in the New Testament ordinance of baptism (Colossians 2:11–12). Circumcision was given to the Jewish nation as a mark of differentiation between them and every other culture round about them. Yet, Moses never circumcised his son. As a descendant of Abraham, Moses certainly knew the significance of this act. Why, then, wouldn’t he have circumcised Gershom?

It could be that he was preoccupied with his occupation. It could be that he was so into watching sheep that he forgot about the spiritual needs of his son. And before we wonder how watching sheep in the desert could be that consuming, we would do well to ask ourselves why we expend so much time and energy simply to make another sale, to get another client, to climb another step, to make another dollar. When we get to Heaven, on the other side of eternity, we will surely say, “What was I thinking? Why did I take my career so seriously? Why wasn’t I there for my son, helping him to grow in his walk with the Lord?”

Or perhaps the reason Moses didn’t circumcise his son was a little more subtle. Perhaps it was because he was caught up in ministry. Listen carefully, Mom and Dad: there is no ministry in which you will ever be engaged that is more important, more fulfilling, more satisfying, gratifying, or thrilling than discipling your own children. God tapping you on the shoulder and saying three million people will listen to you would be incomparable to seeing your son or daughter discipled and trained. And lest you think your family isn’t a big enough ministry for a man of your skills and abilities, consider this: Jesus, the perfect Man, the ultimate minister, chose only twelve disciples into whom to pour His life. Therefore, one, two, or three kids is more than enough for even the best of us. From day one you get to pray for them, love them, and model God to them. It’s an incredible opportunity.