Exodus 5, Luke 2

Monday, February 11, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker

"There's work to be done and God has a plan!"

(Exodus 5)

Vs. 5 “Then Pharaoh said, “Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you are stopping them from working.”

What a great contrast between Pharaoh’s and Christ’s words when he said, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Pharaoh had many workers, and without them on task, there was no building harvest. Christ looked at the plentiful harvest, but saw there were few workers. Our perspective is everything. It is shaped by our foundations, it determines our focus, and fuels our intent.

As Christ followers, I think it’s important for us to remember where people are coming from. Not simply to validate their perspective or to compromise ours, but to have perspective as we seek to make an impact in the sphere of influence God has given us. In the long run, or maybe even in the short, hopefully both will benefit.

Moses knew the magnitude of this task prior to even leaving. He knew Pharaoh’s perspective because he grew up under the protection of his daughter. While Moses threw every excuse in the book at God for why he shouldn’t be called for such a task, his advanced knowledge of Pharaoh’s perspective and what lied ahead served him well in the end.

God had a plan. He revealed it to Moses. He told him to bring his staff to show miracles, He told him of the plagues he planned when Pharaoh refuses, He told him that through His might and power he would eventually convince Pharaoh. And the result? Moses met opposition, and although he came back to God asking him what’s up, God tells him in chapter 6. And Moses returned. He struggled, as would all of us. But, he didn’t bail because of the unexpected. When God proved himself faithful, his faith grew. And he kept going. His hope was growing.

Let’s not forget the words of Jesus as we seek to maintain perspective, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

(Luke 2)

Although she was close to her due date, Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem. “Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.” God’s plan is so great and so complete. He even used Caesar Augustus in fulfilling prophecy made 700 years prior for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem. God makes it a pattern to use the unexpected and unusual for accomplishing his purpose.

Micah 5:2 says, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

“While they were there (Bethlehem), the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7

Father, you prove your faithfulness, your greatness, your goodness, your love, and your sovereignty throughout your Word. Thank you for giving us such intentionally beautiful instruction. May we be faithful in trusting your truth. May we be found faithful when you call us to task. Give us courage. When doubt creeps in or we are reminded of our weakness, may we find encouragement and strength in knowing that, through Jesus, you have given us the right to be called children of God.