Pharaoh's Change of Heart

God's People Worship
First Things
First Freedom

Beginning of Passover

Exodus 14:10-14

The Message

^10-12 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw them—Egyptians! Coming at them!
They were totally afraid. They cried out in terror to God. They told Moses, “Weren’t the cemeteries large enough in Egypt so that you had to take us out here in the wilderness to die? What have you done to us, taking us out of Egypt? Back in Egypt didn’t we tell you this would happen? Didn’t we tell you, ‘Leave us alone here in Egypt—we’re better off as slaves in Egypt than as corpses in the wilderness.’”
¹³ Moses spoke to the people: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you’re never going to see them again.

¹⁴ God will fight the battle for you.
    And you? You keep your mouths shut!”

For Reflection

Those of great faith always seem to bump up against those of little faith.  Fear always seems to trump confidence especially where known evidence of harm is not offset by the probability of reward.  This is where Moses finds himself.  He suffers the blame for harm.  He is the available scape goat for the suffering Israelites. Fear is one of the strongest motives for abandoning faith.  How do you fight fear?  How does confidence in God's promise for salvation offset your fear? 

Pray

that when circumstances seem hopeless you will remember God's promise for salvation.  Pray for courage only a strong confidence in God can bring.  Thank God for providing that which you need.