The Resistance
Read This Week: Exodus 5
Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.’” Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.” But the king of Egypt said, “Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people away from their labor? Get back to your work!” – Exodus 5:1-2, 4 NIV
Chapter 5 introduces us to a significant moment where Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh for the first time, demanding the release of the Israelites. Here, we see the continued theme of obedience acted out by these two men and the leadership that they displayed, whether it was readily accepted or not. Also, we see the risky but admirable faith involved in the inevitable resistance that comes with challenging oppressive power. As we follow the narrative, we can most certainly relate to their mission and the cultural and societal opposition to the Word of God.
Verse 1 says, Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.” Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh with a direct command from God, demanding the release of the Israelites. This bold request is through faith in God’s directive. Pharaoh’s response is one of defiance and ignorance. He neither recognizes the authority of God nor the plight of the Israelites. Instead, he views the request as a disruption to economic productivity. Pharaoh sneers at them, tells the Israelites to return to work, and ignores this distraction. He says the people of the land are now numerous, and you are stopping them from working. (v.5)
In response to the demand for freedom, Pharaoh increased the burden on the Israelites. He told his lieutenants to require them to make the same number of bricks as before and not reduce the quota. He says that they should make them work harder so they won’t pay attention to Moses’ lies. The children of Israel are then required to gather their own straw for brick-making while still meeting the same production goals. They are already burdened with hard labor and now find their conditions worsening after Moses asks for their release. The immediate reaction is one of distress and confusion, as their situation appears hopeless. They are beginning to believe more and more that God has abandoned them to their terrible fate.
In a desperate and ill-advised move, the Israelites appeal to Pharaoh, but he remains unmoved and without empathy. When they receive this response, they turn frustratedly to Moses and Aaron and blame them for their increased suffering. The Bible says they found Moses and Aaron and said, “May the Lord look on you and judge you! You have made us obnoxious to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.” In his distress, Moses turns to God, questioning why things have become worse despite following God’s command. Verses 22-23 reflect the emotion and pain we can all relate to when he says “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.” This honest plea reflects his deep concern for his people and his struggle to understand God’s plan.
There are so many practical lessons that God can teach us from this chapter. When we stand for justice or pursue a God-given mission, boldness and clarity are essential. We must be clear about our objectives and confident in our purpose, even when facing formidable opposition. When advocating for change, especially against entrenched systems of power, expect resistance. Often, those in power may not recognize or respect the authority or the urgency of the cause. Persistence and faith are necessary to continue pushing forward for the mission. But we must know that efforts to bring about change and do what is right can sometimes lead to increased hardship. The enemy or the oppressors may intensify their tactics to discourage and dissuade us. In such times, resilience and solidarity among those fighting for justice become crucial.
Our walk with Christ and week in the life often involve moments of doubt and questioning. It’s important to maintain open communication with the Lord through the Holy Spirit as we seek His guidance and reassurance in times of trial. Exodus 5 serves as a reminder that the path to liberation is fraught with many challenges. We need unwavering faith, resilient leadership, and the strength to face all that comes our way. Progress often comes with setbacks, but the journey to freedom continues with faith and perseverance.
Exodus Chapter 5 Verse 20
And the foremen met Moses and Aaron, who were standing in the way as they came forth from pharaoh.
Exodus Chapter 5 Verse 21
And the foremen said to them, The Lord look upon you and judge, because you have made us a rotten stench to be detested by Pharaoh and his servants and have put a sword in their hand to slay us.
Exodus Chapter 5 Verse 22
Then Moses turned again to the Lord and said, O Lord, why have You dealt evil to this people? Why did You ever send me?
Exodus Chapter 5 Verse 23
For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people, neither have You delivered Your people at all.
~It’s More Than Just Survival~
God Is Saying To Me
My child, you must stay the course of divine appointments with me. Sometimes the narrative of the expedition can change quickly. When life seems normal, the journey presents believable but can change in an instant. The enemy desires to confuse you and will create difficulty the closer and deeper you put your trust in Me. Just know that all things resulting in freedom with Me may take time, may involve testing, and trials and tribulations, but in the end it all comes together for my glory. (Exodus 3:16) (John 3:16)
What This Means To Me
1. It’s okay to ask God questions but we must be receptive to His answers and His timing.
2. In the midst of temporary confusion, we must reflect on the goodness of God, knowing that suffering is temporary and God is refining our spirit and transforming us to use us and our situation for His glory and the good of the Kingdom.
3. We can’t fall victim to our emotions and question our effectiveness walking with God. God uses our adversities to train and equip us to trust Him until the day we go home to be with Him.
4. Doing God’s will may appear difficult but always remember, life can be much worse! In the meantime, cherish, stand boldly on His promises, praise and glorify Him for the small treasures learned in between. ❤️❤️❤️
God reveals himself to Moses in the form of a burning bush that is not consumed in
(Exo 3:1-15).
He tells Moses of his plan to deliver them out of their slavery to the Egyptians in verse 7, and sends Moses and Aaron to be his messenger to Pharaoh.
He tells the people that God is going to rescue them.
Moses and Aaron have their first encounter with Farrell in Exodus 5
it looks like God‘s plans are not happening to the Israelites and to Moses because it gets worse for them.
Pharaoh’s reactions show that those in power may resist and even retaliate against God‘s plans.
Even when things get worse it’s the time for us to trust God even more.
Trusting in God‘s plans is so important in life, it may not look like nothing is happening because we will face challenges like we are right now we see gas prices are high, taxes, groceries increasing, rent is high more than ever. People are having to work two jobs. The list goes on, right now more than ever.
But I do know that God is with us during these hard times and God doesn’t want us to feel over burden.
We see Moses feeling bad for the people in these next few verses, asking God what happened.
Genesis 5:22 Then Moses turned again to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have You brought harm and oppression to this people? Why did You ever send me? [I cannot understand Your purpose!]
23 Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has harmed and oppressed this people, and You have done nothing at all to rescue Your people.”
In life people make these choices that are not good for others only for themselves like Pharaoh, he doesn’t care about the people.
But we can trust in God and that He is with us and He is working because He cares!
God is saying “always know that I am with you. There is a process and timing in your situations.
You have to always remember that I am faithful, and I have given you my Holy Spirit to help you, guide you through everything you go through. always know that I do provide for what you need and I bring people into your life,
for you to help them and for them to help you and that’s the blessing.
What that means to me is there’s always trials and situations that happen in life, God blesses me with people that I get to bless and encourage them.
I do know that My heart is always growing and I’m always learning to be okay right where I’m at with Father God.
I do know that God is with me and he does help me and things are always working out for good and that”s Where I see God showing off and I love for God to get the glory ❤️
Have you ever felt like things are just going in the wrong direction in life, and things just keep getting worse instead of better?
It’s easy to get disappointed, angry, and scared, wondering if the plan for your life is really going to work out, and if His plan is truly good.
Sometimes in life, things get worse before they get better. I’m finding that to be very true. Life does have its ups and downs and different seasons. It’s important to know that God’s plans are good, even when it doesn’t seem like it. His plans will be fulfilled in our lives. We just have to do our part, stick in there, and continue to trust the Lord without getting discouraged. Sometimes, things get worse before they get better.
1. God does have good plans and purposes for our lives.
2. Sometimes things get worse before they get better.
3. We have to learn not to be discouraged and to keep doing our part. We will see God’s plans come to fruition in our lives.
PODCAST
This Week in the Life: Exodus 5
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This week in Exodus chapter 5 I got a song
Believe
Let’s come together to worship our Lord. Let’s come together to worship our Lord. We are blessed. Yes we are blessed every day having our Lord with us we believe yes we believe in our Lord let’s be good servant serving our Lord, helping others to know how great our Lord is, we believe yes we believe in our Lord every day When you feel weak or overwhelmed, just talk and worship to our Lord he will help and guide us through yes we have a good good father helping us every day. Amen.
When we believe trusting our Lord in everything it’s a wonderful, wonderful feeling he will help us completely. It’s about serving the Lord the best that we can. Asking listening obeying on our journey with the Lord amen.
This is what I got from God in Exodus 5. The confrontation between Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh took tremendous courage on the part of Moses and Aaron, and their being obedient to Me in doing it. True faith gives you the power to speak boldly for Me and against evil. Pharaoh considered himself to be a god, and his subjects thought the same. Faith trusts in Me who remains unseen. Even though you can’t see Me, I am always with you. Judgement ultimately comes to those who deny Me. In the end times, I will make Myself known to all who deny Me through judgement. True faith seeks out worship before all else. The goal of freedom is worship and fellowship with Me. Seek out opportunities to worship Me over your own self-interests. Faith trusts in Me for protection from the enemy. I allow evil to happen, to teach My believers to put their trust in Me. I am a shield to those who take refuge in Me. When you obey Jesus, He promises you the peace that passes all understanding.(Phil 4:7). This peace allows you to control your responses to the enemy’s oppression against you. I am your shield against the enemy. In times of testing, faith turns to Me, and not in the things of the world. I allow evil to happen to test the hearts of My people. Accept My testing as a way for Me to correct your walk. My testing and discipline is done out of love. When I expose wickedness, I expect you to repent of it. Your trials produce perseverance and endurance. I also use testing to show where you are relying on false idols. Faith trust in My deliverance from evil. In the Lord’s Prayer you are asking me to deliver you from evil. Faith also trusts in My word. I am faithful to keep My promises. The fear of Me is hating evil. Are you trusting in yourself or are you trusting in Me?
What this said to me is When God tests me, it is important that I trust Him to help me make the right decisions in my choices. God shields me. When He tests me and disciplines me, it is out of love. Seek opportunities to show others His love. Teach them about repentance before it is too late. God has a plan for me and I need to trust Him in all circumstances.