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God’s Calling, Empowerment, and Promise

Exodus 4-6

In Exodus 4, Moses expresses doubt about his ability to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, but God patiently reassures him. God provides Moses with signs—turning his staff into a serpent, his hand becoming leprous, and then healing it—to prove His power. God also assures Moses that He will give him the words to speak: “Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say” (Exodus 4:12). Despite Moses’ reluctance, God empowers him to fulfill the calling. This chapter teaches that God equips those He calls, providing them with both the resources and strength needed for the task at hand.

Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh with God's command to let the Israelites go, but Pharaoh refuses and increases their labor. The Israelites, already burdened by slavery, begin to blame Moses and Aaron for their increased suffering: “Ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants” (Exodus 5:21). This chapter reveals that following God’s call doesn’t always result in immediate success or ease. Resistance, hardship, and even discouragement may come, but God’s plan remains unshaken, and His timing is perfect.

In Exodus 6, God speaks to Moses again, reaffirming His covenant promise to deliver Israel from slavery: “I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians” (Exodus 6:6). Despite Moses’ doubts and the Israelites’ continued discontent, God assures them of His faithfulness. He reminds Moses that the deliverance of Israel is not based on human strength but on God’s unchanging promise and power. This chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God’s covenant promises, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.

Exodus 4-6 shows that God calls, equips, and empowers His people to fulfill His will, but that doesn’t mean the journey will be free from difficulty. Moses’ doubts, Pharaoh’s resistance, and Israel’s complaints reveal the challenges of following God’s plan, yet God’s sovereignty and promises remain steadfast. These chapters remind us that God’s work is not hindered by obstacles, and we can trust that He will see His redemptive plan through to completion, just as He did with Israel.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does God’s reassurance to Moses in Exodus 4 encourage you to trust that He will equip you for the tasks He calls you to?
  • In what ways can you relate to Moses and Israel’s discouragement in Exodus 5 when faced with resistance to God’s plan?
  • How does God’s reaffirmation of His promises in Exodus 6 remind you to trust in His faithfulness, even when circumstances seem difficult?
  • How does the story of Moses and the Israelites point to the greater deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ?
  • In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God will empower you and fulfill His promises, even when obstacles arise?