What can we learn from the Israelites' appeal to Pharaoh instead of God? Setting the Scene “Then the Israelite foremen went and appealed to Pharaoh: ‘Why are you treating your servants this way?’” (Exodus 5:15) Why Their Appeal Matters • God had just sent Moses to declare, “Let My people go” (Exodus 5:1). • Instead of turning to the Lord who promised deliverance, the foremen ran back to the earthly king who enslaved them. • This moment exposes a reflex many of us share—seeking help from visible powers rather than the invisible yet almighty God. Lessons for Today • Misplaced dependence – Psalm 118:8-9: “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.” – Whenever frustration rises, we instinctively call the boss, the bank, or the politician before we drop to our knees. – Like Israel, we may end up deeper in bondage when we rely on human favor. • Forgetting God’s promises – Exodus 3:7-8 records God’s clear pledge to rescue Israel. – By running to Pharaoh, the foremen acted as if that promise were uncertain. – When we forget what God has said, fear drives us to lesser saviors. • The futility of appealing to oppressors – Pharaoh’s response was harsher labor (Exodus 5:17-18). – Isaiah 31:1 warns, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… but do not look to the Holy One of Israel.” – The systems that bind us cannot free us; only the Redeemer can. • A call to personal examination – Where do we instinctively turn first—God or “Pharaoh”? – 2 Chronicles 16:12 shows King Asa seeking physicians but not the Lord, and he suffered. God wants first place in crisis and calm alike. Turning the Lens on Ourselves 1. Identify modern “Pharaohs” • Employers, government, bank accounts, social media approval. 2. Replace reflex with reliance • Psalm 62:5: “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone.” 3. Recall covenant promises • Matthew 6:33—seek first His kingdom and “all these things will be added to you.” 4. Watch God work • Israel eventually witnessed the plagues and the Red Sea. Those who wait on the Lord still see His power today. Encouragement to Stand Firm Refusing to run to Pharaoh doesn’t mean passivity; it means beginning every plan on our knees. God invites His people to approach His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), not the thrones that enslave. |
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