Title: Moses' Prayer and Answer
Moses' Prayer and Answer
Moses and Aaron revealed God's plan of salvation to the elders of the people and performed miracles in front of the people. They believed and even worshiped God. But things changed when they delivered God's command send my people in front of Pharaoh. Pharaoh's reaction was cold, and his abuse of the people grew even worse. The people also developed into an atmosphere of rebellion against Moses and Aaron. The text introduces Moses overcoming this crisis. Let's take a look at the contents and receive grace.
1. Aggravated suffering (5:1-21)
When the Israelites heard the story of Moses and Aaron, they had hope. However, contrary to their expectations, the abuse became more severe. Unlike giving materials to bake bricks, Moses and Aaron demanded the same amount of production as before without giving straw, the material needed to bake bricks, in front of Pharaoh. If they failed to fill it, a dreadful whip was struck on them. Because they are lazy, they ask for permission to go to the wilderness to serve Jehovah instead of concentrating on their work. When the people reached an extreme situation that they could not handle, they distrusted Moses and Aaron and turned away from them.
The saints expect smooth and prosperous soon when God's help comes. But never. In some cases, it is even more difficult. Because it is God's sovereign work, it cannot be disputed. However, from the standpoint of the saints who are going through that, they must have the attitude of persevering with unwavering faith, confident in God who will work together for good and grant beneficial results. Patience is not only a virtue for believers, but also the secret to receiving God's promised blessings. James said, "Behold, we say blessed are those who persevere. You have heard of Job's patience and have seen the end of the Lord, but the Lord is most merciful and merciful" (James 5:11). When hardships get worse, let's become believers who trust in God and endure to the end.
2. Moses Praying to God (5:22-23)
Moses realized it was not enough. It was heartbreaking to see that Pharaoh was hardened and the people were suffering more than ever because of his abuse. Not only that, but when they saw the anger of the people against them, they even felt terrified. In this sad situation, Moses prayed to God.
“Lord, why have you caused this people to be oppressed, and why have you sent me? Since I went in to Pharaoh and spoke in your name, he mistreats this people more, and you do not save your people.” (5:22-) 23) said. Moses wanted to know why this was going on. And with a sad heart, he told God about the plight of the people. The attitude that the saints will take when faced with difficulties is prayer. Even if we try to overcome through faith, even if the hardships get worse, the only attitude we can take and endure to the end is prayer. We should also pray when we are sad because we do not know the meaning of suffering. This is faith. Never be discouraged or discouraged if you do not respond easily. Moreover, we must not stop praying.
It is necessary to understand and practice God's will through prayer. The answer to all problems is definitely with God. After the failure in the battle of Ai, Joshua bowed down to God and asked why he had failed, and God told him that it was because Achan had sinned. The prophet Habakkuk also felt very sorry for the wicked when he saw the strength of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. Regarding this, God said, “There is an appointed time, though it may be delayed, so wait for it” (2:3), and he answered, “The righteous will live by his faith.” I hope that we will become saints who believe and pray and wait until the appointed time comes.
3. God answered Moses (6:1)
God is not silent to the end. You will surely answer. He answered Moses' prayer in this way. “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh, and with a strong hand he will let them go, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land” (6:1). He said that he would soon see how God would deal with the tyrant Pharaoh, and that when God's mighty hand was on them, they would send the Israelites away as if they were expelling them. Moses was comforted by hearing this word of God. I got strength. And he told the people of Israel this. But the Israelites did not listen to Moses because they were heartbroken because of their abuse (6:9).
Moses nevertheless relied on these words and proudly testified to God's word, "Send my people," in front of Pharaoh. God answers the prayers of the saints in any way. When you keep that answer in your heart and go through it boldly, you can achieve victory. Dear saints! Let us not be discouraged even if greater suffering comes after we come to the Lord. Let's pray till the end and move forward with the answers given to us in our hearts. The day will surely come when we will be victorious.