Discussion Questions
JRR Tolkien coined the term "eucatastrophe" - meaning a "good catastrophe." Considering all the downward trajectory that a catastrophe normally entails for us (the difficulties, the suffering, etc.), what sort of event could be the positive equivalent? Aside from our faith, what events changed your life in that way?
God warns Moses that going to Pharaoh will not be easy (Ex.4:21-23). Why was Moses stunned when his meeting with Pharaoh did not go well (Ex.5:2-5)? Have you ever been surprised that following God's call went poorly?
“No one is more hated than a failed messiah." Can you think of a few modern leaders, of whom that would be true? How does that connect us to Good Friday - as a people and in terms of how we treat our leaders?
As soon as the people turn on him, Moses turns on God (5:22-23). Why does he so quickly forget his own calling? Contrast the human frailty of our leaders with Christ's faithfulness in going to the cross (Luke 22:42; Philippians 2:8). Is spiritual courage unpredictable and random, or is it possible to live with consistency and integrity?
What does Pharaoh think it accomplishes by keeping the people working (Ex.5:5,8-9,17)? How can constant work dehumanize us? (Consider the current physical and psychological toll on medical workers.) How might staying at home without work also dehumanize us? What is the difference between God's design for our work (Gen.1:28) and Pharaoh's enslavement of the people?
Even after they entered the promised land, they were still seeking "rest" (Hebrews 4:8-10). What is the sort of "rest" that God is bringing to his people? How do we seek 'rest' and security? How might those very means and methods actually prevent us from finding real rest in Christ?
The cross and resurrection are the “eucatastrophe” at the center of history. How could 'resting' in Christ relieve those struggling right now; laboring at risk in our service, struggling in isolation at home, or fighting for financial survival?
If we quickly turn and curse our leaders when difficulties come, and seek rest in all the wrong places - what sort of leader do we need? What hope does the resurrection give us in the face of the worst that could ever happen to us?
