Exodus 5:10–21 “In the Face of Change”

Exodus 5:10-21 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Refiner – Maverick City Music
• Spirit Lead Me ~ Michael Ketterer & Influence Music
• Holy Spirit – Francesca Battistelli

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Moses Confronts Pharaoh –A Struggle Begins | Exodus 5 by Bible Revealed –  Visual Bible for Kids
• Fruit of the Spirit Song- Motions
• BE BOLD BE STRONG! | Central Sunday School
• I’m Trusting You | Roar VBS | Group Publishing
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Following Pharaoh’s orders, the slave drivers commanded the Israelite laborers to gather their own straw for brickmaking while still producing the same quota of bricks (vv. 10–11). To meet their production targets, the Israelites tried every possible method, but they were never able to meet the required quota. As a result, the Israelite foremen were reprimanded and beaten by the Egyptian overseers (vv. 12–14).

Unable to endure the forced labor and beatings any longer, the Israelite foremen went to Pharaoh to plead for mercy (v. 15). They had assumed that the oppression they were facing came from the middle managers. As the story unfolds, it seems the foremen also told Moses and Aaron to stop interfering. This indicates that their trust in Moses and Aaron began to break down. Pharaoh ignored the foremen’s appeal and instead reinforced his demand that they continue to meet the brick quota (vv. 16–18).

Realizing the severity of their predicament in light of Pharaoh’s firm stance, the foremen recognized that they were in serious trouble (v. 19). As they left the palace, they encountered Moses and Aaron waiting outside and confronted them. The Hebrew word translated as “met” (v. 20), paga, refers to a deliberate confrontation. The foremen complained and protested to Moses and Aaron, blaming them for bringing this hardship upon them (v. 21).

Meditation:

Change is always accompanied by resistance. And that resistance comes from two sides. First, those who are negatively affected by change and those who are its objects — often resist by presenting various reasons to oppose it. On the surface, these reasons may sound convincing, but beneath them lies a selfish desire to protect their own privilege. Second, even those who initiate change experience internal resistance. Although they know change is necessary, they fear the discomfort, confusion, and disruption that comes with it. People long for the fruit of transformation but do not desire the difficulties required to reach it.

The Israelite foremen were likely overjoyed when they first heard Moses and Aaron’s message. The idea of ending their lives as slaves and living as a free people in their own land was undoubtedly good news. But the moment they took their first step toward national liberation, the Egyptian government responded with overwhelming pressure. When they realized Pharaoh would not yield, they confronted Moses and Aaron in anger. They felt their situation had worsened because of Moses and Aaron. Here we witness their complacent attitude: they desired the costly fruit of freedom but were unwilling to sacrifice even a hair’s breadth to attain it.

Meaningful change always takes time and comes at a high cost. Unless we are prepared for this, we cannot hope for or achieve true transformation. This is an unchanging truth—personally, within families, within the church, and even on a national level.

Prayer:

Lord, we thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to continually renew and transform us. Help us to entrust our entire being to the Holy Spirit without fear. Grant us the courage to face and overcome every obstacle that hinders holy transformation. Lead each of us so that beneficial changes may take place in our families, churches, workplaces, and nation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: True change often comes with discomfort and resistance, but God calls us to trust Him and keep going, even when things get harder at first.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Have you ever tried something new that was hard or scary at first? How did you feel?
  • Why do you think the Israelite leaders got upset when things didn’t go as they hoped?
  • What do you think God wants us to remember when life feels harder while we’re trying to do the right thing?
    
    
• For Youth
  
  
  • Why do people sometimes want change but avoid the hard parts of making it happen?
  • When have you experienced pushback or resistance while trying to do something good or faithful? How did you respond?
  • How can the Holy Spirit help us when we are afraid of change or uncomfortable with its challenges?