Tag Archives: the book of Exodus

January 24
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“Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the Lord hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside. But those who ignored the word of the Lord left their slaves and livestock in the field.” (Exodus 9:20-21, NIV)

Today’s scripture from the account of God’s liberation of the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt serves to remind us of two critically important things: (1) God’s invitation to life and salvation is for everyone; and (2) acceptance of that invitation through obedience leads to life, while the refusal of that invitation through disobedience leads to destruction.

The disciple of Jesus does well to remember that God loves all of His creatures, and the measure of that love is the extent to which God goes to provide the alternative to our certain destruction and death.  The key to life is our acceptance of God’s way through obedience, as was the case with the Egyptians who chose to obey God by doing a singular, common act: Recalling their slaves and the livestock to the shelters for refuge from the hailstorm they believed was coming.

Never underestimate the power of a singular, seemingly common, act of godly obedience.  – Luther

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January 22
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“But Moses said, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.’” (Exodus 4:13, NIV)

If we react to a divine invitation as Moses did (delaying, deferring and demurring), we are telling God that we know better than He what is needed for the job at hand.

We could argue that Moses was the best choice: He knew both the ways of the wilderness and the ways of the Pharoahs.  We could argue that Moses was not the best choice: He lacked confidence and could be thin-skinned in the face of criticism. No matter.

What does matter is that when God invites you and me to come-along side in partnership, He has selected the best woman or the best man for the job! This does not mean that we are perfect. It does mean that if we are obedient, we will be perfectly aligned with the plan and the purposes of our Creator. That is an invitation we should always accept.  – Luther

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January 15
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“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.” (Exodus 13:17-18, NIV)

Sometimes, God chooses for us the longer path, not because He wants to inconvenience us or to delay our progress, but because of perils unseen, unknown, or unappreciated. In the case of the Israelites, they “went up out of Egypt ready for battle,” but they were in no way ready to take-on the mighty Philistines.

So, do not fret the fact that the path to your desired goal may be lengthened; or the fact that your many preparations may go untapped. However, be sure of your relationship with your heavenly Father and always trust in His all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful nature.  These qualities benefit us when we walk with God.  – Luther

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