
Scripture: Aaron spoke all the words that the LORD had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped. Exodus 4:31-31 ESV
Observation: With Zipporah acting swiftly to avert God’s wrath by circumcising their son, Moses and his family continue their journey to Egypt to begin the Lord’s mission of rescuing Israel from Pharaoh’s oppression. Along the way, they encounter another delay, but this time a welcomed one. Directed by Yahweh, Aaron ventures into the wilderness to meet with Moses and finds him at Mount Sinai, where they greet each other with a kiss (a sign of affection and peace). After sharing with Aaron all that the Lord commanded him, Moses, his family, and Aaron continue the journey to Goshen and convocate all God’s people. (4:27-19) And, as the Lord promised Moses (4:16), Aaron would hear Moses’ words as that of God and then disseminate them to Israel (verse 30 above). And the people believed, bowed, and worshipped Yahweh (verse 31 above).
Takeaway: The Lord graciously provided signs through Aaron to authenticate that Aaron’s words were from the Lord. And the message conveyed assurances that he knows (sees) their suffering and is present with them—a promise that would echo through biblical history and manifest at the epoch of time in the Son of God. And those who believed would also bow down in reverence and worship Christ.
Not much has changed over the past two millennia. Those who reject the message (as did Pharaoh) detest the notion of bowing down and worshipping Yahweh and his Son. Still, one day when Christ returns, all knees will bow, and all tongues will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). But for now, for those of us who believe that Immanuel is with us and even more so “in us,” his hopeful message is the same: I know your afflictions, the oppression you suffer from sin, and I will deliver you. Our response? Believe his promise, bow, and worship him.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for sending us your Son, who is the fulfillment of your promise for deliverance. Would you please help us to cooperate with your Holy Spirit to grow in our faith: relying on you (believe), walking humbly with you (bow), and glorifying you (worship)? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
Leave a Reply