Author: Oluwatayo Alofun

When the plagues fell on Egypt, Pharaoh’s magicians tried their best to copy God’s wonders. For a while, they succeeded in imitating some of the signs. But when the plague of gnats came, even they had to admit defeat: “This is the finger of God.” In that moment, God’s power was undeniable. The magicians-trained experts in deception and manipulation-could no longer explain away what was happening. It was clear: only the living God could do this.

Pharaoh witnessed the power of God firsthand, yet his pride kept him from listening. Each time Moses and Aaron spoke God’s Word, Pharaoh resisted. What started as stubbornness became hardness of heart. Pride has that effect-it blinds us to truth and makes us cling to control, even when surrender would bring freedom. Pharaoh’s example reminds us of the danger of repeatedly rejecting God’s voice: the more we resist, the harder our hearts can become.

At first glance, genealogies in the Bible can feel like lists of hard-to-pronounce names with little meaning. But passages like Exodus 6 remind us that every name matters to God. He chose to record the family lines of Levi, Amram, Moses, and Aaron-not because they were perfect, but because they were part of His unfolding story. God is not just concerned about nations and kings; He is intentional about individuals. Each name represents a life He created, loved, and purposed.

After Pharaoh hardened his heart and the Israelites’ suffering increased, Moses felt discouraged. But God didn’t change His mind. Instead, He reminded Moses of His covenant promise: “I will redeem you.” That word redeem means to buy back, to rescue at a cost, to free the enslaved. God wanted His people to know that He was not only aware of their pain but also committed to their freedom. He is the God who redeems, and nothing-not even Pharaoh’s power-could stop His plan.

Moses obeyed God’s call and went to Pharaoh with boldness, but instead of freedom, the Israelites faced harsher slavery. Pharaoh increased their burdens, and the people turned against Moses. Confused and discouraged, Moses cried out, “Why is it you have sent me?” Have you ever been there, obeying God, only to find that things seem to get worse instead of better?

After all the excuses and doubts, Moses finally stood before Pharaoh-the most powerful man in the world at that time. With nothing but a staff in his hand and the word of the Lord in his mouth, he declared: “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: Let My people go.” This was no small act. It was boldness born not from Moses’ confidence in himself, but from confidence in the God who had sent him.

This is one of the most sobering moments in Moses’ story. God had just called him to be the deliverer of Israel, yet on his journey back to Egypt, his life was suddenly in danger. Why? Because he had delayed in fully obeying God’s covenant command to circumcise his son. Moses was about to lead God’s people, yet he himself had left an area of compromise unattended. This passage reminds us that God’s call requires full obedience-not partial commitment.

Moses had a list of excuses ready when God called him: “I’m not eloquent. I’m slow of speech. Please send someone else.” Isn’t that often our story too? When God nudges us to step into something greater, our first instinct is to look at our limitations. But God wasn’t interested in Moses’ excuses-He was interested in his obedience. He reminded Moses that He Himself would be with his mouth and teach him what to say. The message is clear: it’s not about your ability; it’s about God’s presence.

When God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses immediately wrestled with doubt: “Who am I that I should go?” Like many of us, he looked at his weaknesses, his past failures, and his inadequacy. But instead of answering with Moses’ résumé, God revealed His own identity: “I AM WHO I AM.” In other words, Moses’ confidence was not to be found in himself but in the presence of the unchanging, all-sufficient God who was sending him.