Day 31 – Exodus 4-6

Talking Points

• Moses is given several miraculous signs to confirm that he is God’s spokesman. Upon hearing his mission, he raises several objections, questioning his selection as God’s spokesman. God answers all of Moses’ objections, even appointing Moses’ brother, Aaron, to speak for him.
• Moses makes his initial plea to Pharaoh, “Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness” (5:1). Pharaoh does not know God and questions who God even is. Pharaoh increases the Israelites’ workload to the point that it is unbearable. God responds by telling Moses He will force Pharaoh to act. The result will showcase God as the powerful Deliverer of His people!
• When confronted by Moses, Pharaoh responds, “Who is the LORD that I should obey…?” (5:2). This really is a question to be answered by all people in all ages.
• In these verses, we see God’s special relationship and provision for those He calls into His service. We see that, if God calls you, He will give you everything you need, exactly as you need it. We also see the great truth that faith is shown in obedience. God’s servant must first be obedient before they can call anyone else to obedience.
• A strange truth also shows up: Obedience is costly. Obedience, while honoring to God, can bring about hardship, suffering, and pain for a time. It is then that we have to trust in God’s character and in His plan.

Thoughts

Over and over, we see faith is lived out in obedience. In fact, these are so closely tied that faith without obedience really isn’t faith. Plain and simple, if you believe, you obey. If you trust God, you heed His voice.

We also see that obedience, while blessed by God, often comes at a great cost. Hardship and suffering are almost guaranteed by a world that hates God and His truth. This is evident throughout the Old Testament and then reconfirmed in the New Testament. Obedience is costly. It will almost certainly be hated and attacked.

So, the thought comes — doesn’t that seem counter-productive? Wouldn’t it be better to remove the hardships that might come with obedience? I see the value of being shaped, built up, even refined by the struggle, yet sometimes I still wonder. The truth is, for whatever reason, an infinitely wise, all-knowing God allows the difficulties, and He is trustworthy. He promises to use them and to walk with us in the process. Obedience is still best — immeasurably so. We can trust Him. God, help us to live out our faith in an obedience that honors You greatly.

“Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come.
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.”