Bible Pathway - Jan. 19, 2010
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Step by step the battle intensifies as Pharaoh brashly questions: Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice? (5:2). Aaron to speak for Moses; Moses' rod turned into a snake; the plague of blood.
Verses for Today:
Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out . . . and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you. . . . I am the Lord (Ex. 6:6,8).God had demanded that Pharaoh set His people free. But instead, Pharoah said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. . . . Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let (prevent) the people from their works? . . . And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale (daily quota) of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof (5:2-8).
Moses' immediate reaction to God was: Why is it that Thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Thy Name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast Thou delivered Thy people at all (5:22-23).
When Moses cried out: "Why, Lord?," God reminded him who He was and said unto him, I am the Lord (6:2) meaning: "I am the One who knows what is best." What is important for us to know is that God is the unchangeable, loving, Almighty, all-wise God of Truth. He assured Moses: I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage . . . I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you . . . your God (6:6-7).
While the Israelites had a need of being set free, they had a greater need to exercise faith in the Word of God. So often we allow circumstances to become our focus instead of God.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness (Isa. 41:10).
The Almighty, Sovereign Ruler of the universe is fully capable of taking care of His people. We can rest assured that He sees and knows our needs and will strengthen all who turn to Him.
Thought for Today:
Problems turn into blessings when we pray: Father . . . not my will, but Thine, be done (Luke 22:42).
Christ Revealed:
As the Redeemer from the bondage of sin. I am the Lord, and I will bring you out . . . I will redeem you (Ex. 6:6). Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things . . . But with the precious blood of Christ (I Pet. 1:18-19).
Word Studies:
5:4 let =distract; 5:8 tale =daily quota; 5:9 vain words =deceitful promises; 5:13 hasted =kept driving; 5:19 in evil case =in trouble; minish =educe; 5:21 savour =good will; 5:22 evil entreated =afflicted; 6:3 God Almighty =All Sufficient, All Powerful God; 6:6 with a stretched out arm =mightily; 6:9 hearkened not =refused to listen; 6:13 charge =command; 7:11 enchantments =witchcraft; 7:15 brink =edge; against he come =waiting for him; 7:23 neither did he set his heart =e ignored.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a Family that loves Jesus • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Country: Switzerland (7 million) in central Europe • Major languages: German and French • Religious freedom • 53% Roman Catholic; 41% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when in despair; He is your Deliverer (Jon. 2:5-6).
Optional Reading: Matthew 19
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:5
