God understood what was happening to the Israelites during their captivity and their need and desire to be free. God knew that Pharaoh would come down on them demanding more than they could give — physically and emotionally. He heard their groans of pain and he hears our pleas of need. He will answer but we need to remember that he answers according to his plan and not in our time frame.
Just as many non-believers come in opposition to our messages about God as they cannot comprehend God’s love, so did Pharaoh come against God and the Israelites. There was no connection between the Israelites’ wanting to worship their God and Pharaoh’s accusation that they were lazy or complacent. The Israelites had already showed what diligent workers they were. Yes, we know that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, yet this was still an irrational way for Pharaoh to demand more and to protect his free worker source. It was all about his needs.
God reminded Moses of the covenantal promise he had made to bring them to the land of milk and honey and how he had appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. These two reminders should have affected their hope for the future and Moses’ desire to be obedient.
Once again, the Israelites do not listen to someone trying to lead them. Perhaps it was pain that came from their situation that appeared to be hopeless because they had been enslaved for so long. Maybe it seemed impossible. Are there situations in your life that seem to be without hope or resolution? Know that God will provide an answer and resolution for you. Keep praying and trusting until his answer comes. Listen carefully as your answer may come in a way or a response that is different than what you envisioned it to be.
The Israelites did not listen to God and Pharaoh did not listen to them. Did the Israelites’ not listening cause a ripple effect where Pharaoh did not listen? Did one’s choice to not listen lead to the other?
Our actions and choices have an impact on those around us. Will our decisions encourage them or discourage them?
Eleanor Chew
