7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 ‘So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. – Matthew 6:7-8
love this prayer. “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
Matthew 6:9-13 NLT
seeing how moses felt. he didn’t feel equipped to do what the Lord has commanded him to do. he kept saying he can’t do it. i felt the same way. not equipped to do what i’m called to do but God. He kept reminding moses that He’s with Him and that He’s going to give him the words to say and that He’s going to get them out of Egypt.everything is going to work out!
Exodus chapter 5 really stands out to me as a mental health counselor. I hear so many people who are depressed or who are trying to meet unrealistic standards of productivity, say they feel “lazy.” Pharaoh was the first recorded person to put unrealistic measures of productivity onto people and to call them lazy for not meeting those standards. I’m continuously blown away about how applicable the Bible is and how it truly is always relatable and stands the test of time.
Moses felt he was not equip to do as the Lord had said; yet, Moses was still willing to do what was needed in order to save the Lords people from pharaoh. Many times we feel we are not equipped and give up, but God knows and provides us with all we need
The Lord says to Moses, “now go: I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” The Lord is with us in so many situations where we don’t know what to say or how to share him with others. We have to learn to prayerfully listen to him and obey!
6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
amen ! -ellie
God told Moses that Pharaoh would refuse his request, but commanded him to make it anyways. Considering this passage against God’s sovereignty in Romans 9, even cowardly Moses obeyed the Lord and did not question His sovereign will and command with fatalism.
I found the part about prayer in Matthew very powerful, and it really caused me to reflect on my own heart. It is easy for me to use social media to post pictures of my Bible Journaling and seek praise from other people for my work. While it is good to share these things with others, I think it is important that I am seeking God’s love not love from followers on social media.
Moses felt unworthy to complete God’s mission. I think many of us feel like there is someone “better” to do the job, so we neglect God’s plan for us. However, it’s important to realize that with God you can do anything. He doesn’t want to use perfect people. He wants to show his love by using sinners like us!
Reading in Exodus has helped me to see that God can work through anyone. Moses was supposed to be killed at birth, he killed someone causing him to flee Egypt, and then he doubted his own ability to be used by God because he was not eloquent with his words. But God still used him to free his people and bring glory to God. None of us are so forgotten that we can’t be used to glorify God and bring about His will.
I love red letters! My heart skips a beat when I get to them as I read… what could be more exciting than red letters from Jesus on Valentine’s Day? I love his voice and his expressions of loving guidance and direction for all of us! Words of life!
Matthew 6:14-15 was a great reminder to me tonight. I need to forgive others just like Christ has forgiven me. How can I accept Christ’s forgiveness without also showing grace and forgiveness to others?
Regarding Exodus 4:24, there are certain passages in the bible that indicate that God is NOT to be trifled with when he’s made his instructions very clear. Moses knew very well that he disobeyed God by not circumcising his son, but he obviously thought too little of it at the time. I suspect he would’ve had his excuses.
Remember when God struck down Uzzah when he put out his hand to stabilize the ark? Uzzah’s motivations were pure but the way they were carrying the ark was not according to God’s clear instructions. Even David was taken aback at God’s actions for a seemingly innocent “mistake”. The book of Hebrews (chap 12) says God is a consuming fire. Is he ever!
Remember when Ananias & Sapphira lied about the amount they got for the sale of their land? Wow, I should be dead many times over and I think that goes for most of us. The moral is I believe, don’t ‘mess’ with God. While he is merciful and compassionate he is also firm and resolute. Witness the ruthless criticism Jesus directs at the Pharisees (he calls them whitewashed graves etc) and yet how tender and forgiving he is towards a sinful prostitute. The leaders of Israel should’ve known better and they did. In their case God hates the sin of hypocrisy and wants to erase it wherever it takes hold in no uncertain ways.
The point? I think Moses knew very well what he had to do because God’s Spirit was in him to a greater extent than most of us also because of the task that God had assigned him to do, namely, lead God’s chosen people. I think it’s also clear that Moses learned the lesson very well and applied what he learned about God (and the need for absolute obedience) for the remainder of his life as leader and teacher of the Israelites and what a great leader he was! Don’t forget, God conditions us for what he wants us to be and how much more so for a man like Moses who was to lead God’s rebellious people to the promised land. I’d say God did a phenomenal job conditioning his Moses for that task and He (God) didn’t do it by pussy footing around like we probably would. God expects unconditional obedience and not when we feel like it. I guess you might say that he takes appropriate action to make it happen. Those are his methods and his divine prerogative.
Obviously, there is a lesson in all these passages for us. Scary stuff…. In a way!
I also think that we should keep in mind that God knew Moses’ heart. Moses had an issue with obedience (as obvious by his numerous deferments and excuses) and God showed patience and love but he knew Moses’ heart. Perhaps, at that moment, Moses’ heart was not in the right place but then things were set right. We see so often people getting wiped out in these passages- women and children too-it may seem overly swift in judgement but God knows their heart- he doesn’t will for any to perish but evil is evil and unfortunately God can’t MAKE them be good. So while this may seem like a harsh moment from God, if we trust His judgement in all areas and in His decisions this far along, we can rest in knowing that He knew or saw something that we didn’t. Ultimately, it ended in a way that was happy but I think it shows how we need to guard our hearts. God won’t be mad at us in a moment of weakness but if we start to turn our hearts against him, I would expect him to respond. Perhaps in Moses’ knowing he was THISCLOSE to death, it helped to change his heart and make him more devoted to listening to God, even though he did stumble. I’m rambling here but basically I’m just saying, I see it as being a “heart issue” that we may never fully grasp but we can have faith it was done (and mentioned) for a reason.
Reading all your comments really helped me understand this better. Thanks ladies!
As I’ve pondered this, two things have jumped out at me: 1) as we read at the end of John (21:25), many other things may have happened that aren’t recorded in Exodus (such as God reminding Moses to circumcise his son, maybe?), and 2) that his wife, a Midianite (so not an Israelite, I believe?) immediately knew to circumcise their son–so, surely Moses knew he was supposed to as well, yet he didn’t.
Matthew 6:7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
He knows what we need, even when we aren’t sure ourselves. This is such a comfort to me. In my darkest days, when I don’t know what to do, calling out to Him is enough.
Clare, may God continue to bless your discerning heart! To see ourself lacking in growth in God’s Word or relationship is a huge but wonderful step towards a beautiful beginning of openness, honesty and awesome progress with God our Father. I have finally pressed on with reading the Bible in a year (this is the farthest I have ever gotten!)
And with the “ugly” prayers you mentioned, every prayer to God is sweet words of surrender to his ears! To know that we are earnestly seeking him amidst our mess, brokeness and persevering with him…what could be more wonderful to him?! :)
I just wanted to say thank you to this community. This is my first time reading through scripture, and I am just coming to terms with my faith, the comments help me out so much!
I’m working on telling God the truth even when my prayers may be ugly, not trying to dress my self up as the perfect Christian (which I know I not having come to faith so late in life). He knows all my uglies before I say them yet he loves me any way. He wants our one on one time to be what I needs to say, not what I think he wants to hear.
The part where pharaoh says they are lazy, give them straw and let them make their own bricks
Rings true in my teaching job now. They are requiring more and more and not reducing anything.
I completely understand. It’s an exhausting, demanding profession. But in the midst of it, God is using the circumstances to shape us and teach us to rely on Him all the more. I’m saying a prayer for you tonight. Hang in there!
I can see myself in the shoes of the Israelites asking the Lord to judge a leader for what I believe is wrong. Perhaps there is a new pastor and they are bringing tension as they change the vision and direction of the church. This passage reminds me that the Lord could be leading an individual such as Moses and is using him to exalt the name of the Lord.
Lord, when I am quick to disagree or think negatively of a leader or a direction they are taking the church, may I be reminded of how you were using Moses and Aaron, not only for the freedom and redemption of the Israelites but ultimately for Your glory and Your fame!
God wanted Moses to do the whole thing. But Moses kept coming up with reasons why he wasn’t the best option. He was begging God NOT to use him!! How often do we say we want God to use us … even as we do all we can to convince ourselves, others, and even God that He needs to choose someone else??
This is a random question but has anyone ordered a lent study pack and not received it yet? I ordered one the first week they were available but haven’t got it :-( I tried to use the contact form to ask also but no response yet.
God asks MOSES what is in his hand. God knew. And He asks MOSES who made his mouth. I have to put words to what is happening in me, what stirs in my heart.
I loved Ex 6:6…….I will redeem you with an outstretched arm…while I know in this text God is specifically speaking of redemption from the bondage of slavery the Isrealites were facing from the Egyptians but I couldn’t help but think of the future redemption that would take place upon the cross to redeem me.
It’s pretty amazing how God’s patience and persistence is evident with Moses this far in Exodus. Since finishing Exodus 6, Moses has protested and objected with God’s calling for him EIGHT TIMES. Moses wasn’t able to see past the present circumstances, but God knew the bigger picture and the plan He had for Moses.
How often do we feel we are unqualified, like Moses, to do what God has called us to? For me, I feel that often, but then I remember to PRAISE Him who equips us, is with us, goes before us and is SOVEREIGN.
Christina F, great post! I think it’s a way for us to discern if what we’re hearing is coming from God; it appears He always call us to do something that we couldn’t have done without him; something bigger than we could ever think or imagine…it keeps us humble! :)
Either I didn’t notice or totally forgot about Exodus 4:24 where God planned to kill Moses. It hit me today. Why after spending all this time telling Moses what to do about rescuing Israel would God kill him before he got there? My Bible study notes say that it was for not circumcising his son, but I’m still left wondering why.
Pam Blum, Yep the simplest form of disobedience or partial obedience is still a sin…remember, Moses, didn’t go to The Promise Land because he hit the rock instead of speaking to it…so close 99 1/2% Dont = 100% We must always trust, obey The Lord by surrendering our fleshly deeds/thoughts, immediately confess our sins and repent as well continually examine ourselves (Numbers 20:7-12, Psalms 139:23-24, Psalms 51, John 14:15-31, and many other Scriptures…)
I agree. I hate this whole little paragraph! I’ve searched notes online and my bible study and I’m still not okay with it. I’m convinced the author left something out or the translation is all wrong. It would make sense if it was for not circumsizing his son- but we never hear God command Moses specifically to do this before leaving. It’s still the law- but to me it’s just really random.
I don’t like this scripture either but if we believe the bible is inherent then we must take the Good with the bad. I believe it’s because Moses is called to be the leader of the people, he needed to be faultless in the Laws eyes and he wasn’t because his son was uncircumcised. He was required to be an example to the Israelites.
“…Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Our reminder to be humble, not prideful in all we do and say. We don’t need the worlds recognition, we already have God’s. That is all we ever need.
From Matthew, vs 8 “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” That’s such a humbling verse. How often do we hesitate to ask God for something because it might not seem important in the grand scheme of things? But he already knows the desires of our hearts….reminds me of Psalm 139. He’s our God, or Father in Heaven. So amazing to be able to bring anything to him!
also for anyone confused about 4:24 like I was, check out Joshua 5:3-9. God wanted Moses to obey Him and have his own household in order before going to deliver God’s people. makes you think more seriously about our own sins of negligence.
24 At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him. Yes I had never seen this before! So this is where circumcision came from
Thanks for clarifying sister. I was slightly confused on that part.
Wow, such a beautiful yet humbling book. I love reading Exodus.
In Matthew isn’t it interesting how our Lord Jesus emphasizes to do everything in private? Giving, prayer and fasting? It really put it in perspective doing things for others to see (I’m so guilty of wanting human acknowledgement!) , and doing things for the glory of our God + obedience and love.
So awesome.
And yet we just read in Matthew 4:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
There is a time for both, I guess, and it is all in the reason we are doing it, which God obviously knows!
Our light can shine through our good deeds without our bringing attention to them. Maybe even brighter by attention not being brought to them. Ex: I quietly give a less fortunate woman at work a coat without anyone knowing, except her. She is complimented on her coat. She is glowing with pride and smiles at me. So my light has shined through, but a word has not been spoken.
Yes, Moses was not practicing circumcision as required by the Lord. God instituted circumcision in Genesis 17 (v. 10-14, I think) with Abram (Abraham).
Sometimes God makes promises in our lives and the path to getting to our promise is not as we had hoped or envisioned it. That doesn’t mean we should give up, God works everything out in His own perfect way. He is faithful and will get you to the promise even if it means going through hardships you didn’t imagine in the first place. Trust in God and His plan always!
4:21 But I will harden his heart so that he won’t let the people go.
God wanted to do a work in Moses every bit as much as He wanted to carry out His plans for deliverance- otherwise why would God Himself harden Pharaoh’s heart?
Yes, God told Moses that pharaoh would have a hardened heart but didn’t tell him his own people would hate him for their hard labour. It’s hard being a leader because sometimes you’re standing alone. But God is with you!
30But Moses said before the Lord, “Behold, I am unskilled in speech; how then will Pharaoh listen to me?”
This is Moses’ second time making the same excuse and I can’t help but think “Seriously, after the Lord speaking directly to you, performing amazing miracles and wonders through you, and even providing a perfect solution to you for this problem through your brother; you are still arguing with the Lord and making excuses?!?!” Then the Lord gives me a little humble pie by remknding me of all the excuses I make on a daily basis: I’m not good enough, I’m too tired, I’m scared of what people will think, so and so is more talented and would do a better job. I think I’m not the only one here who’s fallen into this trap of lies. in response, I feel the Lord says “Who are you to say whether you are good enough or not. I have called you and I am God. Trust in me when you find it hard to trust in yourself. Remember, I called you and I know what I’m doing.” Dearest Lord, today please help me to overcome my excuses and actually get down to the amazing work of saying yes to your call on my life in each everyday moment.
I was thinking the same thing as I was reading today. God has been working with me on this subject for some time. I was born into sin and this is what my mind wants to focus on. But I am first and foremost a child of God, made in his image, and as such am cleaned of all sin or stain. How many times did he use a prostitute to do his work? Someone physically disabled? Through God, I can do everything that is for his glory! Thank you Jesus for our redemption. What a horrid life this would be without it.
9 Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.
So often that we are to busy with our lives and our troubles, and are not able to hear the voice of God when he promises to help us and protect us. Lord let us not just see our own burdens but also hear you when you say that you want to carry them
7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 ‘So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. – Matthew 6:7-8
love this prayer. “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
Matthew 6:9-13 NLT
seeing how moses felt. he didn’t feel equipped to do what the Lord has commanded him to do. he kept saying he can’t do it. i felt the same way. not equipped to do what i’m called to do but God. He kept reminding moses that He’s with Him and that He’s going to give him the words to say and that He’s going to get them out of Egypt.everything is going to work out!
Jesus’ words about fasting are so important to remember! These ways of praising him must be done only for his glory and not our own.
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Exodus chapter 5 really stands out to me as a mental health counselor. I hear so many people who are depressed or who are trying to meet unrealistic standards of productivity, say they feel “lazy.” Pharaoh was the first recorded person to put unrealistic measures of productivity onto people and to call them lazy for not meeting those standards. I’m continuously blown away about how applicable the Bible is and how it truly is always relatable and stands the test of time.
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Moses felt he was not equip to do as the Lord had said; yet, Moses was still willing to do what was needed in order to save the Lords people from pharaoh. Many times we feel we are not equipped and give up, but God knows and provides us with all we need
Focus on The Lord; all else is a distraction. Trust in his plan and his timing. A good reminder as I watch the news every day.
Completely agree, the Exodus readings have really resonated with me the past few days for this very reason ☺️
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The Lord’s Prayer is said often in this home and humbly. Lead us Lord!♥️
We must trust God even when it’s hard and painful we must know the character of God
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Matt 6:8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
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Hi there ladies! I just found this app today. Grateful to be among sisters in the faith.
Thank you
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The Lord says to Moses, “now go: I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” The Lord is with us in so many situations where we don’t know what to say or how to share him with others. We have to learn to prayerfully listen to him and obey!
Mathew 6 put simply: be humble!!
6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
amen ! -ellie
God told Moses that Pharaoh would refuse his request, but commanded him to make it anyways. Considering this passage against God’s sovereignty in Romans 9, even cowardly Moses obeyed the Lord and did not question His sovereign will and command with fatalism.
I found the part about prayer in Matthew very powerful, and it really caused me to reflect on my own heart. It is easy for me to use social media to post pictures of my Bible Journaling and seek praise from other people for my work. While it is good to share these things with others, I think it is important that I am seeking God’s love not love from followers on social media.
I’ve found myself reflecting on the same thing! Such a good eye opener to my intentions.
Moses felt unworthy to complete God’s mission. I think many of us feel like there is someone “better” to do the job, so we neglect God’s plan for us. However, it’s important to realize that with God you can do anything. He doesn’t want to use perfect people. He wants to show his love by using sinners like us!
The Lord’s Prayer ❤️
Moses, like us, focused on the one thing he couldn’t do – speak. How often do I do the same instead of focusing on God’s power?
yes yes yes
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Reading in Exodus has helped me to see that God can work through anyone. Moses was supposed to be killed at birth, he killed someone causing him to flee Egypt, and then he doubted his own ability to be used by God because he was not eloquent with his words. But God still used him to free his people and bring glory to God. None of us are so forgotten that we can’t be used to glorify God and bring about His will.
I love red letters! My heart skips a beat when I get to them as I read… what could be more exciting than red letters from Jesus on Valentine’s Day? I love his voice and his expressions of loving guidance and direction for all of us! Words of life!
Annie I was thinking the same thing! Red letters make me feel closer to him!
When all seems lost, our God shows up in power. No trial or wickedness of man can overwhelm Him or cause Him to despair. He is stronger still.
Matthew 6:14-15 was a great reminder to me tonight. I need to forgive others just like Christ has forgiven me. How can I accept Christ’s forgiveness without also showing grace and forgiveness to others?
Exactly ❤ I’m in the same boat as well
Regarding Exodus 4:24, there are certain passages in the bible that indicate that God is NOT to be trifled with when he’s made his instructions very clear. Moses knew very well that he disobeyed God by not circumcising his son, but he obviously thought too little of it at the time. I suspect he would’ve had his excuses.
Remember when God struck down Uzzah when he put out his hand to stabilize the ark? Uzzah’s motivations were pure but the way they were carrying the ark was not according to God’s clear instructions. Even David was taken aback at God’s actions for a seemingly innocent “mistake”. The book of Hebrews (chap 12) says God is a consuming fire. Is he ever!
Remember when Ananias & Sapphira lied about the amount they got for the sale of their land? Wow, I should be dead many times over and I think that goes for most of us. The moral is I believe, don’t ‘mess’ with God. While he is merciful and compassionate he is also firm and resolute. Witness the ruthless criticism Jesus directs at the Pharisees (he calls them whitewashed graves etc) and yet how tender and forgiving he is towards a sinful prostitute. The leaders of Israel should’ve known better and they did. In their case God hates the sin of hypocrisy and wants to erase it wherever it takes hold in no uncertain ways.
The point? I think Moses knew very well what he had to do because God’s Spirit was in him to a greater extent than most of us also because of the task that God had assigned him to do, namely, lead God’s chosen people. I think it’s also clear that Moses learned the lesson very well and applied what he learned about God (and the need for absolute obedience) for the remainder of his life as leader and teacher of the Israelites and what a great leader he was! Don’t forget, God conditions us for what he wants us to be and how much more so for a man like Moses who was to lead God’s rebellious people to the promised land. I’d say God did a phenomenal job conditioning his Moses for that task and He (God) didn’t do it by pussy footing around like we probably would. God expects unconditional obedience and not when we feel like it. I guess you might say that he takes appropriate action to make it happen. Those are his methods and his divine prerogative.
Obviously, there is a lesson in all these passages for us. Scary stuff…. In a way!
Thank you Jamie! That’s beautiful… I’m so thankful God is merciful with me. Reminds me I need to be obedient in every little thing God requires of me.
I also think that we should keep in mind that God knew Moses’ heart. Moses had an issue with obedience (as obvious by his numerous deferments and excuses) and God showed patience and love but he knew Moses’ heart. Perhaps, at that moment, Moses’ heart was not in the right place but then things were set right. We see so often people getting wiped out in these passages- women and children too-it may seem overly swift in judgement but God knows their heart- he doesn’t will for any to perish but evil is evil and unfortunately God can’t MAKE them be good. So while this may seem like a harsh moment from God, if we trust His judgement in all areas and in His decisions this far along, we can rest in knowing that He knew or saw something that we didn’t. Ultimately, it ended in a way that was happy but I think it shows how we need to guard our hearts. God won’t be mad at us in a moment of weakness but if we start to turn our hearts against him, I would expect him to respond. Perhaps in Moses’ knowing he was THISCLOSE to death, it helped to change his heart and make him more devoted to listening to God, even though he did stumble. I’m rambling here but basically I’m just saying, I see it as being a “heart issue” that we may never fully grasp but we can have faith it was done (and mentioned) for a reason.
Reading all your comments really helped me understand this better. Thanks ladies!
As I’ve pondered this, two things have jumped out at me: 1) as we read at the end of John (21:25), many other things may have happened that aren’t recorded in Exodus (such as God reminding Moses to circumcise his son, maybe?), and 2) that his wife, a Midianite (so not an Israelite, I believe?) immediately knew to circumcise their son–so, surely Moses knew he was supposed to as well, yet he didn’t.
This was supposed to be in response to the discussions about exodus 4:24. I just posted it in the wrong spot!
Matthew 6:7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
He knows what we need, even when we aren’t sure ourselves. This is such a comfort to me. In my darkest days, when I don’t know what to do, calling out to Him is enough.
Clare, may God continue to bless your discerning heart! To see ourself lacking in growth in God’s Word or relationship is a huge but wonderful step towards a beautiful beginning of openness, honesty and awesome progress with God our Father. I have finally pressed on with reading the Bible in a year (this is the farthest I have ever gotten!)
And with the “ugly” prayers you mentioned, every prayer to God is sweet words of surrender to his ears! To know that we are earnestly seeking him amidst our mess, brokeness and persevering with him…what could be more wonderful to him?! :)
I just wanted to say thank you to this community. This is my first time reading through scripture, and I am just coming to terms with my faith, the comments help me out so much!
I’m working on telling God the truth even when my prayers may be ugly, not trying to dress my self up as the perfect Christian (which I know I not having come to faith so late in life). He knows all my uglies before I say them yet he loves me any way. He wants our one on one time to be what I needs to say, not what I think he wants to hear.
Thank you for your honesty. I too am coming back to my faith late in life.
The part where pharaoh says they are lazy, give them straw and let them make their own bricks
Rings true in my teaching job now. They are requiring more and more and not reducing anything.
I completely understand. It’s an exhausting, demanding profession. But in the midst of it, God is using the circumstances to shape us and teach us to rely on Him all the more. I’m saying a prayer for you tonight. Hang in there!
I can see myself in the shoes of the Israelites asking the Lord to judge a leader for what I believe is wrong. Perhaps there is a new pastor and they are bringing tension as they change the vision and direction of the church. This passage reminds me that the Lord could be leading an individual such as Moses and is using him to exalt the name of the Lord.
Lord, when I am quick to disagree or think negatively of a leader or a direction they are taking the church, may I be reminded of how you were using Moses and Aaron, not only for the freedom and redemption of the Israelites but ultimately for Your glory and Your fame!
God wanted Moses to do the whole thing. But Moses kept coming up with reasons why he wasn’t the best option. He was begging God NOT to use him!! How often do we say we want God to use us … even as we do all we can to convince ourselves, others, and even God that He needs to choose someone else??
This is a random question but has anyone ordered a lent study pack and not received it yet? I ordered one the first week they were available but haven’t got it :-( I tried to use the contact form to ask also but no response yet.
Bummer. Maybe try social media? Tag them on Instagram perhaps?
Just received mine on Friday
I just received mine on Saturday, so it may just be still in the mail :)
God asks MOSES what is in his hand. God knew. And He asks MOSES who made his mouth. I have to put words to what is happening in me, what stirs in my heart.
I loved Ex 6:6…….I will redeem you with an outstretched arm…while I know in this text God is specifically speaking of redemption from the bondage of slavery the Isrealites were facing from the Egyptians but I couldn’t help but think of the future redemption that would take place upon the cross to redeem me.
It’s pretty amazing how God’s patience and persistence is evident with Moses this far in Exodus. Since finishing Exodus 6, Moses has protested and objected with God’s calling for him EIGHT TIMES. Moses wasn’t able to see past the present circumstances, but God knew the bigger picture and the plan He had for Moses.
How often do we feel we are unqualified, like Moses, to do what God has called us to? For me, I feel that often, but then I remember to PRAISE Him who equips us, is with us, goes before us and is SOVEREIGN.
Christina F, great post! I think it’s a way for us to discern if what we’re hearing is coming from God; it appears He always call us to do something that we couldn’t have done without him; something bigger than we could ever think or imagine…it keeps us humble! :)
Either I didn’t notice or totally forgot about Exodus 4:24 where God planned to kill Moses. It hit me today. Why after spending all this time telling Moses what to do about rescuing Israel would God kill him before he got there? My Bible study notes say that it was for not circumcising his son, but I’m still left wondering why.
Pam Blum, Yep the simplest form of disobedience or partial obedience is still a sin…remember, Moses, didn’t go to The Promise Land because he hit the rock instead of speaking to it…so close 99 1/2% Dont = 100% We must always trust, obey The Lord by surrendering our fleshly deeds/thoughts, immediately confess our sins and repent as well continually examine ourselves (Numbers 20:7-12, Psalms 139:23-24, Psalms 51, John 14:15-31, and many other Scriptures…)
I agree. I hate this whole little paragraph! I’ve searched notes online and my bible study and I’m still not okay with it. I’m convinced the author left something out or the translation is all wrong. It would make sense if it was for not circumsizing his son- but we never hear God command Moses specifically to do this before leaving. It’s still the law- but to me it’s just really random.
I don’t like this scripture either but if we believe the bible is inherent then we must take the Good with the bad. I believe it’s because Moses is called to be the leader of the people, he needed to be faultless in the Laws eyes and he wasn’t because his son was uncircumcised. He was required to be an example to the Israelites.
“…Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Our reminder to be humble, not prideful in all we do and say. We don’t need the worlds recognition, we already have God’s. That is all we ever need.
Amen!
From Matthew, vs 8 “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” That’s such a humbling verse. How often do we hesitate to ask God for something because it might not seem important in the grand scheme of things? But he already knows the desires of our hearts….reminds me of Psalm 139. He’s our God, or Father in Heaven. So amazing to be able to bring anything to him!
Unforgiveness is not only a waste of time & hurtful to the one not forgiving, it can be detrimental to our relationship with God (Matt. 5:14-15).
also for anyone confused about 4:24 like I was, check out Joshua 5:3-9. God wanted Moses to obey Him and have his own household in order before going to deliver God’s people. makes you think more seriously about our own sins of negligence.
24 At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him. Yes I had never seen this before! So this is where circumcision came from
Actually, God instituted circumcision in Genesis 17 (v. 10-14, I think) with Abram (Abraham).
ks that’s right, thanks for looking up the passage
Thanks ladies for the clarification!
Thanks for clarifying sister. I was slightly confused on that part.
Wow, such a beautiful yet humbling book. I love reading Exodus.
In Matthew isn’t it interesting how our Lord Jesus emphasizes to do everything in private? Giving, prayer and fasting? It really put it in perspective doing things for others to see (I’m so guilty of wanting human acknowledgement!) , and doing things for the glory of our God + obedience and love.
So awesome.
And yet we just read in Matthew 4:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
There is a time for both, I guess, and it is all in the reason we are doing it, which God obviously knows!
Our light can shine through our good deeds without our bringing attention to them. Maybe even brighter by attention not being brought to them. Ex: I quietly give a less fortunate woman at work a coat without anyone knowing, except her. She is complimented on her coat. She is glowing with pride and smiles at me. So my light has shined through, but a word has not been spoken.
Great example and clarification!
Matthew 5:16 I mean!
Yes, Moses was not practicing circumcision as required by the Lord. God instituted circumcision in Genesis 17 (v. 10-14, I think) with Abram (Abraham).
Nicole yes, in addition, because Moses had not circumcised his own son yet according to the ritual back in Abraham days
Sometimes God makes promises in our lives and the path to getting to our promise is not as we had hoped or envisioned it. That doesn’t mean we should give up, God works everything out in His own perfect way. He is faithful and will get you to the promise even if it means going through hardships you didn’t imagine in the first place. Trust in God and His plan always!
4:21 But I will harden his heart so that he won’t let the people go.
God wanted to do a work in Moses every bit as much as He wanted to carry out His plans for deliverance- otherwise why would God Himself harden Pharaoh’s heart?
Yes, God told Moses that pharaoh would have a hardened heart but didn’t tell him his own people would hate him for their hard labour. It’s hard being a leader because sometimes you’re standing alone. But God is with you!
30But Moses said before the Lord, “Behold, I am unskilled in speech; how then will Pharaoh listen to me?”
This is Moses’ second time making the same excuse and I can’t help but think “Seriously, after the Lord speaking directly to you, performing amazing miracles and wonders through you, and even providing a perfect solution to you for this problem through your brother; you are still arguing with the Lord and making excuses?!?!” Then the Lord gives me a little humble pie by remknding me of all the excuses I make on a daily basis: I’m not good enough, I’m too tired, I’m scared of what people will think, so and so is more talented and would do a better job. I think I’m not the only one here who’s fallen into this trap of lies. in response, I feel the Lord says “Who are you to say whether you are good enough or not. I have called you and I am God. Trust in me when you find it hard to trust in yourself. Remember, I called you and I know what I’m doing.” Dearest Lord, today please help me to overcome my excuses and actually get down to the amazing work of saying yes to your call on my life in each everyday moment.
Beautifully said.
Amen!
I was thinking the same thing as I was reading today. God has been working with me on this subject for some time. I was born into sin and this is what my mind wants to focus on. But I am first and foremost a child of God, made in his image, and as such am cleaned of all sin or stain. How many times did he use a prostitute to do his work? Someone physically disabled? Through God, I can do everything that is for his glory! Thank you Jesus for our redemption. What a horrid life this would be without it.
9 Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.
So often that we are to busy with our lives and our troubles, and are not able to hear the voice of God when he promises to help us and protect us. Lord let us not just see our own burdens but also hear you when you say that you want to carry them