How should we respond to leadership when facing trials, according to Exodus 5:21? Setting the Scene • God has just commissioned Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh and secure Israel’s release (Exodus 5:1–19). • Pharaoh responds by multiplying Israel’s burdens, demanding bricks without straw. • Israel’s elders blame Moses and Aaron for the crack-down. The People’s Reaction in Exodus 5:21 “May the LORD look upon you and judge you, because you have made us a stench to Pharaoh and his officials—putting a sword in their hand to kill us!” What we notice: • Blame—They pin their suffering on Moses and Aaron. • Short-sightedness—They focus on immediate pain rather than God’s bigger plan (cf. Exodus 3:7-8). • Distrust—Instead of appealing to God for help, they ask Him to judge His appointed servants. Lessons on Responding to God-Appointed Leaders 1. Remember who placed them there – “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Come, I will send you…’ ” (Exodus 3:10). – Romans 13:1: “There is no authority except from God.” 2. Resist the pull to grumble – Philippians 2:14: “Do everything without complaining.” – Israel’s murmuring repeatedly brought discipline (Numbers 14:27-29). 3. Pray rather than accuse – Paul urges “petitions, prayers, intercessions” for “all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). – Moses models this in Exodus 5:22-23—he takes the crisis to God, not back at the people. 4. Anchor in God’s promises, not present pressure – God had pledged deliverance (Exodus 6:6-8). – Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” 5. Support, don’t sabotage – Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls… Let them do this with joy and not with groaning.” – A discouraged leader can hinder the very breakthrough we seek. What Trust Looks Like in the Midst of Trial • Patience—allowing God’s timeline to unfold (James 5:7-8). • Perspective—recalling past deliverances (Psalm 77:11-12). • Persevering obedience—doing the next right thing even when circumstances worsen (Galatians 6:9). • Peaceful speech—words that build up rather than inflame (Ephesians 4:29). Practical Steps for Today • Speak blessing over pastors, elders, and civil leaders—name them before God daily. • When frustration rises, pause and rehearse God’s promises before approaching leadership. • Offer tangible help—volunteer, encourage, lighten their load. • Share concerns respectfully, seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). • Guard fellowship—refuse to join gossip or negative chatter; redirect conversations to prayer and faith. Conclusion: Exodus 5:21 shows how NOT to respond. Trials are invitations to trust God’s sovereignty, uphold the leaders He raises, and participate—through prayer, obedience, and encouragement—in the deliverance He is surely working out. |
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