01182008

Exodus 2

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Moses was the distinguished lawgiver and a type of Christ. Both were prophets who were endangered in infancy. Both were deliverers, and mediators. God commissioned Moses to stand before Pharaoh as their advocate. Have you ever used Moses' excuses for not serving the Lord?

Moses was only a poor shepherd when God said to him: I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh? (3:10-11).

The Israelite slaves were controlled by the most powerful nation on earth. Moses forfeited his influence in Egypt forty years before and added to that he felt he was not a fluent speaker. Moses' response could be expected. However, the Almighty Creator rules and overrules the affairs of life. Who am I was not important as long as Moses had faith in the One who said I will send thee unto Pharaoh.

At one time Moses possibly could have been the next Pharaoh with his authority. He tried and failed to save Israel in his own way when he killed an Egyptian who was cruel to an Israelite slave. In fear of his life he left Egypt (2:15). Now the once confident Moses acknowledged his insufficiency and had to accept by faith, God's Word. I will be with thee was God's assurance to Moses (3:12) and He still promises to be with every Christian: I am with you alway (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).

We are in a hurry to produce results with our abilities but God is more concerned with one's preparation in the school of submission and obedience to His Word even when faced with the impossible.

There is a word missing in some Christian circles today, a word that is all too often left out of our thoughts and our behavior, a word which is imperative to our growth in faith and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ — it is obedience! Only a few recognize the importance of obeying His Word.

Note the familiar phrase, And Moses did as the Lord commanded (Exodus 7:6,20; 16:34; 17:6; 39:1,5,7,21,26,29,31,32; 40:16, 19,21,23,25,27,29,32). You will see that Moses became a great leader of his people because he faithfully obeyed God.

There is only one way that we can experience Christ as Lord and Master of our lives — simply by obeying Him. If ye love Me, keep My Commandments (John 14:15). Obedience means that we personally, day by day, submit to the whole counsel of God as it is revealed in His Word. This can only be done as we read His Word.

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (behavior) (I Peter 1:14-15).

Thought for Today:

The Lord is working in and through us to accomplish His will. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

Christ Revealed:

As the I AM THAT I AM who commissioned Moses (Exodus 3:13-14; compare Heb. 13:8). Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily (Truly, truly), I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58).

Word Studies:

2:2 flags =deeds; 2:18 Reuel =Jethro; 2:23 bondage =severe oppression; 2:24 covenant =binding agreement with qualifications given by God; 2:25 had respect unto =was concerned about; 3:18 hearken =believe and obey; 3:22 spoil =take the best of their valuables; 4:10 slow tongue =not qualified; 4:16 to thee instead of a mouth =your spokesman.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Jane Anderson • Staff: Mike Moore • Government Officials: Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD), Rep. Kay Granger (TX), Rep. Michael Michaud (ME), Gov. Martin O'Malley (MD), and Rep. Charlie Wilson (OH) • Country: Australia (19 million) an island continent between the Indian and Pacific Oceans • Major languages: English and native languages • Religious freedom • 40% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 3% Orthodox; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for national revival, for righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34).

Optional Reading: Matthew 18

Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 22:19