God Sends Moses

Read Exodus 5:1–7:13

17. Pharaoh shouted, . . .
18. “Get back to work! No straw will be given to you, but you must still produce the full quota of bricks.”
19. The Israelite foremen could see that they were in serious trouble when they were told, “You must not reduce the number of bricks you make each day.”
20. As they left Pharaoh’s court, they confronted Moses and Aaron, who were waiting outside for them.
21. The foremen said to them, “May the Lord judge and punish you for making us stink before Pharaoh and his officials. . . .”
22. Then Moses went back to the Lord and protested, “Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me?
23. Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!” Exodus 5:17-23

If you’ve ever had to learn something you didn’t want to learn, you know how much discipline it takes. No matter what the subject, you have to do some digging and some hard work. Learning isn’t a downhill ride; it’s more of a mountain climb. It takes work.

In this part of the story of the Exodus, God sends Moses to confront Pharaoh. Pharaoh’s response is to make the Hebrews work even harder. Moses complains, God promises deliverance, and a showdown begins. Here we see the grand effects of feeble steps of faith (a tough lesson for anyone to learn).

Here’s the lesson: Enduring rejection for our faith and trusting God when he seems to be ignoring our prayers are part of God’s curriculum for us. As you read this passage, learn, with Moses, God’s profound lessons.

Moses did not like God’s methods. Despite God’s message—indeed, because of it—Pharaoh increased the Hebrews’ workload. Moses protested that God was not rescuing his people (Exodus 5:22-23). Moses expected faster results and fewer problems. When God is at work, suffering, setbacks, and hardship may still occur. We can be sure, however, that each hardship has a purpose—to teach, discipline, punish, or accomplish another work of God. In James 1:2-4, we are encouraged to be joyful when difficulties come our way. Problems teach us to (1) trust God to do what is best for us; (2) look for ways to honor God in our present situation; (3) remember that God will not abandon us; and (4) watch for God’s plan for us.

What tough lesson is God teaching you today? Think of what you can do to honor him through your attitude, words, and actions.