Exodus 7:8-13 - August 4, 2009

Exodus 7:8-13 – August 4, 2009

As I read this passage of Exodus, I am reminded of my life.  Moses and Aaron are headed to the big confrontation with Pharaoh.  This is their first attempt at getting the Israelites loosed from the slavery that they have been in for so long.  This is the first attempt at getting Pharaoh to bend and change who he is and what he does.  Now bear in mind that the last couple chapters have told us that Pharaoh will not do what they want him to the first time.  In fact, God will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he won’t release the Hebrew slaves until after ten plagues have happened.  So, Moses and Aaron should know that this will be a bumpy ride.

Taking all this into account, Moses and Aaron go into Pharaoh’s palace, and they do EXACTLY as God has commanded them.  They go in, they prove that God has spoken by throwing a wooden staff on the ground and it becomes a snake.  That is a pretty cool trick in my book – because I can’t do it!  However, Pharaoh calls for his magicians and they all perform the same trick.  The laugh is on Moses and Aaron.  To be fair, Moses’ snake does eat the Egyptian Magicians’ snakes.

Have you ever been in the will of God and still felt like the butt of the joke?  I have.  It doesn’t feel so good.  I have prayed, sought Christ’s will for my life, and walked out in faith – even knowing that it would be tough, ready to take on the world.  Then, sometimes, my efforts just seem like a joke. 

Is it enough to just be in God’s will?  It should be, but I think pride enters in.  It should be plenty to know that we are doing exactly what God has called us to do.  However, it is clearly an area of struggle.  I feel better knowing that Moses was frustrated too.  He will vent later, but he stays the course for now.

My recommendation to you, and to myself, is stay the course.  Honoring God in our lives will pay off always!

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Jeff Ludington.