Noses: Day 14

Thursday, September 16

Moses: Called, Challenged, Changed

The Exodus

During the night Pharoah summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites!" …The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. “For otherwise,” they said, “we will all die!” …The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians. Exodus 12:31-36

Suggested reading: Exodus 12:31-51

If you remember several chapters ago, Moses wanted a quick exit strategy from Egypt; well now, after 10 mighty wonders of God, it was happening. There was nothing slow about this night. They were instructed to eat the Passover meal in haste, with their cloak tucked in their belt, sandals on their feet and their staff in their hand (v. 11). When they got the signal to leave their homes, the people took their dough before the yeast was added, and carried it on their shoulders in kneading troughs wrapped in clothing (v. 34). The dough was without yeast because they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves. (v. 39).

The Hebrews were in a hurry.

Thoughts:

A scenario like the Exodus is what my dear mother-in-law likes to call “a long awaited suddenly.” The Israelites had been in captivity for 430 years. They waited and waited and waited, and then, suddenly, it was time: … the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt (v. 42). Can you imagine 600,000 men, not to mention the women and children, and all their livestock, making a fast move from their homes in the middle of the night? Long ago, God promised deliverance to Abraham, and then on that choice night, he made it happen through Moses. The wonderful “extra” was that they did not leave empty handed. As foretold to Moses on the mountain, they plundered the Egyptians (v. 36).

Are you waiting and waiting and waiting for something? Take hope that God’s “suddenly” may be around the corner. Keep praying, and keep trusting. Believe he knows the exact right time to answer your heart’s desire according to his will.

I feel like today would be a really good day to share some hope in the comments about God’s goodness in the waiting, and then his “sudden” provision of a heart’s desire. A spouse? A child? A job? Please share if the Lord nudges you.

I can’t help but mention that there was another “long awaited suddenly” about 2,000 years ago--when the angels sang to some shepherds who were watching over their flock by night. And then, there will be one more, when the “skies will be rolled back as a scroll.” At this point in time, in the twinkling of an eye, we will have our own glorious exodus, one that far outweighs the freedom experienced by the ancient Hebrews who left Egypt on foot in the middle of a dark night.

Going Deeper and sweeter: Psalm 27:13-14; Luke 2:13-14; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Dear Lord,

We wait for your perfect timing. We hope in your divine goodness. We long for your appointed “suddenly.” Renew our faith today. Amen.