Prepare: List Christian leaders who have gained respect among non-Christians. Why is this so?
Read: Exodus 11:1-10
Event though the hot issue of today's passage is about a morbid announcement, a careful look reveals the change in a non-descriptive, low-esteem person into a fiery leader for a vast unimaginable multitude of people. Events which unfolded in Chapters 4 and 5 have now spiraled to an exponential point where the credibility of Moses climaxes as a great man: respected by Pharaoh's officials and Egyptians alike. But contrast this with his own self-evaluation as a rootless and displaced person (2:22), and it becomes clear that only God could have transformed Moses.
Then we see the authority of Moses as he announces to Pharaoh. This is in vivid contrast to 5:1 4, where Moses sought an audience with Pharaoh to get permission to let the people go. Here, however, it is an unceremonious and blunt announcement. It is as if Pharaoh has less authority than Moses. This is God's work in the creation of a leader. Only the strength of God's presence could exude such confidence against political might.
Finally, we see the attitude of Moses. Unlike his call, where we see his repeated excuses and reluctance (4:1, 10, 13) here he is with an an entirely different countenance. Burning with anger, he left Pharaoh's presence! He is now a person charged with a purpose, a prophet obsessed with a mission and a liberator focused on results. nothing will deflect him now.
Respond: Dear God, I believe that You can transform me too far for all Your purposes. Amen.
Read: Exodus 11:1-10
Event though the hot issue of today's passage is about a morbid announcement, a careful look reveals the change in a non-descriptive, low-esteem person into a fiery leader for a vast unimaginable multitude of people. Events which unfolded in Chapters 4 and 5 have now spiraled to an exponential point where the credibility of Moses climaxes as a great man: respected by Pharaoh's officials and Egyptians alike. But contrast this with his own self-evaluation as a rootless and displaced person (2:22), and it becomes clear that only God could have transformed Moses.
Then we see the authority of Moses as he announces to Pharaoh. This is in vivid contrast to 5:1 4, where Moses sought an audience with Pharaoh to get permission to let the people go. Here, however, it is an unceremonious and blunt announcement. It is as if Pharaoh has less authority than Moses. This is God's work in the creation of a leader. Only the strength of God's presence could exude such confidence against political might.
Finally, we see the attitude of Moses. Unlike his call, where we see his repeated excuses and reluctance (4:1, 10, 13) here he is with an an entirely different countenance. Burning with anger, he left Pharaoh's presence! He is now a person charged with a purpose, a prophet obsessed with a mission and a liberator focused on results. nothing will deflect him now.
Respond: Dear God, I believe that You can transform me too far for all Your purposes. Amen.
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