Verse of the Day – I Seek Thee
Daily Devotion – How Others See Us
“Because they are lazy, therefore they cry out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’” – Exodus 5:8 NASB
When Moses asked to let the Israelites go, Pharaoh evaluated this request in light of his own experience and worldview. To him, Moses’ explanation seemed absurd. He could not conceive that the God of the Hebrews could be real and make this request. The only possible explanation was that the Israelites simply did not want to work.
Pharaoh had his own agenda. He was counting on the Israelites to provide the labor for his designs. Moses’ request conflicted with his agenda. And he didn’t believe the explanation.
Many people react in similar ways to God’s Word. The Bible reminds us that the things of the Spirit are folly in the natural. People can’t “understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV).
As you ponder the way some people respond to the Gospel, remember that this is a spiritual issue, discerned in the Spirit in ways people in the natural may never understand. They are likely to project onto us their own expectations and worldview. Or they may judge us or question our motives.
Remember these facts as you interact with people in the world. Remember how foolish and unrealistic your beliefs and actions might seem.
Ask God to give you discernment about your life and testimony. Pray for His anointing. Seek to apply His principles. Pray for those you know who need the Lord. Pray that He might open their eyes that they might see.
Prayer
Father, I commit these people to You: ________. Open their eyes that they might see the truth. Use me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Extended Reading
Exodus 5
//Inspiration Ministeries//
Daily Devotion – Knowing the Lord
“Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and besides, I will not let Israel go.” – Exodus 5:2 NASB
Approaching Pharaoh, Moses and Aaron positioned themselves as messengers for “the Lord, the God of Israel” (v. 1). Pharaoh was to “Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness” (v. 1). Pharaoh’s response indicated that he had no idea what they were talking about or who they meant by “the Lord.”
This response was not surprising; the Egyptians had their own religion and gods. Yet the sad fact was that Pharaoh did not know God or even know who He was. This admission shows the importance of knowing the Lord and telling others about Him. Moses and Aaron knew Him and were willing to risk everything.
But Pharaoh did not know Him at all. Without a reference to God, Pharaoh developed his own explanations and theories. One goal of the plagues God sent was that Pharaoh and others in the land would “know that I am the Lord” (Exodus 7:5).
This parallels the experience of many people today! They rule their own kingdoms and do not know the Lord. In a variety of ways, God, in His love and compassion, allows them to go through experiences that might open their eyes. These experiences might help them know Him, turn to Him, and declare Him their Lord!
What is your relationship with God? Seek to know Him more intimately. Be His witness, helping others realize that He is real. He is the Lord!
Prayer
Father, You are my Lord. Use me to help others know You more intimately. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Extended Reading
Exodus 5
//Inspiration Ministeries//
Seek the Kingdom of God
Verse of the Day – Seek What is Above
Ask. Seek. Knock.
