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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You told Moses to tell the Israelites, “I Am has sent me to you” (Exod 3:14). How appropriate that in a polytheistic culture like Egypt, which was filled with false gods, you announced yourself as the God who IS. You alone are the true God of heaven and earth, and you alone exist—uncaused, eternal and supreme. How marvelous is your name! Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me what happened when Moses grew up. When Moses was about 40 years old, he “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,” and he chose to endure ill-treatment with his fellow Israelites. The author of Hebrews says he did this “by faith,” for he considered “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt” (Heb 11:24–26). This took courage, humility, and sacrifice, for Moses had been destined for earthly greatness. Moses tried to bring relief to his people, thinking they would understand that you were using him to deliver them. But rather than trusting you and waiting for your timing, Moses took matters into his own hands and murdered an Egyptian who had beaten an Israelite. This stands in stark contrast to Joseph, who refused to put himself in your place and seek revenge on his brothers. How true the saying—‘It’s never right to do wrong, even for a chance to do right.’ When Thutmose III found out, he tried to kill Moses. Moses fled to Midian and found refuge with a man called Jethro (Reuel). Moses stayed with him for the next 40 years. Thutmose III finally died, and you decided the time had come to rescue your people. You appeared to Moses in a burning bush and told him to go to the new Pharaoh, Amenhotep II, and bring Israel out of Egypt. Moses balked at your command and tried to wriggle out of it with all kinds of excuses. When he at last simply refused to obey, you became angry and told him that his brother Aaron would be his mouthpiece. This turned out to be a mixed blessing—Aaron became a testament to Moses’ lack of faith and would later lead the people astray by making them a golden calf. Reflection Moses’ excuses seemed reasonable until he finally refused to obey. This shows me that excuses often mask a heart of rebellion and unbelief. Am I offering you excuses instead of obedience? Request Father, help me to deny the flesh and say ‘Yes’ to your precious Holy Spirit. Remind me that I can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives me His strength! Thanksgiving You heard the groaning of the Israelites, and I know that you hear me when I’m in pain. Thank you for being a God who sees, hears and remembers! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Our God, You Called to Moses” by Carolyn W. Gillette. Meditation Verse: Exodus 3:21–22.