PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Exodus 4-6
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.” (Exodus 6:9)
Moses can’t accept God’s call because he only sees his inability (Exodus 4:10,13).
Pharoah doesn’t listen to God because he is too full of himself (Exodus 5:2).
The people do not listen to Moses because they’re so burdened and discouraged (Exodus 6:9).
There is a pattern in these chapters – how and why people don’t listen to God.
What are my reasons for not listening to or accepting what Jesus says?
It’s too hard, too full of or down on myself, too busy, or too overwhelmed?
But what am I missing by not listening to what the Lord is saying?
Does He know something I don’t, can He do things I can’t?
There are rhetorical questions: of course He does, of course He can!
Jesus often urges people to have eyes to see and ears to hear (Mark 8:18).
If Pharoah, Israel and Moses struggled with this, I know I do too.
I need to assume that I am not seeing or hearing the Lord in some way every day.
I need to pray for the Spirit’s help to see and to hear, and to receive it.
If I want to see and hear Him today, I need to look beyond myself and my life.
PRAYER
Lord, the stuff and burden of life seems to ultimate and present, I can’t help seeing and hearing it. Help me to see You as even more ultimate and present, and to listen and trust You!
Moses is afraid – and doubts – he even gets in trouble because he did not circumcise his own son – Moses has to learn to trust – but he does so unwillingly – finding all kinds of excuses. I think I do too – especially when it comes to something I know the Lord is guiding me to do. I like Moses need to learn to not trust in my own strength – but humbly walk in the strength of my Lord. Who made the tongue to speak – who made the mind to think? Why then to I hesitate? I need to listen and act guided by the Holy Spirit – that is where I can have the confidence!
Selective hearing. That’s what I have. Just hearing what I want to hear. Having my own way. My wife calls me by name at times just to see if I am tuning in to what she is saying. Listening requires wanting to hear.
In the reading today, many did not want to hear God’s Word since it went contrary to their desires and/or their perceived abilities. However God equips His people to do His will.
Open the ears of my heart Lord so that I live the JOY principle each day. Living for Jesus.
Jesus first.
Other second
myself/you last
Have Thine own way, Lord,
Have Thine own way;
Thou art the Potter,
I am the clay.
Mould me and make me
After Thy will,
While I am waiting,
Yielded and still.
2
Have Thine own way, Lord,
Have Thine own way;
Search me and try me,
Master, today.
Whiter than snow, Lord,
Wash me just now,
As in Thy presence
Humbly I bow.
3
Have Thine own way, Lord,
Have Thine own way;
Wounded and weary,
Help me, I pray.
Power, all power,
Surely is Thine,
Touch me and heal me,
Savior divine.
4
Have Thine own way, Lord,
Have Thine own way;
Hold o’er my being
Absolute sway.
Fill with Thy Spirit
Till all shall see
Christ only, always,
Living in me.