Scripture to Read: Exodus 5:19–23, 6:1
God is always working in our lives, even when our circumstances do not make sense to us (Philippians 2:13). God had made it clear to Moses in Exodus 3:19 that the only way Pharaoh would release the Israelites from under his reign would be by “compulsion.” A quick side note: We’ll see later in Exodus how God used His miracles and plagues to break Pharaoh. But Pharaoh's brokenness does not lead to repentance. Pharaoh's brokenness will only seek temporary relief from loss. Moses and Aaron knew all God had told them, as did the elders of Israel, for “Aaron spoke all the words which the Lord had spoken to Moses. He then performed the signs in the sight of the people” (Exodus 4:29–30). But Moses, Aaron, and the elders of Israel allowed the temporary hard times to cause them to forget what God had told them. The foremen of Israel walked away from their meeting with Pharaoh knowing they were in trouble. Moses and Aaron had waited for them, and the foremen wanted God to judge Moses and Aaron (Exodus 5:21). Then Moses returned to talk to the Lord and started asking Him the “why” questions, as if Moses did not have a clue (Exodus 5:22–23). In Exodus 6, God responded to Moses and reminded Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for under compulsion he will let them go, and under compulsion he will drive them out of his land.” God reminded Moses that Pharaoh must be broken and that it would take time.
Challenge & Application
· As a reminder of all God has done for you in Christ, take a few minutes and list out His promises that you recall.
· How have these promises carried you through the tests and trials of life, and how have you encouraged others through them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!