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Text: Exodus 4:27-5:23
The Israelites believe in Moses and they’re excited at the prospect of redemption (4:27-31). But after the excitement and emotion wear off, the ministry begins. It won’t be long before God’s work in this world draws the wrath of that antichrist spirit.
Pharaoh is hardened against God’s words (vss 1-9)
- Worshipping the LORD threatens the world. The world pushes back with fierce wrath.
- Pharoah doesn’t care about God. Pharaoh doesn’t care about your burden. Pharaoh doesn’t care about your worship. Pharaoh doesn’t hold anything sacred except his building projects.
- Pharoah’s view of God’s words is in verse 9; they’re vain words. They waste valuable time and space in people’s lives and take them away from real productivity.
The Israeli leadership is beaten by Egyptian authorities (vss 10-14)
- What a temptation to quit! Now, many people are suffering more because of the ministry God’s called Moses to. But in reality, they’re suffering because of the world’s response to the work of God.
- Egypt still requires you to do the same work, but with less to work with.
Israeli leadership pleads with Pharaoh to no avail (vss 15-19)
- Pharoah’s contention is that worshipping the LORD and talking about worshipping the LORD promotes idleness. It’s a complete waste of time.
Moses takes the blame for the horrific situation (vss 20-23)
- This is where we can find some truth for our lives. Sometimes people identify with the name of Christ until there is trouble associated with the name. Or some people don’t want to associate with Christ when it brings a little trouble to their reputation; at work, friendships, family, etc. And so what started as excitement at the prospect of the LORD visiting the children of Israel at the end of chapter 4 has become hatred for the people doing the work of the LORD. Why? Because the world turned up the heat when the LORD began to work.
