In what ways does Exodus 8:29 connect to Jesus' teachings on integrity? \Text Spotlight: Exodus 8:29\ “Moses answered, ‘As soon as I leave you, I will pray to the LORD, and tomorrow the flies will depart from Pharaoh, his officials, and his people. May Pharaoh no longer deceive by refusing to let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.’” \Moses Models Straightforward Integrity\ • Clear promise: “As soon as I leave you, I will pray.” • Clear timetable: “Tomorrow the flies will depart.” • Clear accountability: “May Pharaoh no longer deceive.” Moses speaks plainly, does exactly what he says, and calls Pharaoh away from duplicity. \Jesus’ Direct Teaching on Integrity\ • Matthew 5:37 — “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.” • Luke 16:10 — “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much…” • John 14:6 — “I am the way and the truth and the life…” • Matthew 23:3 — Jesus condemns leaders who “do not practice what they preach.” \Threads That Tie Moses to Jesus\ • Plain Speech – Moses: concise commitment; Jesus: calls for unembellished yes/no. • Public Accountability – Moses places his word before Pharaoh and God; Jesus urges disciples to live transparently before God and people (Matthew 5:16). • Consistency of Action – Moses prays immediately and God removes the flies (Exodus 8:30–31). – Jesus portrays the man who builds on rock—hears and does (Matthew 7:24). • Warning Against Deception – Moses: “May Pharaoh no longer deceive.” – Jesus: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1). \Practical Takeaways for Today\ • Give commitments you can keep; then keep them. • Speak simply; avoid manipulative or evasive words. • Build credibility by matching actions to promises—large or small. • Reject any form of hypocrisy; invite God to search your motives (Psalm 139:23–24). • Remember that truthful living honors the God who is Truth and points others to Christ. |
    |