Don't Despair, God Will Reassure Us!

Moses was greatly discouraged over the opposition of Pharaoh, but God came to bring him a great reassurance. He promised that Moses would see God at work against Pharaoh. Fighting the enemy and standing for God’s way often causes God’s people to be weary. Paul said it was possible to be “weary in well doing” (Galatians 6:9). When we become weary, we have a tendency to doubt, so we need God’s reassurance. Let’s look at the great assurance God gives.

First, God assures us of his character (Exodus 6:2-3). We see the majesty of God. God brought to Moses’ remembrance his names. The names disclosed God’s character (Exodus 6:3). God Almighty (Hebrew “El Shaddai”) means “Mountain God.” In his name there is a feeling of fear and trembling in the face of God’s overwhelming majesty.

We also see the God who relates. The climactic step in God’s revelation to Moses came with the disclosure of God’s new name as Jehovah or Yahweh. The new name assured Moses that God continued to relate to Israel in a personal way.

Next, God assures us by his covenant (Exodus 6:4-5). Here we are reminded of God’s faithfulness in the past. God told Moses of his faithful covenant to the patriarchs (Exodus 6:4). God told Moses he had been faithful in the past. Look at God’s work with his people in previous years. He has never renounced one of his promises. When God makes a covenant, he will be faithful.

How about God’s pledge for the future? After reminding of his past faithfulness, the Lord pledged the trustworthiness of his word to Israel in bondage (Exodus 6:5). God pledges to fulfill his covenant with Israel.

Finally, God assures us of his challenges (Exodus 6:6-13); such as the promise to anticipate and the charge to obey. Seven Hebrew verbs portrayed what God promised to do for Israel: “bring you out,” “rid you,” “we redeem you,” “take you,” “will be to you a God,” “bring you,” “give you.” All of these promises related to the Lord’s redemptive activity of Israel and the gift of a land for their possession. Slaves in Egypt had a great promise to anticipate. God’s people have a great future. God has made great promises about life on earth and even greater promises about life after death.

God challenged Moses to proclaim faithfully the Lord's will despite the circumstances. He charged Moses to combat opposition of Pharaoh and to counteract the indifference of the Hebrews. God challenged Moses to obey him despite obstacles and hindrances encountered in the process. God's reassurance does not come with promises of an easy road. He forecasts obstacles and hinderances, but he gives a challenge to obey him regardless of anything.

Are you discouraged in your work for God? Has persistent doing good made you tired? Has the lack of response caused you distress? God can encourage you and bring great comfort. Listen to him say, "I am the Lord."

Read: Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 1: 11-12; 2 Corinthians 1:2-4; 2 Corinthians 1:5; John 14: 1-3; Philippians 2:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Psalm 71:20-22

Prayer:

Father, as we examine the emotional pain of our lives, when it seems as though You’ve forgotten about us, we often start out with the question of “Why?” But in hindsight we realize that those struggles taught us practical truths that we could not learn overnight but over time, and that there truly was purpose in our pain and in Your timing. Help us to model integrity and steadfastness in the midst of the severe struggles and sweeping storms of life. Your eternal purpose is greater than our temporal pain. Remind us that it may not just be for our own instruction but for others looking on who may learn from our difficult experiences. Amen.

God bless you,

Carolyn