Broken Hearts & Stopped Ears

Daily Reading: Exodus 6

Scripture Focus: Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery. Exodus 6:9

Devotional Thought: In this chapter of Exodus, it appears that the mission of Moses to free God’s people from Egyptian slavery isn’t going well. Far from listening to Moses, Pharaoh has responded with anger to his demands, and is now oppressing the Israelites with an even heavier hand. But this is all part of God’s plan, and he is now revealing himself to Moses as he makes promises regarding his people’s salvation.

What did the Lord do and promise to do for his people? To name a few just from this chapter…

• I established my covenant (v4)

• I have remembered my covenant (v5)

• I will bring you out from your burdens (v6)

• I will deliver you (v6)

• I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment (v6)

• I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God (v7)

• I will bring you into the promised land and give it to you for a possession (v8)

Despite these amazing promises, the Israelites did not listen to Moses, “because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery,” (v9). He extends these promises of salvation and redemption to us, as believers in Jesus Christ. What enslaves you, making you unable to hear the truth of God’s promises? Is it pride? Addiction? Fear? Doubt? Greed? Their harsh slavery rendered the Israelites unable to hear the saving words of God. Don't let your burdens break your spirit and stop your ears to the promises of God.

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, free us from the bondage of slavery, the heavy and burdensome yokes that we put upon ourselves. May we fully grasp our freedom in your Son, and throw off the chains that bind us, becoming slaves to righteousness alone! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; 2 my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? 5 All day long they injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil. 6 They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life. (Psalms 56:1-6)