Posts by reachchurch

Read This Week: Exodus 8

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. If you refuse to let them go, I will send a plague of frogs on your whole country.
– Exodus 8:1-2 NIV

As a continuation of the last chapter’s showdown between Pharoah and Moses, Exodus 8 details three of the ten plagues God inflicted upon Egypt to persuade the Egyptian ruler to release the Israelites. This chapter outlines the skin-crawling details of the plagues of the Frogs, Gnats, and Flies. These troubles are not just historical events in the annals of Jewish history; they carry profound spiritual and practical lessons that resonate with us as believers today.

Verses 1-15 unveil the plague, where God commands Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. When Pharaoh refuses, God unleashes a swarm of frogs over Egypt. These frogs invade every aspect of life, covering the land and entering houses, beds, and kitchens. Frogs, typically seen as harmless creatures, become instruments of judgment. God can use even the most unlikely elements of creation to accomplish His purposes. In Egyptian culture, frogs were associated with a goddess of fertility and life. By turning this symbol into a curse, God shows the pointlessness of relying on idols or false gods.

Following the frogs, God instructs Moses to strike the dust of the earth, turning it into gnats (or lice) that infest both people and animals. This third plague is notable because the Egyptian magicians, who were able to replicate the previous plagues, could not duplicate this one. They acknowledge that this is the finger of God (v.19). The magicians’ inability to replicate this plague reveals the limits of human and demonic power. While they could mimic some of the earlier miracles, they could not match the power of the true God and remind us that human wisdom and power are finite and cannot stand against the will of God.

Even the pagan magicians recognize that the gnats are a direct act of God. This acknowledgment is crucial because it shows that, in the face of overwhelming evidence, even those who do not believe must concede the reality of divine intervention. It calls for humility and acknowledgment of God’s authority in our lives. This plague marks the beginning of a clear distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians. Trouble begins to fall more heavily on Egypt, setting the stage for the later plagues where God’s protection over His people becomes even more evident.

The final plague of this chapter brings swarms of flies upon Egypt. However, in this plague, God makes a clear distinction: while the Egyptians suffer from the flies, the land of Goshen, where the Israelites live, is spared. The selective nature of the plague shows God’s ability to protect His people while delivering judgment on their oppressors. This duality of defense and discipline is a recurring theme in the Bible of God’s justice and mercy.

Despite the increasingly severe consequences, Pharaoh continues to harden his heart. His refusal to let the Israelites go, even after the flies are removed, illustrates the dangers of pride and stubbornness. It’s a warning against resisting the Lord, even when the evidence of His power is undeniable. The plagues, including the flies, serve as a call to obedience—not just for Pharaoh, but for all who witness God’s power. They tell us that obedience to God is not optional, and there are consequences for resisting His Word.

Just as God controlled the plagues, He is sovereign over the events of our lives. In moments of crisis, we are reminded to trust in His plan and His timing, knowing that He can use even tricky circumstances for His purposes. As a result, we must guard against allowing pride, stubbornness, or sin to harden our hearts against God’s guidance. Instead, we should cultivate a responsive and obedient heart, whether ancient idols or modern-day distractions; anything that takes the place of God in our lives is ultimately powerless. Exodus 8 challenges us to examine our lives and remove anything that competes with our devotion to God. He is the answer to avoid unnecessary troubles and the answer to our troubles.

Read This Week: Exodus 7

The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt. But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said. Instead, he turned and went into his palace, and did not take even this to heart. – Exodus 7:21-23 NIV

Exodus 7 is one of those chapters we’ve seen so often in our study of the Old Testament. It prominently highlights God’s ultimate control over events and leaders. It reassures us that the Father is not limited in any way in the scope of His sovereignty and power. He is not deterred by people’s whims, choices, or refusal to acknowledge Him. He is not overwhelmed by wickedness, atrocity, and the oppression that can sometimes be prevalent on Earth. He rules over everything, and the Lord will enact His supernatural will no matter the circumstances in the natural world. God’s authority and impressiveness are prominent in this chapter, as shown by how He works through Moses and Aaron in their second confrontation with Pharoah.

Verse 7 says Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh. As we already know, God appointed Moses and Aaron as His spokespeople to confront Pharaoh and command him to release the Israelites. To validate their mission, God empowered Moses and Aaron to perform miraculous signs, beginning with the transformation of Aaron’s staff into a serpent. Aaron’s staff becomes a serpent before Pharaoh, demonstrating God’s power (v. 10). However, Pharaoh is unimpressed, and his magicians replicate the sign, hardening Pharaoh’s heart further.

God then turns it up a level in His demonstration of power. He tells Moses that Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding and refuses to let the people go. He tells Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh and Egypt’s leaders on the bank of the Nile River and tell them that by striking the water with his staff and turning it to blood, they will know that I am the Lord (v. 17). So Moses and Aaron take the staff and strike the water of the Nile turning it into blood. The fish in the water all die, the river begins to stink from all the fish dying, and the Egyptians cannot drink the water. This plague devastates Egypt’s primary water source and signifies the beginning of God’s judgment on them. Yet again, Pharoah is unimpressed and has his sorcerers perform the same act as he hardens his heart again toward Yahweh and His messengers.

This passage teaches us so much for our week in the life. Just as Moses and Aaron were called to recognize and act under God’s authority, we must acknowledge God’s sovereignty and authority in our daily journeys. This recognition can guide our decisions, actions, and the way we represent Christ to others. We seek and worship the Lord as impressive in His power and glory and not look to be impressive in ourselves. Like Pharaoh, people are not often drawn to Jesus because of the remarkable things we do but will be moved by our submission and love for the amazing God we serve.

Despite initial setbacks and Pharaoh’s resistance, Moses and Aaron continued their mission. Their perseverance encourages us to remain strong in our faith, even when faced with challenges and when people are unimpressed by our message, actions, and proclamation of God’s word. On this same point, Pharaoh’s hardened heart is a cautionary tale about the dangers of resisting God’s will. It prompts us to examine our hearts and attitudes towards the Scriptures and what the Lord commands us to do and be.

Our trust in Father God will strengthen us and increase our faith in His ability to intervene in our lives and the world. This devotion is what He desires no matter what takes place on our paths or how unimpressed others are about the gospel. The Lord calls us to be faithful, not impressive.

Read This Week: Exodus 6

“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” – Exodus 6:6-7 NIV

By reflecting on the themes of Exodus 6, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s character and the importance of faith and perseverance. Whether facing personal challenges or seeking to lead others, the timeless truths in this chapter offer encouragement and hope. Chapter 6 is pivotal, providing a profound shift in the narrative and God’s reassurance to a despondent Moses.

The chapter opens with God reaffirming His covenant with the patriarchs of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He introduces Himself as the LORD (Yahweh), emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. God recalls His promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan and reassures Moses that he has heard the cries of His people. Yahweh maintains his faithfulness as he always does. Despite the Israelites’ dire circumstances, God keeps His promises. He is aware of their suffering and committed to their deliverance. His divine will remains perfect, and He tells Moses that He will act with a mighty hand (v. 1), indicating that the forthcoming events will unfold according to His impeccable timing and power.

The next section reveals what has been referred to as God’s “I Will” promises to Moses and, therefore, to the Israelites. In verses 6-8, the Lord says in seven statements:

• I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.
• I will free you from being slaves to them.
• I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.
• I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.
• I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
• I will give it to you as a possession.
• I will be your God.

These promises encapsulate the foundation of God’s covenant and plan for Israel, moving from being freed to relationship and inheritance. They address the physical reality of oppression and establish a spiritual bond between God and His people.

But despite the profound “I Will” promises, the Israelites’ initial response is one of disbelief. Their harsh conditions and broken spirits prevent them from accepting the good news. Moses himself expresses doubt, citing his faltering lips (v. 12), which can be interpreted as a lack of continued eloquence or confidence in his ability to lead. This moment emphasizes a common human experience: the difficulty of trusting in a hopeful future when circumstances are dark and troubled. It also shows the challenges leaders face in inspiring faith and action among those they lead. Moses’ repeated objections and God’s persistent instructions teach that leadership often requires perseverance and courage in the face of doubt and hard times. God’s reassurance to Moses reminds us that divine calling is accompanied by divine support.

Like the Israelites, we may struggle to trust God’s promises during difficult times. However, we must read and listen to the Scriptures, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and hold on to faith, knowing that God’s plans are eternal and unwavering. His covenant and promises serve as a powerful reassurance for us in our daily lives. Remembering how God has been faithful to us in the past can strengthen our trust and give us hope in His future actions.

We often face disbelief and despair, both within ourselves and among those we do life with and even lead. Courage, obedience, and reliance on Christ and His guidance are essential. God’s timing may not align with our expectations or control, but His plans are always perfect and He always will. Patience and trust in His sovereignty are crucial during periods of waiting, which is why we must never forget that what God says He will do, He will. He is deeply committed to His people, even when we are at our lowest. We can trust in God’s promises, remember His faithfulness, and step into our everyday lives with confidence and obedience. God will, and we can.

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.

Read This Week: Exodus 4

Now the Lord had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all those who wanted to kill you are dead.” So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. The Lord said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. – Exodus 4:19-21 NIV

Exodus 4 details the application of Moses’ call to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. It shows Moses’ initial reluctance as a leader but points to God’s provision of miraculous signs to validate his mission. This chapter eventually leads us to the beginning of his flight back to Egypt and the initial stages of the Israelites’ journey to freedom. As we continue to study and read this book, we understand and glean from the Bible’s insights into supernatural faith, obedience to God’s calling, and the power of the Lord’s faithfulness.

Moses, initially hesitant to accept God’s call, questions his own abilities and fears the Israelites’ disbelief. However, God provides Moses with miraculous signs that are validations and powerful demonstrations of His divine power. The first sign, transforming his staff into a serpent and back, is a breathtaking display of God’s might. The second sign, Moses’ hand being made leprous and restored, further proves Yahweh’s power and Moses’ divine commission. The mention of a third sign, turning water from the Nile into blood, is compelling proof of God’s intervention and leaves us in awe of His supremacy.

Despite these supernatural and extraordinary signs, Moses argues that he is not eloquent and slow in speech. He feels inadequate to confront the Pharaoh and lead the Israelites to their destiny. God reassures Moses that He will help him speak and teach him what to say, emphasizing that He equips those He calls. Moses, still hesitant, asks God to send someone else. God becomes angry but provides a solution by appointing Aaron, Moses’ brother, as his spokesperson. Aaron will speak on behalf of Moses, and Moses will perform the signs.

Having received assurance and support from God, Moses began the road back to Egypt. The Lord instructed Moses on what to say to Pharaoh and warned him of the Egyptian leader’s hardened heart. God outlined that the consequences of Pharaoh’s refusal were the death of his firstborn son. Meanwhile, Aaron meets Moses in the wilderness, as instructed by God, and they talk about all the words of the Lord and the signs He commanded. Moses and Aaron gather the elders of Israel, and Aaron speaks while Moses performs the signs. The people believe and worship, recognizing that God has heard their cries and seen their affliction.

Despite Moses’ reluctance and perceived inadequacies, God provides the necessary tools and support. This example encourages us to trust that the Father will equip us for the tasks He calls us to do, no matter our shortcomings. Moses’ journey also demonstrates the importance of stepping out in faith and obeying God’s commands, even when we feel unqualified or afraid. Fear and a feeling of insufficiency can keep us from our mission and from taking hold of the moments and opportunities God desires for us to lay hold of. He responds to us just as He did to Moses. The Lord always expresses patience and provision as He understands our weaknesses and provides what we need to fulfill His purposes. We see this in our daily lives and relationships.

The Scriptures are robust and effective in teaching us about God’s faithfulness, the importance of unwavering obedience, and the assurance that He equips those who are called according to His purpose. Even though, in our human frailty, we can be reluctant leaders, the Holy Spirit equips us specifically for every task and role that Jesus commissioned us for. As we continue to absorb Moses’ life and calling, we are reminded to trust in God’s provision and step out in faith, knowing He will guide and support us in fulfilling His kingdom purposes.

Read This Week: Exodus 3

There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” – Exodus 3:2-4 NIV

Exodus 3 is one of the most well-known and profound chapters in the Bible. It is one where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary, and a runaway shepherd is transformed into a prophet chosen to deliver God’s people. This section lays the groundwork for the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and introduces the depth of Moses’s character and divine mission. Everything from the setting to the peripheral circumstances to the miraculous way God revealed Himself is breathtakingly captivating.

It begins with Moses tending his father-in-law Jethro’s flock. He leads them to the far side of the wilderness, to Horeb, known as the mountain of God. Here, he encounters a burning bush that is not consumed by the flames. This extraordinary sight catches Moses’ attention, and he decides to investigate. As Moses approaches, God calls out from the bush, Moses, Moses! (v.4) Moses responds, Here I am (v.4). God instructs Moses to remove his sandals, for he is standing on holy ground.

God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and acknowledges the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt. He declares His intention to deliver them from bondage and lead them to the promised land. The Lord then commissions Moses to return to Egypt and lead the journey to freedom. Moses expresses doubt and insecurity, questioning his own adequacy for such a monumental task, particularly his speaking abilities. But God reassures him, I will be with you, and appoints Aaron, Moses’ brother, to be his spokesman.

Moses anticipates the Israelites asking for the name of the God who sent him. God responds with, I AM WHO I AM. This profound declaration reveals God’s eternal, self-existent nature. He instructs Moses to tell the Israelites, I AM has sent me to you.

This chapter contains so many life lessons. We are reminded that God often meets us in the mundane moments of life. Moses was simply doing his job when he encountered God. We must be attentive to the ordinary because it may be a gateway to a divine experience with the Lord. His Holy Spirit will help us recognize and respect the sacred moments and spaces in our lives as we approach them with humility and reverence.

We also see that Father God is aware of our struggles and has a plan for our deliverance. We have to trust in His timing and promises when faced with daunting tasks while remembering that it’s not about our capability but God’s presence with us. His assurance is our strength, and understanding His nature as eternal, unchanging, and self-sufficient helps us trust Him more deeply.

Moses’ story makes us keenly aware that God equips those He calls. When He sends us, He provides the necessary tools and signs to fulfill our mission. The Lord understands our weaknesses and provides support. He brings people into our lives to help us accomplish His purposes.

Exodus 3 is a chapter rich with theological insights and practical lessons. It reminds us of God’s holiness, attentiveness to our suffering, and desire to deliver and use us despite our inadequacies. As we reflect on this chapter, let’s be open to encountering God in our everyday lives, trust in His presence, and step out in faith to fulfill the tasks He has set before us. In our own journeys, may we, like Moses, respond to God’s call with a heart ready to say, “Here I am.”

Read This Week: Exodus 2

Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. – Exodus 2:1-3 NIV

If the first chapter of Exodus was about growth and change for the children of Israel, then the second chapter is about the pivotal moment where the significant change comes to a breaking point. It marks an important transition in the story of God’s people that will resonate for generations. It covers the early life of Moses, who became one of the most central figures in the Old Testament. It is rich with spiritual symbolism and themes of the Lord’s provision, and it sets the stage for the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt.

In verses 1-10, we see the birth and rescue of Moses. He is born to Amram and Jochebed and is hidden for three months to protect him from Pharaoh’s decree. Then Jochebed places Moses in a basket or small ark made of bulrushes and puts it among the reeds of the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter discovers Moses while bathing in the river and decides to adopt him as her own son. Moses’ sister Miriam suggests their mother as a nursemaid for the child, allowing Moses to be raised within his own family and culture.

As if that wasn’t compelling enough, the intrigue surrounding Moses’ story heightens in verses 11-25. Moses, now a grown man, witnesses an Egyptian beating a Hebrew enslaved person. Outraged, he kills the Egyptian and hides his body. Fearing repercussions, Moses flees to Midian, where he helps the daughters of Jethro at a well. Then, some years later, he marries Zipporah, one of Jethro’s daughters, and decides to settle in Midian. Despite Moses’ new life, the Israelites’ cry for deliverance from their slavery reaches God’s ears, setting the stage for future events.

Throughout this chapter, we can’t help but see the Lord’s will evident in Moses’ survival and his positioning within Pharaoh’s household. Just like Jospeh in the latter part of Genesis, God’s plan for Moses is set in motion despite long, insurmountable odds. His identity as a Hebrew raised in the house of Pharaoh becomes central to his role as the deliverer of his people. His upbringing provides him with unique insights and capabilities. Even Moses’ failure and act against the Egyptian and his flight to Midian foreshadow the themes of justice and liberation that will define this book as we continue our study.

Exodus 2 teaches us to trust in God’s promises and provision, even in difficult circumstances. Just as Moses was protected and guided through improbable means and circumstances, we can rely on God’s timing and plan in our own lives. His was a basket of destiny, and so can ours be as the Lord often uses things and people on our path that we do not expect to lead us to the place and purpose He has for us. Though we don’t often see it in unfolding events, Father God’s divine and mighty hand guides us and our steps.

Jochebed’s patience and trust in God while she hid Moses provide a model of faithfulness and obedience for us when we want to run ahead of the Lord’s perfect timing. It reminds us that God can work through our waiting and trust. Moses’ act of defending the Hebrew slave also shows us the importance of standing up against injustice, even at personal cost. It encourages us to be courageous in advocating for others.

Like Moses, understanding our identity and calling plays a crucial role in fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. God often uses our unique backgrounds and experiences to shape how we serve Him. As we reflect on his early life, may we be inspired to trust in God’s plan, act courageously, and faithfully follow His calling. We never know nor can we predict how He will see fit to use us wherever we go or what our spiritual future will be on this earth. We simply must follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in our own basket of destiny.

Read This Week: Exodus 1

 Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them. Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. – Exodus 1:6-9 NIV

The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Pentateuch, is traditionally attributed to Moses and is a continuation of the Genesis narrative. As Genesis ends, Joseph has risen to power in Egypt, and his family has settled there. Exodus 1 begins several generations later, long after Joseph’s death. The Israelites have become numerous and prosperous (v.7), which leads to their enslavement and harsh treatment by a new Pharaoh who does not remember Joseph (v. 9-10).

The first chapter sets the stage for one of the most compelling narratives in the Bible: the story of Moses and the Israelites’ journey to freedom from Egypt. It discusses growth and change while laying the groundwork for understanding the circumstances that led to their oppression and the subsequent rise of Moses as their leader.

Despite the Egyptians’ efforts to subdue them, the Israelites continue to thrive. Verse 12 says that the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. This growth foreshadows a future theme in the Bible: that God’s people often grow and strengthen under adversity. This same resilience and perseverance can be seen in the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, in verse 17, who defy Pharaoh’s orders to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. It says they feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. Their courage and faith are rewarded by God, who grants them families of their own.

The actions of the Hebrew midwives demonstrate the power of obedience to God, moral courage, and the willingness to please the Lord more than man. They chose to obey God rather than succumb to the unjust commands of a powerful ruler. These circumstances can also be true in our lives; we often face pressures to conform to societal norms that may conflict with our values and the word of God. The example of Shiphrah and Puah encourages us to stand firm in our convictions and trust in Father God’s provision.

The Israelites’ experience in Egypt also reminds us that growth often comes through hardship. Personal and collective challenges can strengthen our character and community. When faced with difficulties, rather than despair or give in to hopelessness, we can view these moments as opportunities for growth, Spirit-led change, and reliance on our faith to sustain us. We shouldn’t act as Pharaoh did and let fear and insecurity drive our actions, particularly towards others. It should cause us to look inward, pray, and ask Jesus to show us how to treat those perceived as threats and seek more just and compassionate responses. A Christ-centered approach versus what the world suggests can positively impact wherever we find ourselves.

The growth of the Israelites and the change coming to their nation in Exodus 1 sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the story. As the whole of this book will, it highlights themes of oppression, resilience, and faith, offering profound lessons applicable to our modern lives. By studying Exodus, we will gain insights into the dynamics of power and fear, freedom, the importance of standing firm in our beliefs, and the strength that can arise from enduring hardships. As we read and study, may we be led by the Holy Spirit and guided to navigate our challenges with faith, courage, and compassion.