Exodus 5:1-6:27 Three Questions

When Moses went to Pharaoh, Pharaoh asked two questions.  Moses asked God one question.

Pharaoh's:

1)  Why should I obey the Lord? -- His own people believed that Pharaoh was a god.  "If Pharaoh obeyed the edict to let the Jew leave, he would be acknowledging a deity greater than himself, and he wasn't about to do that.  In his pride and false security, Pharaoh wouldn't listen to the words of the living God," my commentary said.

2)  Why should the work stop? -- "The enslavement of the Israelites was a great boost to the economy of Egypt, and Pharaoh wasn't about to give up a good thing."  Even if the Israelites intended to return, three days' travel each way and at least a day to worship would mean a whole week of labor lost.

Moses':

3)  Why have You sent me? -- Rather than disbelief, I liked what my commentary said:  "Moses did what all spiritual leaders must do when the going is tough:  He took his burden to the Lord and honestly talked to Him about the situation ... God's chosen servants must expect opposition and misunderstanding, because that's part of what it means to be a leader, and leaders must know how to get alone with God, pour out their hearts, and seek His strength and wisdom."

In response, God made seven "I will ..." promises.  At the heart of them was, "I will take you to Me for a people."  WOW!

And that's what He's still saying today.  Regardless of what we've done, He still reaches out in love to us all but we have to respond and accept that great love.

Father, I still respond in awe that You love me despite my sins, that You even gave Your Son up for me, to remove those sins, and that You want me with You forever!  Such love!

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford