DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Who is this God?
by Elaine Pierce
A Christian friend of mine was struggling with how her boss was constantly swearing and taking the Lord's name in vain. I struggled to give her any helpful advice. Other than saying, please stop that, what could she do? I shared the story with Pastor Steve, and his comments have stayed with me. He said that too often we expect others to share our faith values and to act like Christians. Why should we expect someone who doesn't know the Lord to behave in ways that honor him?
Moses and Aaron met with Pharaoh and told him it was time to free the Jews from captivity.
Pharaoh's response is telling: "Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go." (5:2)
Pharaoh considered himself to be a god. He didn't know this strange god of the Jews, this Yahweh. Why should he listen to him? Moses expected results from Pharaoh that he would not get. Pharaoh wasn't interested in meeting God; he was happy being in charge. Too often, we are just like this ancient Egyptian king, aren't we? We are happy to ignore God, to take matters into our own hands, and make decisions we think are best.
We know what happened when Pharaoh refused to listen to God. His great army perished, and all were lost. Yes, God wins in the end. Be sure to read all of Exodus 15 as Miriam and Moses celebrate this great victory. When you faced with behavior not honoring to God, remember God will make his name known, and one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. In the here and now, take time to listen, to love, and to care for others - to meet them where they are, and to share the Good News of the gospel.
PRAYER
Lord, you are creator, redeemer, friend and savior. Help me to have a servant's heart toward those who don't yet know you. Thank you for your grace, your love, and your forgiveness. Amen.
