Exodus 5:1-23
Moses returned to Egypt with his brother, Aaron. They gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel, and Moses showed his rod and hand to the people. When they saw the signs, they believed and worshipped the Lord. They expected to be delivered from the Egyptians.
Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, "Let my people go...." Pharaoh answered, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go." Instead, he increased the people's burden, accusing them of being idle. He refused to supply straw for them in making bricks, forcing them to gather their own straw, while demanding that they produce the same number of bricks.
The people were unable to fulfill their assigned task, so the officers of the children of Israel were severely beaten, and troubled with further threats. They met with Moses and Aaron and said, "Let the Lord look on you and judge, because you have made us abhorrent in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us." With the arrival of Moses their deplorable situation had gone from bad to worse.
"So Moses returned to the Lord and said, "Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have you delivered Your people at all." Exodus 5:22, 23. Lord, why? Why? Why?
Moses was very confused. He accused the Lord of bringing trouble on the people, and then acknowledged that it was Pharaoh who had done this evil. He was also asking, "Why me?" Poor Moses! He had been reluctant to return to Egypt, but did obey the Lord. And now look. The children of Israel were crying louder than before. Their burden was greater, and their leaders were beaten for failing to fulfill an impossible task. Where was the Lord in all of this? What about this deliverance that He had promised?
Moses had a short memory. This is what the Lord had said: "I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go.... So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go." Exodus 3:19, 20. Unknown to Moses at the time, Egypt was to be hit with ten plagues. This was just the beginning. The struggle isn't over until it's over. Wait on the Lord.
Don't be discouraged when things appear to be going wrong. We don't always understand why some disappointments and trials come. But we can trust Him! Don't confuse the beginning with the end.
Heavenly Father, thank You for understanding us, and caring for us. We know that Your word is true. We can depend upon You. Keep us looking up to see the realization of Your promises. In Jesus' name. Amen!
