Hardened Hearts All Around [Exodus 4:18-31]
As Moses prepared to return to Egypt, God prepared him for the hardening of Pharoah’s heart, but a curious event on the way showed that Moses wasn’t exempt from that very thing. We must prioritize assessing our own personal obedience.
KEY IDEA
Obedience to God’s will is both a privilege and a responsibility. Don’t harden your heart! You were created for this, so step up courageously to His calling, and see how God will use you.
PARTIAL OBEDIENCE
God had already worked in Jethro’s heart, so that he was receptive to Moses’ request to return to Egypt. (v. 18-19)
Moses departed for Egypt with everything he needed to fulfill God’s calling. (v. 20)
God told Moses what to say and how Pharoah would respond. Moses would do wonders, but God would harden his heart. God refers to Israel as His “firstborn son,” whom He loved dearly. (vv. 21-23)
On the journey, Moses almost dies. Why? He has not fully obeyed God’s commands in his own family; he has failed to circumcise his son. Zipporah has the courage to do what is right and needed. (vv. 24-26)
Why is this important? Circumcision was a “bloody” sign for the people of Israel of their covenant relationship with God, unique upon the earth. (Genesis 17:10) It is personal, intimate, and costly. It provides constant reminders of the covenant to God’s people.
God sends Aaron as promised to remind Moses of His faithfulness and relieve his concerns. (vv. 27-28)
Aaron is used of God to share God’s plans with the Israelite elders (leaders) and to lend Moses credibility among them (after forty years away). (vv. 29-30)
God’s people believed the message of God’s provision and worshiped Him. (v. 31)
LESSONS FOR US TODAY
When the excuses and concerns are all said and done (legitimate or not), it comes down to our obedience. God’s work done God’s way will never lack God’s provision.
Even when obedient, we need to remember circumstances may get worse before they get better. This can be God’s design, not simply the enemy’s plan. Why? To bring God glory and as a witness to others.
Partial obedience is not really obedience, at all. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31) God demands our all.
When God provides reminders of His faithfulness and gracious provision, we should be humbled, trusting, and worshipful, too. These are the best antidotes for a hard heart.
