January 13 - Exodus 1-4
Today I read the first four chapters of Exodus during my unhurried time with God. I have read this passage many times so I was not drawn to the obvious facts as much as some of the details this time. In chapter one Pharaoh is afraid of the Israelites because of their growth in numbers, so he commands the male children to be cast into the river. His intention was to kill all of the male Hebrew children. However, when Moses is born in chapter two his mother hid him for three months. Then, she cast him into the river, but first he was placed in a little boat. Could it be that Moses' mother had been praying for a way to save her baby and follow the decree of Pharaoh at the same time? I don't know that for sure, but I know that is how it worked out. He was placed in the river, but he did not die. He found his way into the home of Pharaoh himself. Not only was Moses not killed, but he was raised by his mother until he could be taken into the house of the Pharaoh. Could this be the blessing of God upon a mother who did everything she could to be faithful to God and the decree of Pharaoh? I think it very well could be. God ordained the human authorities over us. (Romans 13) He wants us to listen to Him first, but also to the governing authorities. If there is a way for us to please God and to obey the government that is what He wants us to do.
In chapter two after Moses kills the Egyptian and flees, God leads him to Reuel in Midian. He supplies him a wife. Later, we see the positive influence of Reuel (Jethro) in his life, but here we see the goodness of God to supply love in his time of loneliness. Moses was away from his culture, his friends, his family, and his people, but God cared enough to lead him to a loving family in Midian. I believe God wants to do that for all of us, if we will follow His leading in times of loss. God loves us and cares for us. However, many times we go our own way, and we try to meet our needs. We miss what He has prepared for us.
Finally, in chapters three and four Moses talks to "the Angel of the Lord" (Jesus) in the burning bush. Jesus comes to earth to show Moses his mission. It takes a lot of effort on the part of the Lord to convince Moses that he can be used by God to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, but He finally does it. One thing He does is to give Moses some signs to work for the Hebrews upon his return to show them he is God's man for the mission. The last two verses of chapter four tell us that the Hebrews believed and worshiped after they saw the signs. This reminds me that when God gives us a job, He always gives us what it takes to complete it. We don't do it ourselves. We do it in His power. Have you realized that in your life? Don't hold back! Go ahead and do what God is leading you to do. Let Him give you what you need to accomplish His work.
In chapter two after Moses kills the Egyptian and flees, God leads him to Reuel in Midian. He supplies him a wife. Later, we see the positive influence of Reuel (Jethro) in his life, but here we see the goodness of God to supply love in his time of loneliness. Moses was away from his culture, his friends, his family, and his people, but God cared enough to lead him to a loving family in Midian. I believe God wants to do that for all of us, if we will follow His leading in times of loss. God loves us and cares for us. However, many times we go our own way, and we try to meet our needs. We miss what He has prepared for us.
Finally, in chapters three and four Moses talks to "the Angel of the Lord" (Jesus) in the burning bush. Jesus comes to earth to show Moses his mission. It takes a lot of effort on the part of the Lord to convince Moses that he can be used by God to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, but He finally does it. One thing He does is to give Moses some signs to work for the Hebrews upon his return to show them he is God's man for the mission. The last two verses of chapter four tell us that the Hebrews believed and worshiped after they saw the signs. This reminds me that when God gives us a job, He always gives us what it takes to complete it. We don't do it ourselves. We do it in His power. Have you realized that in your life? Don't hold back! Go ahead and do what God is leading you to do. Let Him give you what you need to accomplish His work.