Daily Devotions
Exodus
"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son." Hosea 11:1
Text: Exodus 4 : 21
A GENTLE REMINDER
Once again the Lord spoke to Moses as he made his way down to Egypt. How gracious He was to continue to speak to His diffident servant as he made his way to fulfill a gargantuan task. He would have to confront the Pharaoh and then lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.
“And the Lord said to Moses,
‘When you go back to Egypt, see that
you do all those wonders before Pharaoh
which I have put in your hand.'”
EXODUS 4:21a
What was the Lord teaching Moses about ministry? Let us consider the following thoughts.
1. Keep dwelling on the signs and wonders revealed
Moses had two wonderful signs given to him. He must keep dwelling on what the Lord had given him to experience.
2. Keep dwelling on the Lord Himself
Moses was to keep reminding himself that it was the Lord Himself who had given him the power to perform those signs and wonders! If Moses were to keep dwelling on the Lord, he would become more confident and less fearful.
3. Keep dwelling on the promise of Power from the Lord
The Lord had given to Moses a physical object – his rod! Even as he trudged along the way to Egypt, he must draw strength from the fact that the Lord had given him power for life and ministry! If Moses were to dwell on these thoughts, he would find great strength for the task ahead!
A FURTHER INSIGHT
The Lord then went on to give further insight to Moses concerning the confrontation that he would have with the Pharaoh.
“But I will harden his heart,
So that he will not let the people go.”
EXODUS 4:21b
1. Stating the obvious
Of course, the Pharaoh would not accede to Moses’ request. This was anticipated. Thus God was especially equipping his servant with great power for ministry.
2. The hardening of the heart of Pharaoh
Pharaoh would of course have a heart that was already hardened. That was expressed in the way he had been ill-treating the children of Israel. God would also be personally involved in that heart-hardening process. He would reveal His part in time.