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Exodus 4:18–31 “The Path of Following the Call”

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5–7 minutes

Exodus 4:18-31 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

After finally accepting God’s call, Moses returns home and tells his father-in-law that he will return to Egypt. He does not explain the reason in detail. His father-in-law, as if he had anticipated it, readily gives his permission (v.18). Moses prepares to leave, and upon hearing the news that the king of Egypt who sought his life has died, he senses that the time has come and sets out for Egypt (vv.19–20). In his hand is the “staff of God.” This staff was the sign that God had called him and would be with him. God commands Moses to go to Pharaoh with that staff and perform signs. However, He also warns Moses in advance that Pharaoh will not easily let the Israelites go (vv.21–23).

As Moses and his family journey back to Egypt, he is suddenly struck by a mysterious illness. The writer describes this moment by saying, “The Lord met Moses and was about to kill him” (v.24). At that moment, Moses’ wife Zipporah quickly takes a flint knife, cuts off the foreskin of their son, and touches Moses’ feet with it, shouting, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me” (v.25). It appears that Moses had not yet circumcised his two sons whom he had in Midian. Given that Zipporah was the one to perform the circumcision at this moment, it seems likely that she had previously opposed it. But when her husband’s life was at risk, Zipporah immediately performed the circumcision. It thereby saved him from danger (v.26). For Moses, who had set out on a sacred mission to deliver Israel, not having circumcised his sons could have been a serious disqualification.

Meanwhile, the Lord commands Aaron, who is living in Egypt, to go out into the wilderness to meet Moses (v.27). They reunite at the “mountain of God,” which suggests that Moses made another visit to Mount Horeb as he returned to Egypt. Likely, he wanted to return to where he had encountered God and prepare himself spiritually. There, Moses shares with Aaron everything he had seen and heard (v.28). Then Aaron, along with Moses and his family, returns to Egypt and gathers the elders of Israel. Aaron explains God’s plan in their presence, and Moses performs the signs. Upon hearing Aaron’s words and seeing the miracles, the elders bow down and worship the Lord, realizing that God had indeed listened to their suffering and was responding to their cries (vv.29–31).

Meditation:

It is unclear exactly how long Moses waited after encountering God at Mount Horeb before setting out for Egypt. It seems he did not leave immediately. Likely, he returned home and prayed, discerning what had happened at Horeb. The calling was so sudden—and so heavy. It was a mission that would require him to risk his very life. Without full confidence in that calling, he could not move forward.

Beyond his own inner struggle, Moses also had to persuade his father-in-law, his wife, and his two sons. While verse 18 makes it seem that Jethro gave his permission right away, it’s more realistic to think that it came after considerable explanation and pleading. Moses also had to convince his wife and sons. It’s doubtful that he could share the whole story with Zipporah. Judging by her later actions, it appears that she followed him reluctantly.

Thus, even after receiving God’s call, Moses kept delaying. Then, upon hearing that the king who had sought his life had died, Moses sensed that his time had come. This is reminiscent of how Jesus recognized the beginning of His ministry when John the Baptist was arrested and imprisoned.

Moses first heads toward Mount Horeb. There is no record that God told him to go there. Moses simply wanted to stop by that sacred place on his way to Egypt. As he prepared to embark on a long journey for God’s great work, he likely wished to return to the very place where he had encountered God. At that moment, God had already instructed Aaron to go and meet Moses at Horeb. When Aaron and Moses reunited at Mount Horeb, they probably spent time reconnecting after so long and prayed together in front of the burning bush where God had once appeared. Although the fire no longer burned in the bush, Moses could still clearly see the flame of God with the eyes of his heart.

Following God’s call is never easy. It requires repeated confirmation of that call, as well as the persuasion of those around you. Sometimes, persuasion never works. Even when the heart is convinced, the body may not follow. Even after courageously taking the first step, obstacles may suddenly block the way. One cannot truly follow God’s call without being prepared for all of this.

Prayer:

Lord, I will not pray for a smooth path. Even if the road is rough, let me live in obedience to Your call. I will not pray to be recognized or praised by everyone. Even if I am misunderstood and criticized, let me live in obedience to Your call. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Following God’s call is not always easy or quick. Like Moses, we may hesitate, struggle with fear, or face challenges from those around us—but God patiently guides us and provides everything we need to take the next faithful step.

  • For Preschool-Elementary
    • How do you think Moses felt when God asked him to return to Egypt? Have you ever been scared to do something right? What helped you do it?
    • What would you say to Him if God asked you to do something brave?
  • For Youth
    • Why do you think Moses hesitated even after hearing directly from God?
    • Who do you think is hardest to talk to about your faith (e.g., friends, family)? Why?
    • What does trusting God’s timing and call mean, even when inconvenient or misunderstood?

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