THE STORY OF JESUS: Exodus 4:18-7:7
“The Lord met Moses and was about to kill him.” (Exodus 4:24)
This section (4:24-26) is a difficult part to read.
Why is the Lord about to kill Moses, and how does circumcising his son help?
If circumcision symbolized their bond with God, was Moses holding back his son?
Was Moses being stubborn, refusing to identify his son with God’s covenant people?
If things went bad for Moses and Israel, at least his son wouldn’t be killed as an Israelite.
Or was Zipporah holding back her son from God?, she doesn’t sound too happy here.
My best guest is that for some reason God has to deal harshly, to make a point.
If Israel is to be saved, Moses has to be all in, he can’t hold back on God.
Do we realize what is at stake in God’s kingdom restoration project?
The cost is high – His own beloved Son – and sin is a serious business.
Look at how Judas Iscariot’s life ended, because he could not let go of his love for money.
Do we hold back on God, do we try to hang on to both salvation and worldliness?
The words of Exodus 4:24 sound stark and harsh, but maybe we need this reminder.
Sin is serious, Satan is sinister, compromise and lukewarmness are deadly.
Am I holding back on God, refusing to leave the bondage of ‘Egypt’?
“And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:30)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I didn’t want to deal with this passage, but I am glad I did. Thank You for reminding me how holding back on You is deadly for me and my call to follow You.
Chosen by God and yet. . . . .
How often does Moses make an excuse for his faltering lips on his God assignment. Do this and live – that is what the Master said. You are mine and this is your task. Just do it – not half heartedly or not believing the possibility. Just do what I have commanded. And as a leader, Moses needed to be in tune with God and yet in his personal life he did not circumcise his son. Leading His people needed a leader fully equipped for service obeying the Word of the Lord and trusting Him fully. Moses had to do just as the Lord commanded Him in all areas of life.
And so must I.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.