How can Exodus 5:3 inspire us to prioritize worship despite opposition today? Setting the Scene: Exodus 5:3 “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness, so that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God, or He may strike us with plague or the sword.” Key Observations from the Verse • Moses and Aaron boldly declare that God Himself has “met with” His people—worship is a direct response to a real encounter. • They ask for specific, costly obedience: a three-day journey, time away from work, and public sacrifice. • They acknowledge consequences for neglecting worship; honoring God is not optional. Courage to Request Time for Worship • Pharaoh represents every earthly authority or pressure that says, “Stay busy, keep producing.” • Moses shows that God’s command outranks human pressure (Acts 5:29). • Even the request itself is an act of worship—publicly confessing God’s right to command time, attention, and devotion. Obstacles We Face Today—and How to Overcome Them • Work schedules: remember that “the Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27). Block worship time as seriously as any deadline. • Cultural pushback: when ridiculed for honoring the Lord, recall Jesus’ promise, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10). • Internal fatigue: true rest flows from worship (Exodus 33:14); carve out space even when energy feels low. • Digital distractions: apply Psalm 46:10—“Be still” by silencing devices during personal and corporate worship. Practical Ways to Prioritize Worship • Schedule it first: plan church gatherings, family devotions, and personal quiet time before filling the calendar (Matthew 6:33). • Guard the margin: treat worship appointments as non-negotiable meetings with the King. • Go “into the wilderness”: create a distraction-free spot—a walk outside, a quiet room, or a parked car during lunch. • Lead others: invite coworkers or family to join you, mirroring Moses and Aaron’s public stand (Joshua 24:15). • Prepare your heart: arrive early, read the passage ahead, and expect to meet God as Moses did. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Hebrews 10:25—“Let us not neglect meeting together… but encourage one another.” • Psalm 95:6—“Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” • 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” Our obedience in prioritizing worship is itself a fragrant offering. • Romans 12:1—Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice is “your spiritual service of worship.” Living It Out Just as Moses and Aaron risked Pharaoh’s wrath to obey God, we deliberately carve out time to meet with Him, trusting that He meets with us first. Opposition only underscores the value of worship; when we choose God over every Pharaoh-like pressure, He is honored, our faith deepens, and others see the reality of the God who still “meets with” His people today. |
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