This sermon begins with reports from a global gathering in Cyprus, highlighting the perseverance of the persecuted church (e.g., in Ukraine) and a "quiet revival" in the West, especially among Gen Z (Bible sales, app downloads, and Christian music streams are all up significantly). The theme, drawn from this, is "But God," as we dive into Exodus 5 and 6.
Scripture References
- Exodus 5:1-23: Moses confronts Pharaoh; Pharaoh makes the work harder.
- Exodus 6:1-13: God reveals His "I WILL" promises; the people can't listen due to their "broken spirit."
Key Points
- Obedience Often Meets Opposition (Exodus 5) Moses, fresh from the burning bush, obeys God. He confronts Pharaoh with the message, "Let my people go." The immediate result is not deliverance, but disaster. Pharaoh not only refuses but makes the work impossible (same brick quota, no straw), making things worse. This "one step forward, two steps back" pattern is a common experience. When you step into God's call, expect opposition.
- Turn to God, Not the Oppressor (Exodus 5:15-23) The Israelite foremen, in their pain, cry out to Pharaoh—the source of their problem. Moses, in contrast, takes his anger and confusion directly to God: "Why, Lord, have you brought trouble on this people? ... You have not rescued your people at all." He models what heroes of the faith do: he talks to God, not just about God.
- The Ultimate Conjunction: "But God" (Exodus 6:1) The story is never over. As Christians, we are always connected to the ultimate conjunction: the cross. Our circumstances ("I was abused," "I was abandoned," "Gen Z is lost") are real, but they are met with the greater reality: "But God..." This connects our bleak situation to God's covenant, His control, and His promises.
- Revelation, Not a Plan (Exodus 6:2-8) When Moses complains, God doesn't give him a new strategy or explain how He will do it. He gives a revelation of Himself. He reveals His name, "I AM the LORD," and makes seven powerful "I WILL" statements ("I will bring you out," "I will deliver," "I will redeem," etc.). Our trust is not in a plan, but in His character.
Conclusion
The Israelites couldn't hear these incredible promises because of their "broken spirit and harsh slavery" (Exodus 6:9). Many of us are the same. We live under the voice of a "Pharaoh," an impossible taskmaster who says, "You must deliver. You're idle. Work harder." We mistake this voice of condemnation for the voice of God.
The taskmaster says, "Go now, you must deliver." The Savior says, "Come to me, all you who labor, and I will give you rest." The Gospel is not about what you must do; it's about what Christ has done. He is the one who rescues us from impossible quotas and heals our broken spirits.
Calls to Action
- Come to Communion: Remember what Christ has done, not what you must do.
- Receive Prayer for a Broken Spirit: If you find it hard to hear God's promises due to disappointment, receive ministry.
- Be Freed from the Taskmaster: If you are laboring under a voice of condemnation, come forward to be released into the rest of the Gospel.
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