Exodus chapter 6 begins with God answering Moses’ doubt and unbelief. God speaks in very certain terms, “see what I will do to Pharaoh… because of My mighty hand he will let them go… he will drive them out“. God declares, not only will Pharaoh let the Israelites go, he will DRIVE them out! Next God tells Moses, “I am the Lord, I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name the Lord, I did not make Myself known to them“. God explains He established the covenant with the patriarchs, but He will FULFILL His covenant with Moses. “I also made My covenant with them… I have heard the groanings of My people… and I have remembered My covenant.” This is critical, God remembered His WORD. One of the reasons we study the Word of God is so that we might know His promises that extend to us today. In John 3:17, Jesus tells us, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world would be saved through Him“. And in John 6:40, Jesus says, “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life; I Myself will raise him up on the last day“. And in John 10:27-28, Jesus tells us, “My sheep know My voice and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand“. Even when we fall short and stumble in our faith, God will remember His Word, no one can snatch us from His Mighty hand.
Next God tells Moses what He will do; “I will bring you out… I will free you… I will redeem you… I will take you as my own people… I will be your God… I will bring you to the land… I will give it to you…” Since God’s word never changes, these words are for us today as well. For those in bondage, for those that feel worthless, for those that are alone, for those that are spiritually searching, God will bring you back to Himself because He is faithful. Next we read, “Moses reported all this to the Israelites but they did not listen because of their discouragement and cruel bondage“. People cannot hear our words of hope if we do not help them with their physical needs as well. The reason the gospel is spread one person at a time is because it takes time to minister to the whole person. When you show the love of Christ in your actions, your words are no longer empty. God once again tells Moses to go to Pharaoh, but Moses said, “If the Israelites will not listen, why would Pharaoh listen to me since I have faltering lips“. We make the same mistake Moses makes; we think, how could we teach or share our faith, we have no skill. But God works through us faulty and flawed humans to show His power. 1 Corinthians 1:27 reminds us, “but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the strong“. Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord!
The chapter also includes a genealogy of the sons of Reuben, Simeon and Levi. Not only do we see Moses and Aaron are from the tribe of Levi, but we are introduced to some of the good and evil men that will be central characters in the events to come. The Bible does not gloss over the unrighteous, they are included as examples for us. We have these examples of God’s judgment so we can understand the enormity of the forgiveness we have received through Christ. The chapter ends with Moses still hesitant to act. This sounds like many of us “pew-sitters” waiting for the right time to give of our talents. Step out in faith and trust that God will work through you.