Bible Pathways 01/19/2002
January 19
Read Exodus 5 -- 7
In Today's Reading:
Step by step the battle intensified as Pharaoh brashly questioned: Who is the Lord (5:2)? God quickly revealed Himself through specific object lessons -- the ten plagues. Wondrously (6:6) we realize God is faithfully fulfilling His promise to Abraham given centuries before (Genesis 15:13-14). We leave the Egyptians in the midst of a detestable river of blood and its stench.
Verse for Today:
Then the Lord said to Moses, Now shall you see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land (Exodus 6:1).
Highlights:
Moses' and Aaron's demands to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt; Pharaoh increases the work of the Israelites; God reassures Moses; Moses' rod turned into a snake; the plague of blood.
There was no need for Moses' faith to be shaken or for him to become discouraged. And there was no need for him to question God.
Pharaoh had defiantly refused to let the Israelites leave Egypt (Exodus 5:2), but the God of all creation declared that Pharaoh would let them go. In fact, God said that Pharaoh himself would drive them out of his land.
Moses had blamed God for the added suffering which had come upon the Hebrew slaves. But, the Lord did not answer Moses' impatient questions. He merely reaffirmed His purpose to free His people.
The added burdens and sufferings the Israelites experienced after Moses told Pharaoh to let God's people leave Egypt should not have depressed Moses. God had given His Word, and He always keeps His promise. We defeat ourselves when we become fearful about the difficulties that confront us.
No matter how much someone may criticize, threaten, or even persecute you, he cannot prevent the purposes of God from being accomplished in your life. God has assured us that He will accomplish what He intends to do through us. He has said: My Word . . . shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper . . . where I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).
Whenever the evil one casts his fiery darts of suffering, disappointment, or opposition, just remember: You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
A Thought from Proverbs: The lips of a strange (adulterous) woman drop as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil. . . . Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell (5:3,5).
Christ Revealed:
As the Redeemer from the bondage of sin. I will bring you out . . . I will redeem you (Exodus 6:6). Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13; also 1 Peter 1:18-25).
Word Studies:
5:8 tale = quota, number; 5:9 vain words = worthless promises; 5:11 not ought = none; 5:13 hasted = harassed; 5:19 minish = make fewer in number; 5:21 made our savor to be abhorred = made us offensive; 6:6 with a stretched out arm = with mighty power; 6:12 am of uncircumcised lips = does not speak well; 7:15 against = waiting to meet him; 7:16 serve = worship; 7:23 set = take to.
Prayer Needs:
Government Official: Rep. Frank Mascara (PA) · Pray for your Pastor · Country: Pakistan (138 million) in southern Asia · Major languages: Urdu and English · There is no freedom to convert Muslims to Christ. Pakistan is an Islamic republic · 97% Muslim; 2% Christian; 1% Hindu · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to reveal His perfect will for you (Psalms 25:4).
Optional Reading: Matthew 19
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:4
