October 4, 2020
The book of Exodus tells the story of the birth of the nation of Israel fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham. From the seventy descendants of Jacob, Israel was fruitful and multiplied greatly until they filled the whole land of Egypt. After four centuries of slavery, God answers the cries of His people for deliverance. God raises up Moses for this calling, to lead his people out of bondage to a land of promise and deliverance.
Some of the greatest stories of the Bible are featured in Exodus—from the Ten Plagues, and the Passover, to the crossing of the Red Sea, and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai. The Passover lamb, the exodus from the land of Egypt, the seven feasts, the tabernacle, and even the high priest, are all foreshadows of the ministry of Christ.
Chapters 1-18 contains the events leading up to God’s delivering the Hebrews from their captivity in Egypt, and chapters 19-40 shares the events in the wilderness and the account of God’s instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai to direct the life and worship of the nation.
Exodus 4
Moses Given Powerful Signs
1 Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” 2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” 3 And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. 4 But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— 5 “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 6 Again, the Lord said to him, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” And he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. 7 Then God said, “Put your hand back inside your cloak.” So he put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. 8 “If they will not believe you,” God said, “or listen to the first sign, they may believe the latter sign. 9 If they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and the water that you shall take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.”
10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. 16 He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. 17 And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”
Moses Returns to Egypt
18 Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” 19 And the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” 20 So Moses took his wife and his sons and had them ride on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the staff of God in his hand.
21 And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. 22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’”
24 At a lodging place on the way the Lord met him and sought to put him to death. 25 Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it and said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!” 26 So he let him alone. It was then that she said, “A bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision.
27 The Lord said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him. 28 And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord with which he had sent him to speak, and all the signs that he had commanded him to do. 29 Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the people of Israel. 30 Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31 And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Reflection:
- Have you ever experienced the fear of others and what they might think like Moses did?
- How has God strengthened your faith in him when you were tempted to doubt?
- How did God using Moses despite his feelings of inadequacy square with what Paul says in Philippians 4:13?
- Is there any challenge in your life right now that you need to give to God and trust him?
Prayer: Lord, I pray that you will remind me that I can do all things that you have called me to by your strength and wisdom. You spoke the world into existence and your power is unmatched. There is no one like the Lord, and I will praise you all my days. In Jesus’ name, amen.
There are only 2 kinds of snakes that frighten me: poisonous and non-poisonous. Grabbing a live snake by the tail would have been a real test of faith for me. If Moses could trust the Lord for that, it is difficult to understand how he could not trust the Lord to speak through himself. Moses was one of the greatest men ever, nevertheless.
Gracias mi padre bendito sea tu nombre toda la gloría honra y alabanza son tuyas tú eres nuestro Dios de poder perdona porque somos débiles y aveces tenemos temor de no poder estar preparados para todo lo que tú nos encomiendas pero tú nos has dado ese poder donde no debemos tener miedo escucharte y obedecer dame ese valor como hiciste con Moises tu siervo quiero servirte padre amado úsame para ser luz en medio de las tinieblas sal en la tierra mi Dios tú nos das ese poder ayúdanos a serte fiel Gracias mi padre celestial en nombre y por amor de tu hijo amado amén ?
At this point in my life I have no challenges to give to the Lord. I know when I do the Lord will be there to hear me and listen. In Jesus name, Amen
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. — Psalm 34:17
When should we pray this prayer?
A Call to Repentance
Joel 2: 12-14a
Eternal One: Even now, turn back your heart and
rededicate yourselves to Me;
Show Me your repentance by fasting, weeping,
and mourning.
Rip the wickedness out of your hearts; don’t just
tear your clothing.
Now return to the Eternal, your True God.
You already know He is gracious and compassionate.
He does not anger easily and maintains (steadfast) faithful (eternal) love
He is willing to relent and not harm you.
Who knows? Perhaps He will turn and relieve you of this threat,
Now
O Lord Lord listen to the prayer of those who delight to fear Your Name ( Nehemiah 1:11)
O Lord incline your ear & hear, forgive & act…For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy.(Daniel 9:18-19)
“Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” I will go and do as He says, and He will be with me.
Father,
You do not call the qualified – you qualify the called. Your church is such need for dedicated workers, in all areas. Like the prophets of old, call more to your service.
LORD, I am nothing without you. This day, may I surrender all of me to you and to your service. Speak through me this week, if you grant me the days.
Father, you see into the depths of my heart. Continue to purify me, LORD, for I need your mercy and your grace.
Comfort and heal our President and the First Lady and all who are suffering with this horrible virus.
There are so many battling other illnesses, loss of finances, loss of family and friends, send you peace to them, strengthen them with your Spirit. Open their eyes to see the angels coming to their aid.
Use me this day, Father, to help others.
Now, let’s be going to rescue one more last soul.
Thank you, Jesus, for your love for me, and it’s in your name I pray,
Amen
Lord I can do all things through you which strengths me. Help me continue to face what you have for my husband Walt. I am believing you are a God of miracles and this antibiotic treatments for three weeks will heal the hole in his intestines and not surgery will be required. All the honor and Glory goes to you Almighty Father Amen.
God reveals himself to us in so many ways, yet we don’t believe, distrusting him because of our doubt and disbelief. We think that he can’t over come our shortcomings, yet he is faithful to do his will in and through us, in spite of our shortcomings. Even when he provides all we need, we simply disobey, angering God…but God, in his loving patience, perseverance, mercy and grace, continues to pursue us, providing a way in spite of our disobedience.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lately, I have had so much happening in my life that has turned it upside down. At times, I was dismayed and afraid of the future. However, the Holy Spirit has been with me and has reminded me of Your love and faithfulness. I know You have plans for my life to give me hope and a future. Please forgive my doubts and lead me each day in the direction I should go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.