Exodus 5:1-21 “The First Encounter”

“‘Is that so?’ retorted Pharaoh. ‘And who is the LORD? Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I don’t know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.’”
Exodus 5:2 (NLT)

Moses had obeyed the LORD. He had left his former career as a shepherd and returned to the Hebrews in Egypt. The elders believed and worshiped when they learned that God had looked on their affliction. So far, so good. Now it was time to face Pharaoh.

The LORD had warned Moses that Pharaoh would not yield to their request to let the people go. God even said that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart. But Moses probably never imagined that things would be so hard. Not only did Pharaoh treat Moses and Aaron roughly and refuse to let the people go, but he also commanded his taskmasters to require the Hebrew officers to collect their own straw for bricks. When they weren’t able to produce their same quota of bricks, the taskmasters beat them.

Then the officers came to Moses and Aaron, saying, “Let the LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us abhorrent in the sight of Pharaoh!” This was not what Moses expected!

Do you know that you can be in the center of God’s will and yet everything seems to go wrong? I think sometimes we are under the misconception that if we live righteously then everything will go smoothly. But you won’t find that promise in the Bible. In fact, the Bible tells us that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Sometimes even the people you expect to support you turn against you. But this is where faith is strengthened and even grows. This is where our mettle is tested.

When you don’t like the outlook, try the up-look. You don’t know that God is all you need until God is all you have.