The playbook for oppressive regimes is to break the spirit of the populace. Observers note how Putin has broken the Russian people, and apathy is the primary feeling in that nation.
Pharaoh is an early example of using the brutal treatment of Hebrew slaves as a means of breaking their spirit. Moses initially gave them hope, but it was soon extinguished by even harsher treatment by Pharaoh and his taskmasters.
As Moses told God’s plan to the Israelites, we read how they refused to listen.
Moses told this to the Israelites, but they would not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and their cruel slavery (Exodus 6:9).
Moses had a candid conversation with God about their situation.
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Go and tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his land.”
But Moses spoke to the Lord, “The Israelites have not listened to me; why should Pharaoh listen to me, poor speaker that I am?”
Thus the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them orders regarding the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, to free the Israelites from the land of Egypt (Exodus 6:10-13).
What stands out first in this conversation between Moses and God is its conversational nature. God speaks, Moses responds; Moses speaks, and God responds.
Dallas Willard, who has written extensively on having a conversational relationship with God, accurately points out that a personal relationship requires this give-and-take – both speaking to and hearing from the other person.
Moses perfectly models this in his exchange with God.
I am thankful for the many Psalms and this interchange between Moses and God, both of which offer examples of the prayer of complaint. This is a fancy way of saying that God permits us to tell Him when we are not pleased with our circumstances.
Let us not overlook the awesome gift presented in these short verses: the fact that we can have a conversational relationship with God.
While He is the Creator of the universe, and His power is unmatched by any other being, He is also our Heavenly Father. As our Father, He wishes to converse with us, allows us to bring our complaints to Him, and is willing to give us answers to our questions.
What Moses and Aaron learned was that God had not withdrawn His command for them to continue going before Pharaoh to represent Him and secure the freedom of the Hebrew people from 400 years of slavery.
Reflections
I believe one of God’s greatest gifts to us is the ability to converse with Him. While I’ve done plenty of talking to God over the years, I find listening to be more challenging, though I certainly try.
My morning routine includes a study of one of the prophets – currently Jeremiah – along with reading the Gospels and the book of Exodus.
After this scripture reading and Bible study, I close my eyes, put on my headphones, and listen to the reading below on the Sermon on the Mount.
Before I press play, I focus my attention on the Lord, telling Him that I intend to hear what He has to say to me.
I have listened to the Sermon on the Mount multiple times in recent days. I believe God is revealing things to me about myself and Himself that I wouldn’t experience without dedicating quiet time to listen to what He is saying to me.
I encourage you to try this and see how it works for you. I am retired and I may have more time than some readers, but if you can find the time, see what God will do with you.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 