What can we learn about obedience from God's command to Moses in Exodus 6:29? Setting the Scene • Israel groans under Egyptian slavery. • God has just reaffirmed His covenant promises (Exodus 6:6-8). • Moses feels inadequate (6:12), but God speaks again: “He said to him, ‘I am the LORD; tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.’” (Exodus 6:29) The Heart of the Command “I am the LORD” — God’s authority. “Tell Pharaoh … everything I tell you” — Moses’ responsibility. What Obedience Looks Like • Rooted in who God is, not in how confident we feel. • Complete, not selective; God asked for “everything,” not what seemed plausible. • Immediate; the verb “tell” carries an urgent, current force. • Courageous; Pharaoh was the most powerful ruler on earth, yet Moses must speak. • Trust-filled; Moses must believe that the God who sends him will act (cf. Hebrews 11:27). Obedience Anchored in God’s Identity • God reveals His covenant name (“I am the LORD”) to ground every command in His unchanging character (Malachi 3:6). • Obedience begins with worship; when we remember who speaks, obeying makes sense (Psalm 111:10). Obedience Requires the Whole Message • Partial obedience is disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23). • God’s Word is not ours to edit; our task is to transmit it faithfully (Jeremiah 26:2; Acts 20:27). Obedience Despite Intimidation • Pharaoh’s threats foreshadow any earthly power opposing God’s will. • “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). • God’s presence overrules human power (Isaiah 51:12-13). Obedience as Partnership • God works through willing servants (Philippians 2:13). • Moses speaks; God performs signs. The pattern repeats in every age: proclamation followed by divine confirmation (Mark 16:20). Practical Takeaways for Today – Start with worship: recall that the Lord is still “I AM.” – Listen carefully: linger in Scripture until you grasp the “everything” He says. – Speak faithfully: whether sharing the gospel or applying Scripture at home, pass on God’s truth unedited. – Step forward courageously: obedience may feel risky, but God never abandons His messengers (Joshua 1:9). – Measure success by faithfulness, not visible results; Moses’ first encounter with Pharaoh hardened the king’s heart, yet God counted Moses obedient (Exodus 7:1-4). Closing Reflection “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) Obedience to God’s clear Word remains the truest expression of love, trust, and partnership with the One who still declares, “I am the LORD.” |
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