Scripture to Read: Exodus 5:3–9
We read in Exodus 5:3–9 today what Moses and Aaron share with Pharaoh, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us.” They also told Pharaoh that if they were not allowed to go and worship God and offer a sacrifice to Him, God would “fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword.” Remember, God is the one who gave Moses and Aaron the words to share with Pharaoh, for God told Moses in Exodus 4:12, “I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” Pharaoh's response was further evidence of his already hardened heart. Pharaoh commanded his taskmasters, along with their foremen in Exodus 5:7–9, “You are no longer to give the people straw to make brick as previously; let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8 But the quota of bricks which they were making previously, you shall impose on them; you are not to reduce any of it. Because they are lazy, therefore they cry out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ 9 Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words.” Pharaoh's anger and hardness toward the Israelites was obvious, as he took away their straw while demanding the same number of bricks to be made. As God works in our lives, we must remember that we have an enemy (Ephesians 6:12) battling against us too. Let’s not be shocked (James 1:2–4) at our trials but grow through them.
Challenge & Application
· What kind of spiritual battles have come your way as you have passionately pursued your walk with God and His Word?
· How did God use the trials in your life to grow you into a deeper intimacy with Him and His Word?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!