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' immediate reaction was to blame God, saying: 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, loving, Almighty God of truth. He 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 and I am altogether sufficient to meet your needs" (6:2); and after His 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.
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)
Christ Revealed:
As the Redeemer from the bondage of sin. I will bring you out . . . I will redeem you (Exodus 6:6). You are not under the Law, but under grace (Romans 6:14). Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13; 5:1; also I Peter 1:18-25).
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.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Frank Mascara (PA) · Country: India (1 billion) in southern Asia · Major languages: Hindi and English · Religious freedom, but increasing harassment and persecution of Christians by religious radicals · 78% Hindu; 12% Muslim; 2% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic; 2% Sikhs · Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for the privilege of publishing His Word (Psalm 68:11).
Optional Reading: Matthew 19
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:23