SS lesson 3 - Moses: a rough start

Dr. Jiri Moskala - Dean at Andrews University

Expert on EXODUS

class #3 - Moses has a rough start

1. Ex 5:1 Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.
1. Let my people go 
2. Pharoah says I will not 
3. Pharoah says Who is the Lord.....
4. So we have the living God saying let my people go and Pharoah who plays God to say he won't.
2. Ex 5:2 I do not know the Lord and I will not Israel go
1. a deliberate willful action - a firm decision not give in to God's demands.
2. Pharoah isn't resisting - he is rejecting.  No questions.
3. Ex 5:3 
4. Chapter 5 & 6 different sets of dialogues.
1. dialogue between different groups of people
2. Set of dialogues that unfolds the narrative of what happened when Moses and Aaron came to Pharoah.
3. God called - you trust God - but it is not a successful smooth action, it is usually a difficulty.  Moses had a rough start......
4. the dialogue unfolds many difficulties.
5. Difficulties
1. Pharoah says they are his labor force, so not distracted will make you work harder - no materials but production needs to remain strong.
1. dialogues.....
2. people beaten and discouraged
3. Ex 5:19-20 they found Moses & Aaron waiting to meet them.
4. 5:21 - you have made us a stench to Pharoah
5. you say God is with us but it would be better if you (Moses) left
6. 5:22 Moses asks God why did you send me....so much trouble
7. Hear the frustration of Moses - because God promised and did not deliver
8. How God is teaching us to trust Him more - learning how to wait on the Lord.  This is what Moses is learning here.
2. How does God respond to the people trials
1. They are unhappy.  God promised but its not being fulfilled
2.  Moses also is frustrated.
3. God says He will rescue his people
4. 6:1 - Now you will see what I will do to Pharoah
5. NOW is the time.  I will do it - says God.