Redemption and Reliance

Unfulfilled dreams remind us just how tiny we are. We sense a call and decide it’s time to take action. We put one foot in front of the other as we step toward obedience, but we end up stepping in a hole and rolling an ankle—maybe that’s just me! The sense of independence and strength flies away like a flock of birds at the sound of a shotgun. We stagger to our feet only to wonder, “Is this really what I was meant to do?”. Whether it’s marriage, parenting, ministry, or fill-in-the-blank, most people have faced a moment where life doesn’t seem to make sense at all.

However, God does some of His most powerful work when we realize we are powerless. Jesus made this point when He told His disciples, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Moses and Aaron learned this early in their redemptive ministry, and we need to learn it in our everyday lives as well.

The LORD at Work
After Pharaoh outright rejected Moses and made him a stink to the Israelites, Moses cried out, asking God why He made things worse instead of rescuing the Israelites. Things had gone from bad to worse, but God had a plan: “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand, he will send them out, and with a strong hand, he will drive them out of his land” (Exo. 6:1).

Moses and Aaron were instruments in the hand of the redeemer, but YHWH is the hero of this story, and He made that clear early on. Four times we read “I am the LORD” (Exo. 6:2, 6-8). YHWH is here to take action. The covenant-keeping God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remembered His covenant—though He had never forgotten it—and came to give the promised land to Israel. “I will” reverberates throughout God’s speech with unspeakable power and glory (Exo. 6:6-8). I will deliver you from slavery! I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment! I will take you to be my people! I will be your God! I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I will give it to you—I am the LORD!

Slow down and re-read those words. Let the power land on you. The Almighty God, El Shaddai, is now making Himself known as YHWH. He is not only the powerful, discerning, law-giving protector. He is also the self-existent, covenant-keeping, redeeming God. As Boaz came and bought Ruth and Naomi’s freedom when they had no next-of-kin, so YHWH came to be the redeemer (Heb. go’el) who would carry the burdens of poverty-stricken, sin-sick people like us (Ruth 4:9-10, 13). In all of His redemptive work, He had a clear purpose: to make Himself known (Exo. 6:2, 7). Jesus came and redeemed us with the same glorious goal in mind (John 17:3).

Weary People
We might expect that such words be met with a hearty amen and awe-inspiring worship. Yet, how often do the burdens of life keep us from reverent awe and joy? Perhaps even now as you peruse the contents of this devotional, your heart isn’t singing with praise to God. Maybe you’re too burdened, too distracted, or too worn down to fully appreciate the LORD’s words to Israel. The Israelites struggled because their broken spirits and harsh slavery were too heavy (Exo. 6:9). Perhaps like the Israelites, you struggle to believe God’s Word simply because you’re beaten down and worn out.

There’s good news for you. Christ came for weary, heavy-laden people (Matt. 11:28). Even when we meet God with apathy, fear, and unbelief, He doesn’t stop working. Just as God told Moses and Aaron to keep going and not lose sight of their mission, so He sent Christ to rescue His sinful enemies to reconcile us to God (Rom. 5:6-11). Weary saints, come to the cross of Christ! Lay your burdens down at His feet and rejoice with genuine hope that you are freed from bondage to sin and death. In Christ, you can truly say, “Pharaoh No! You cannot hold me back!”

Pastors and church leaders, there’s a specific lesson in the lives of Moses and Aaron. Many days we are overworked. Our labor is often overlooked. Our burdens are forgotten. Our frustrations and failures are broadcast for all to see. Yet, God is relentless in carrying out the plans He has for His Kingdom. 

When we are at our wit’s end, we stop relying on our own knowledge and lean on the wisdom of God. When we are ignored, we recognize that our eloquence is unable to change hearts (1 Cor. 2:1). When we feel that our lips are “uncircumcised” and wonder how anyone would listen to us, God has us right where we need to be (Exo. 6:30). In these moments, we can rest in two powerful words, “I will”. When we can’t do what God has called us to do, His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Leaders, we must strive to be people who find power in God’s sufficient grace. He will establish our ministries and give us the validity we need to be effective (Exo. 6:14-30).

Reflection Questions

1. Is your relationship with the LORD growing and thriving? Or is it shriveling and languishing? How is God at work in your struggles? 
2. How has Exodus 6 encouraged you to trust the LORD in your trials? 
3. How can we pray for and support our leaders in the challenges they face in ministry? What are some gospel encouragements you can offer our leaders this week?

Prayer Points

1. Confess your prayerlessness to the LORD. Ask Him to give you a greater desire to know and trust Him, even when times are stressful and difficult.
2. Seek God's perspective on your trials. Beyond asking Him to deliver you, ask Him to show you specific ways He is at work in you and your circumstances.
3. Worship God for His power and promises. Celebrate His power over the world and our leaders. Rejoice and receive His gracious promises. Thank Him for being the faithful, covenant-keeping God of His people today and of our forefathers in the faith.
4. Ask God to strengthen our leaders for ministry. Specifically, pray for our pastors as they prepare to preach the Word, lead the congregation, and guard us from evil influences. Pray for their devotional lives and their families, knowing that they can't faithfully minister to us if they don't first know the LORD and lead their homes well.

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