PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Exodus 1-2
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“During that long period… the Israelites groaned in their slavery…” (Exodus 2:23)
Why does God wait so long, allowing many people to suffer for a “long period”?
This story does not answer the why question, but it does say that God is working.
These chapters show how God sees and knows the need of his oppressed children.
God protects the Israelites from being wiped out through genocide.
God protects Moses from death, and puts him in a position of influence.
Somehow, somewhere, despite not seeing it, God is putting the pieces in place.
“Their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God.” (Exodus 2:23)
God does not ignore the groaning and cries of help from victims of evil.
Jesus, like Moses, is God’s response to the cry of the weary and burdened.
Jesus sees all victims of sin and suffering, and is “concerned about them” (Exodus 2:25).
Personally I wish that he would do something NOW… not after a long period.
The bible does not promise ‘quick and easy’, but it does promise ‘sure and certain’.
And who knows, maybe he is using me like Moses to be the one to do something.
As followers of Jesus, are we concerned for those who need help, are we stepping in?
PRAYER
Lord, we may cry out ‘why don’t you do something’, but you say the same thing to us. You have done something, and you are asking us to share it with others… will we?
“he went out to where his own people were” Moses knew where his ‘own’ people were. Even though he could live the life of a prince – living in Pharaoh’s palace – he saw the Israelites as his own and he also saw the oppressions – just as God did. Moses in anger kills an Egyptian slave driver – and word gets out. I’m sure the Israelites knew who Moses was – yet they did not trust Moses. Moses had to flee where God prepares him to not walk with his own authority by to submit to God’s authority – on God’s terms. Moses becomes one of the greatest leaders – and with God’s authority – is able to draw the people out of Egypt. Jesus too had high beginnings, was humbled to be born a human child and submitted to death on a cross and through his work rescues us from death! Out of thanksgiving guide in what I should do – God helping me!