What can we learn about obedience to God's instructions from Exodus 3:18? Setting the Scene “‘The elders of Israel will listen to you, and you are to go with them to the king of Egypt and say to him, “The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness, so that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.”’ ” (Exodus 3:18) What Stands Out in the Verse • Clear audience: Moses, the elders, and Pharaoh • Concrete action steps: gather leaders, appear before the king, deliver God’s exact words • Promised response: “The elders of Israel will listen” • Ultimate aim: worship through sacrifice in the wilderness Key Insights on Obedience • Trust the Speaker before the steps – God anchors the command in His identity: “The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us.” – Confidence in who speaks fuels courage to obey (cf. Exodus 3:14; Hebrews 11:27). • Obedience is often detailed, not vague – God specifies the audience, location, wording, and purpose. – Following Christ likewise involves keeping His precise commands (John 14:15). • God prepares hearts ahead of our obedience – “The elders of Israel will listen to you” shows that the outcome is already under divine control. – Similar assurance: Acts 18:9-10—God has “many people in this city.” • Courageous obedience may look risky – Approaching Pharaoh could invite backlash, yet God’s plan requires it. – Compare Esther 4:16 and Acts 5:29 for believers who obeyed despite potential danger. • Purpose-driven obedience leads to worship – The end goal is not merely freedom but sacrifice and worship. – 1 Peter 2:9 echoes this: “that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him.” • Corporate obedience strengthens resolve – Moses is to go “with” the elders; obedience in community encourages faithfulness (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Hebrews 10:24-25). • Even phrasing matters – “Now please let us take a three-day journey” models respectful yet firm speech; obedience can be both bold and courteous (Colossians 4:6). Lessons for Daily Life • When God’s Word gives specific instruction, resist the urge to edit or soften it. • Expect that God is already at work in the hearts of those involved; pray but do not panic. • Link every act of obedience to its higher goal—honoring and worshiping the Lord. • Walk with like-minded believers; shared obedience multiplies courage. • Speak truth with grace, confident that God oversees both the message and the outcome. |
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