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Moses Returns to Egypt
18Moses went to his father-in-law Jethro and asked, “Please let me return to Egypt to see if any of my people are still alive.”
“All right,” Jethro replied. “I hope all goes well.”
19But even before this, the Lord had told Moses, “Leave the land of Midian and return to Egypt. Everyone who wanted to kill you is now dead.” 20So Moses put his wife and sons on donkeys and headed for Egypt, holding the walking stick that had the power of God.
21On the way the Lord said to Moses:
When you get to Egypt, go to the king and work the miracles I have shown you. But I will make him so stubborn that he will refuse to let my people go. 22Then tell him that I have said, “Israel is my first-born son, 23 and I commanded you to release him, so he could worship me. But you refused, and now I will kill your first-born son.”
Zipporah's Son
24One night while Moses was in camp, the Lord was about to kill him. 25But Zipporah circumcised her son with a flint knife. She touched his legs with the skin she had cut off and said, “My dear son, this blood will protect you.” 26So the Lord did not harm Moses. Then Zipporah said, “Yes, my dear, you are safe because of this circumcision.”
Aaron Is Sent
27The Lord sent Aaron to meet Moses in the desert. So Aaron met Moses at Mount Sinai and greeted him with a kiss. 28Moses told Aaron what God had sent him to say; he also told him about the miracles God had given him the power to perform.
29Later they brought together the leaders of Israel, 30and Aaron told them what the Lord had sent Moses to say. Then Moses worked the miracles for the people, 31and everyone believed. They bowed down and worshiped the Lord because they knew that he had seen their suffering and was going to help them.
Reflect
Do you remember being at the waterfront at camp sitting on the beach listening to the lifeguard’s instructions for water safety? Do you remember the one thing that was ultra-important as you entered into the waters? Make sure you have your buddy! Then you would go on your merry way into the designated swim area. But every now and then the whistle would sound and the lifeguard would holler “Buddy check!” Upon this order each swimmer was expected to grab the hand of his/her swimming partner and call out his/her number. We all know how important it is to swim with a buddy. Especially when the waters get rough!
Moses’ mission was no different. He was entering into dangerous waters. To begin with God was asking him to return to a land where he was on the “Most-Wanted” list. Just as a heads up, God warned Moses that Pharaoh was going to give him a hard time. To add insult to injury, Moses’ family would be under the same threat of punishment as Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
Had it not been for some significant “buddies” Moses might have drowned in these overwhelming waters. To begin with, Moses had with him his trusty “walking stick that had the power of God.” And what would he have done without his wife Zipporah’s insightful action? And remember, Moses had almost talked himself out of a job until the Lord suggested that he invite his brother Aaron along. In turn Aaron rallied the Israelite troops to support Moses in his venture.
We all need the support of others around us; a “buddy system”. People who will stand with us and help us keep our heads above water; praying for us, providing practical help and companionship. Who are these people in your life?
Buddy check!
Respond
Lord, thank you for your personal escort through this life. Thank you that you also provide me with those who will completely come alongside me to make sure I make it safely to shore where you are waiting for me on the other side of heaven’s gates. Amen
Lisa Elliott
Lisa Elliott is a popular inspirational speaker and award-winning author of The Ben Ripple; Choosing to Live through Loss with Purpose and Dancing in the Rain. Born and raised in Toronto, ON, Lisa is a graduate of Ontario Bible College (Tyndale). She is a pastor’s wife of over 25 years and mother of four children (3 on earth, 1 in heaven). She has written for Just Between Us Magazine and writes a column for Word Alive Press’s website entitled, Straight from the Heart. Lisa’s passion is to share the life changing truths and principles from God’s Word straight from the heart. She and her husband, David are presently serving the Lord in London, Ontario.