What does God's command to Moses in Exodus 8:20 reveal about obedience? Setting the Scene • Egypt is in turmoil—three plagues down, more to come. • Pharaoh remains stubborn, yet God’s plan to free Israel unfolds on a precise timetable. • Into this tension, God speaks a simple, direct command to Moses. The Command in Exodus 8:20 “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Get up early in the morning and present yourself to Pharaoh as he goes out to the water. Tell him, “This is what the LORD says: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.”’ ” What This Reveals About Obedience Immediate, not delayed • “Get up early in the morning”—obedience starts before dawn. • God’s timing matters; Moses doesn’t negotiate a later hour. Active, not passive • “Present yourself to Pharaoh”—obedience requires showing up, not hiding behind excuses. • Moses must stand before the most powerful man in the land with God’s message. Specific, not generic • God supplies exact words: “This is what the LORD says….” • True obedience follows God’s script, resisting the urge to edit or soften it. Purpose-driven, not aimless • “Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.” • Deliverance is linked to worship; obedience pursues God’s glory, not personal convenience. Courageous, not comfortable • Approaching Pharaoh invites danger, yet Moses moves forward. • Obedience often leads us into situations where faith must replace fear. Supporting Scriptures • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Hebrews 11:27 – “By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.” Living It Out Today • Start your day with readiness to obey—before schedules fill and distractions crowd out God’s voice. • Step into assignments that feel intimidating, trusting that God equips the obedient. • Speak truth faithfully; don’t dilute God’s Word to fit cultural comfort. • Remember the goal: worship. Every act of obedience is an offering of honor to the Lord. |
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