Scripture to Read: Exodus 5:1–2
We will be covering a lot this week, and God will use it to penetrate our hearts with His Truth to continue to grow us in our fellowship with Him and His Word. When we ended Exodus 4, Moses was on his way back to Egypt to be used by God, along with his brother Aaron, to eventually get the Israelites set free from the Egyptian's rule and reign over their lives. As we read Exodus 5:1–2, Moses and Aaron have their first encounter with Pharaoh. We don’t know everything said for God’s Word does not tell us, but what we do know is that Moses and Aaron told Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.’” Now, we know from Exodus 3:19 that Pharaoh would not automatically let the Israelites go, for God had told Moses, “But I know that the king of Egypt will not permit you to go, except under compulsion.” Pharaoh’s heart was already stubborn toward God because all Pharaohs considered themselves gods. Therefore, Pharaoh’s response is not surprising, as he says to Moses and Aaron, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go?” Then Pharaoh reveals his hardened heart toward God, stating, “I do not know the Lord.” A hardened heart toward God starts with a denial of God. Pharaoh’s rejection of God was his choice. Everyone must decide whether to surrender to God or reject Him, but the choice is given to each person God has created.
Challenge & Application
· When someone asks, “Who is the Lord?” or says, “I do not know the Lord,” how would you respond to them?
· How is God using you to share Him with your family, friends, neighbors, and others who do not know Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!