Overview:
When God gave Moses an assignment to return to Egypt, He provided instructions and even miracles.
From Exodus 4, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores God’s special care and detailed plans for Moses. Chuck applies principles for every believer on God’s calling, God’s will, and God’s ways.
You’ll discover that when God is involved, obstacles are removed and fears are relieved. Learn how you can trust God with all your heart as you allow Him to address your worries!
Message Summary:
In this eighth message of the series Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the shift from Moses’ hesitant objections to his final, committed obedience. Having encountered God at the burning bush, Moses must now leave the familiar comfort of Midian to confront the power of Egypt. This study of Exodus 4 reveals that when we finally align ourselves with God’s methods and timing, His power is released to clear the path.
Message Key Facts:
-
The Transition: After receiving God’s commission, Moses asked his father-in-law, Jethro, for permission to return to Egypt, showing respect and proper closure to his season in Midian.
-
The Reassurance: God told Moses that “all the men who were seeking your life are dead,” removing the immediate threat of past failures.
-
The Mysterious Encounter: On the journey back, a strange encounter regarding circumcision (Exodus 4:24–26) highlighted the absolute necessity of personal holiness before public leadership.
-
The Reunion: God directed Aaron to meet Moses in the wilderness at the “mountain of God,” providing the human partnership and encouragement Moses needed.
Message References:
Primary Scripture Reference: Exodus 4:18–5:1
-
Exodus 4:18–20: Moses gathers his family, takes the “staff of God” in his hand, and departs for Egypt.
-
Exodus 4:21–23: God prepares Moses for the coming spiritual warfare, warning him that Pharaoh’s heart would be hardened.
-
Exodus 4:27–31: The elders of Israel believe the report from Moses and Aaron, seeing the signs and bowing down in worship.
-
Exodus 5:1: The first bold confrontation: “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let My people go.'”
Principles of Obedient Living
Pastor Chuck Swindoll highlights key lessons for every believer seeking to follow God’s lead:
-
Don’t Ignore Your Relationships: Moses didn’t just disappear; he sought Jethro’s blessing. Following God’s will doesn’t give us a license to be irresponsible with our current commitments.
-
The Priority of Personal Integrity: The incident at the lodging place reminds us that God is more concerned with the leader’s heart and obedience at home than He is with the leader’s public success.
-
God Prepares the Path: While we worry about the future, God is already moving in the hearts of others—whether it’s clearing enemies out of the way or prompting an “Aaron” to meet us.
-
Confidence in the Word: Our authority does not come from our personality but from the Word of God. The power to change circumstances lies in “Thus says the Lord.”
