Bible Pathways 1/19/2004
January 19
Read Exodus 5 -- 7
In Today's Reading:
Moses' demands to Pharaoh; Aaron to speak for Moses; Moses' rod turned into a serpent; plague of blood
God commanded Moses to face the Pharaoh of Egypt, who referred to himself as a god, and say: Thus says the LORD God of Israel, Let My people go, that they may hold (celebrate) a feast to Me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go (Exodus 5:1-2).
Moses' reaction was to blame God, saying: Lord, wherefore (why) have You so evil entreated (brought harm to) this people? why is it that You have sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your Name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all (5:22-23).
How often in life our questions far outnumber our answers: Why have I been diagnosed with cancer? Why did my husband divorce me? Why did my child become a drug addict? Why was my child born with handicaps? Why did I lose my job? Why? God didn't answer Moses' questions, and seldom does He answer us in the way we expect.
When Moses cried out: Why, Lord? God merely reminded him of Who He was. What is important for us to know is that God is the unchangeable, almighty, loving God of truth, Who said: I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage . . . I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you . . . your God (6:6-8). Before He spoke the first I will, God said: I am the LORD, meaning: "I am the only One Who knows what is best, I am altogether sufficient, and I will meet your needs" (6:2). After the seventh I will, He repeated for emphasis: I am the LORD (6:8). God has never once failed to keep His Word; but, seldom are His promises fulfilled as soon as we expect, and almost never in the way we think would be best.
Pharaoh persisted in keeping the Israelites under his cruel authority. However, as had been foretold, the judgment of God was poured forth on each false Egyptian deity, on every household of the Egyptians, on Pharaoh's son and, eventually, on Pharaoh himself and his armies.
Today . . . hear His voice, Harden not your hearts (Hebrews 3:7-8)
Word Studies:
5:8 tale = quota; 5:9 vain words = worthless promises; 5:11 not ought = none; 5:13 hasted = kept driving; 5:19 minish = make fewer in number; 5:21 made our savour to be abhorred = made us offensive; 7:15 against = waiting to meet him.
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 I Peter 1:18-25).
Pray For:
Government Official: Rep. Frank Mascara (PA) · Country: Liechtenstein (32,000) in western Europe · Major languages: German and Alemannic dialect · Religious freedom · 87% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Confess your sins and ask the Lord to restore the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:1-3,12).
Optional Reading: Matthew 19
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:5
