Exodus 18-19

“Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him…” (Exodus 18:7). I find it rather remarkable that Moses, who works miracles and speaks to God is humbling himself before his father-in-law. But I’m also struck by the confidence of Jethro in verse 17 where he tells this man of God, “The thing that you are doing is not good.” But Moses is only doing what the Lord had told him to do. I’m not sure what to make of this situation; some commentators think Moses erred in listening to Jethro, while others think Jethro was a brilliant business man and it was good how he helped Moses. The text does not indicate that Moses ever asked God if this was good advice…. I can see both sides, but either way, I know that asking the Lord’s opinion is always the right thing to do!

Exodus 16-17

“So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.” (Exodus 17:11). This is the first time the people leaving Egypt would do battle. Joshua may have been an exceptional leader, but he was an inexperienced warrior. This battle was won by the Lord, not Joshua. In every challenge we face, we must depend on the Lord to see us through; left to our own devices, we are sure to lose. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Exodus 13-15

“They could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter…. So the people grumbled at Moses.” (Exodus 15:23-24). Harsh treatment as slaves was followed by slain Passover lambs and freedom. Being trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s advancing army was followed by the water parting and the army’s swift defeat. Now the people are thirsty and their only water source is bitter and undrinkable. So they grumbled. We’ve all done the same, even though God has redeemed us and been faithful towards us in countless ways. Next time you face a trial or tribulation, rather than grumble, remember the Lord has a reason for bringing you there and He has a way to sweeten the experience.

Exodus 11-12

“When I see the blood I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13). Make no mistake about your final destiny, only the blood can save you. It did not matter if those were Abraham’s offspring; the death angel only looked to see if they had put blood over their door. When the day of final judgment comes, it will only be the blood of Jesus that saves you. God is not interested in your church membership or perfect attendance certificate. He doesn’t want to hear your list of good deeds done on His behalf. “No plague will befall you to destroy you” if you have the blood (Exodus 12:13).

Exodus 7-10

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Let My people go, that they may serve Me.’” (Exodus 8:1). Hollywood film directors often miss the all-important ending of this verse. There’s a reason the people are to be let go – “that they may serve Me”, says the Lord. The Israelites weren’t to leave Egypt and do whatever they wanted; they were leaving behind an evil taskmaster and vowing their service to the One who would be as a loving Father to them. The same is true for you and me. We’re to stop serving our old master sin, and instead spend the rest of our lives serving our loving heavenly Father.

Exodus 3-6

“Then Moses said to the Lord, ‘Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and slow of tongue’… Then the anger of the Lord burned against Moses.” (Exodus 4:10-14). The Lord had been speaking to Moses from a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire, his walking stick had become a snake, his hand had become leprous and then healed. But Moses balked at public speaking on God’s behalf. He feared his countrymen would not believe him and he feared the wrath of Pharaoh. Surely the Lord has done some mighty things in your life as well. Yet, chances are, there is something He has clearly been telling you to do and you’re balking.

Exodus 1-2

“Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” (Exodus 1:8). Who was Joseph? His story is found in the last several chapters of Genesis. He was a national hero; his wise plan kept millions from starvation during seven years of famine. Here we are in Exodus, 400 years have passed and the new king doesn’t know of Joseph. This is an important lesson for Christians, especially parents. Every generation is just one generation away from forgetting our heroes, but more importantly, from forgetting the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.