Read Exodus 2 -- 4
In Today's Reading:
It is of great importance that you read the details of Moses -- the distinguished lawgiver -- for he was a type of Christ. Both were prophets, priests, kings, kinsman-redeemers, endangered in infancy, and both voluntarily renounced power and wealth. They were deliverers, lawmakers, and mediators. God prepared Moses to redeem Israel after four centuries of slavery and commissioned him to stand before Pharaoh as their advocate.
Verse for Today:
Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall say (Exodus 4:12).
Highlights:
Life of Moses in Egypt; his flight into Midian; the burning bush; his commission to free the Israelites; his excuses; his return to Egypt; the message of freedom to the people.
When God spoke to Moses about leading the Israelites to freedom, he immediately began making excuses as to why he didn't qualify since he was not a good speaker. Even when God said He would be with him, Moses was still afraid to go alone. He could not be persuaded until the Lord permitted his brother Aaron to be his spokesman.
Although Aaron's vocal eloquence added nothing in the way of spiritual power, Moses was only willing to go when God assured him that Aaron would go with him.
How prone we are to trust something or someone other than the living God! We may step out boldly when we are supported by other people even though they are mere humans.
Some fail to obey the Lord, excusing themselves by saying they are not qualified to be teachers or even to be an effective witness to their family or friends. But, having great abilities and all the schooling in the world is useless unless the Holy Spirit is guiding us in what to say. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 3:19). It is the Spirit of God anointing what we express from our heart that the Lord can use to touch others. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
A Thought from Proverbs: Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from you a froward mouth (deceitful, misleading speech), and perverse lips put far from you (4:23-24).
Christ Revealed:
As the I AM THAT I AM Who commissioned Moses (Exodus 3:13-14; compare Hebrews 13:8). Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58).
Word Studies:
2:3 flags = reeds; 2:4 to wit = to know; 2:11 smiting = beating; 2:13 strove = were quarreling; 2:16 of Midian = of the descendants of Abraham through his second wife Keturah (Genesis 25:1-4); 2:23 sighed by reason = groaned because; 2:25 had respect unto = noticed and was concerned about; 3:7 sorrows = suffering; 3:12 token = sign; 3:22 spoil = take the wealth of.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD) and Rep. Kay Granger (TX) · Pray for one another · Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia · Major languages: Arabic and English · Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors · 97% Muslim; .5% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your words and thoughts will be pleasing to the Lord (Psalms 19:14).
Optional Reading: Matthew 18
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:4