“This is the grand theme of the exodus: God saving his sons from slavery so that they could serve him.” Philip Ryken
Vs. 18-20, A hard decision must be made; Moses goes back to Jethro. The LORD’s instruction requires obedience from his servant: The first steps of obedience to the Lord are often the hardest but they are necessary. The first step in obedience is to ask for permission to leave for Egypt. His obedience is met with blessing. Moses is to continue in obedience but again the LORD must tell him to go to Egypt because he is lingering. God provides Moses with assurance that he needs to return (all the men seeking to kill you are dead). Moses trusts the Lord and takes his family and the staff of God in hand and returns to Egypt.
Vs. 21-23 A Sovereign God; a marvelous mystery to behold. The LORD’s instruction also declares His sovereignty: Moses was told to perform all the miracles that he had been given by the LORD, but he is also told that Pharaoh will not let His people go initially because He will harden his heart. The question is why? The purposes of the LORD are so often a mystery to us. But the LORD is sovereign and His purpose in hardening Pharaoh is to reveal His glory. He shows that He alone is in control of all things, even which Pharaoh will rule Egypt and for the salvation of His chosen people Israel, His firstborn son who were made to serve Him. He warns Pharaoh that He will kill his firstborn son if he doesn’t listen.
Vs. 24-26, Disobedience is serious; Character goes with a calling. The LORD’S confrontation with disobedience: There is a lot we don’t know! So, let’s focus on what we do know, and it is this, God requires obedience to His covenant promises. Gen. 17:14 Moses is in disobedience because he has not circumcised his firstborn son Gershom. He must walk in obedience if he is to lead others to follow the LORD. Ex. 12:43-51
Vs. 27-31, Worship while you wait, even in the hard times. The reinforcement arrives, ministry begins and worship takes place: God is so good to be working long before we see His good hand. Ex. 4:14 Though Moses worried about speech and was anxious over not being accepted, He is maturing in the LORD. Stop worrying over tomorrow and start worshiping the LORD who keeps all His promises every day. Look at what takes place. Obedience, promises fulfilled, and a right response to the LORD takes place, His people worship! Surrender yourself today in obedience and worship the sovereign LORD. He is the good and gracious God who desires for you to know, enjoy, declare Him to others.