Nation Called to Serve GOD

Nation Called to Serve GOD

Exodos 4: ²¹ And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. ²² Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. ²³ So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.” ’ ”

 

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After Moses accepted his calling, he went to his father-in-law to leave peacefully. Moses left his contentment to do what GOD called him to do. GOD warned Moses by telling him this would not be easy, but Moses was supposed to be obedient in doing all the wonders GOD had in store. GOD then calls Israel HIS “son.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD referred to Israel as HIS “son” for the first time, meaning nation, not JESUS.
• GOD wanted the nation of Israel to serve HIM after being called out of Egypt.
• GOD used the decree of the Pharaoh by saying “I will kill your son.”

 

When GOD says HE will kill someone, it’s not good. If you substitute the word “son” for “nation” and reread the scripture, you will see that GOD was about to take Egypt out of power. Their rule was far reaching and cruel. There is also a time that is too late with GOD. Pharaoh and the Egyptian beliefs had already reached the point of no return. GOD would harden their hearts. This is scary.

 

GOD also used the decree “I will kill your son” as Egypt’s own words used against them. One Pharaoh told the children of Israel to kill their sons by throwing them into the river. GOD would eventually perform a plague that would involve the river turning into blood. GOD was preparing Moses that even though miracles would be performed, Pharaoh would not admit that GOD is GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS warnings about Pharaoh?
• Do you think GOD doesn’t see your suffering or the hearts of those who have been cruel?
• In the middle of uncertainty and cruelness, will you remain obedient to GOD to see HIS deliverance?