Exodus 5:22–6:13 “When Facing a Headwind”

Exodus 5:22-6:13 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Do It Again – Elevation Worship
• Way Maker – Leeland
• God of Justice – Tim Hughes

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• VeggieTales | Why Should I Listen? | A Lesson in Looking & Listening – Lesson for Kids (Long Version: ~16min.)
• Bible story “I’m Listening” | Primary Year D Quarter 4 Episode 4 | Gracelink – Lesson for Kids (Boy Samuel. Short Version: ~5min.)
• Whole Lotta Change | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• I Have Decided | Cave Quest VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• I’m All In | Cave Quest VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Confronted by the strong protest of the Hebrew foremen, Moses returns home and cries out to God (5:22–23). Moses had expected immediate results once he acted. But reality proved to be the opposite. Since stepping forward, the situation had only got worse. Moses felt God had broken His promise and was “not at all concerned with rescuing His people.”

In response, the Lord tells Moses that he will now see what God is about to do (6:1). God reassures Moses that He will lead the Israelites to the land of Canaan, just as He had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (6:2–8). That land, where the patriarchs had once “lived as foreigners for a time” (v.4), would now become their own. The Lord declares His covenantal promise: “I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God” (v.7).

As He speaks, the Lord repeatedly says, “I am the Lord” (6:2, 6, 8). This is a reminder to Moses of who is speaking—the one and only, almighty Creator God who appeared to him at Mount Horeb and revealed Himself as Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh (“I Am Who I Am” or “I Am”). Since God is the One who speaks and makes a promise, there is no room for doubt.

Encouraged by God’s word, Moses gathers the Israelites and delivers the Lord’s message to them. But the people, disheartened and overwhelmed by fear, refused to listen (v.9). Discouraged again by the Israelites’ cold response, Moses is hesitant. Then the Lord commands Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of His people (vv.10–11). Moses protests, saying, “If I can’t even persuade my own people, how could I possibly persuade Pharaoh?” In this moment, Moses is again reminded of his lack of eloquence and ability to speak convincingly (v.12). In response, the Lord appoints Aaron as his spokesman (v.13).

Meditation:

Moses was probably not surprised by Pharaoh’s negative response; after all, such resistance could have been expected. However, the negative reaction from the Hebrew foremen likely caused deep disappointment and emotional pain. Moses had accepted God’s calling, taken great personal risk, and traveled a long distance—not for his own benefit, but for theirs. And yet, instead of understanding or gratitude, they responded with blame and rejection. Overwhelmed with discouragement, Moses turned to God and poured out his complaint with words tinged with frustration.

Many missionaries and pastors experience similar moments. Those called to serve others within the church must be prepared for these situations. When following God’s call means giving up personal comfort and happiness to serve the congregation, it can be especially painful to face misunderstanding, criticism, or slander from the very people they seek to serve. In such moments, it’s easy to cry out in protest: “If You called me to this work, shouldn’t You take responsibility until the end?” or “Why did You send me here?” or “Why did You give me this task?”

All believers are priests and missionaries. Each of us is called to live out God’s purpose in our own context—in our families, churches, or workplaces. We are to live, not for our own gain or happiness, but for God’s will and for the sake of others. When we do this, it’s inevitable that we may face misunderstanding, criticism, or gossip from those we are trying to serve. In such headwinds, we may feel like saying, as someone once did, “God, I’m tired of believing. I want to quit.” It’s tempting to withdraw and say, “Why bother getting involved? I should just mind my own business.”

But the fact that even Moses felt this way is deeply comforting. And it is a great comfort, too, that God listens even to our complaints and cares for us in our weakness.

Prayer:

Lord, we remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Help us to serve more deeply and humbly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When misunderstanding, criticism, or slander shake our hearts, strengthen our faith to believe that You will lead us to the end. Keep us from turning back on the path of service and dedication. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God calls us to serve others, even when it’s hard. Like Moses, we may feel discouraged, but God listens and helps us continue.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What would you do if someone didn’t listen when you were trying to help them?
  • Have you ever felt sad or discouraged while doing the right thing? What helped you?
  • What can you say to God when you feel upset, like Moses?
    
• For Youth
  
  
  • Why do you think Moses was more hurt by the Hebrews than by Pharaoh?
  • Have you ever experienced “headwinds” (pushback or criticism) while serving others? How did it affect your faith?
  • How can Galatians 6:9 encourage you when you feel like giving up?