READ: Exodus 2 (Focus vs. 1–10)
MEMORY VERSE
“Pharaoh’s daughter . . . named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.”” Exodus 2:10
BACKGROUND
Their precise ages are unknown. One was found on the steps of a church; the other knew only that she’d been raised by nuns. Born in Poland during World War II, for nearly eighty years neither Halina nor Krystyna knew about each other.
Then DNA test results revealed them to be sisters and led to a joyful reunion. It also revealed their Jewish heritage, explaining why they’d been abandoned. Evil people had marked the girls for death simply because of their identity.
Imagining a frightened mother who leaves her threatened children where they might be rescued calls to mind the story of Moses. As a Hebrew baby boy, he was marked for genocide (see Exodus 1:22).
His mother strategically placed him in the Nile (2:3), giving him a chance for survival. God had a plan she couldn’t have dreamed of—to rescue His people through Moses.
The story of Moses points us to the story of Jesus. As Pharaoh had sought the murder of Hebrew boys, Herod ordered the slaughter of all the baby boys in Bethlehem (see Matthew 2:13–16).
Behind all such hatred—especially against children—is our enemy the devil. Such violence doesn’t take God by surprise. He had plans for Moses, and He has plans for you and me.
And through His Son, Jesus, He’s revealed His biggest plan—to rescue and restore those who once were His enemies.
By: Tim Gustafson
INSIGHT
Similar to the kindness of Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:6) is the compassion of the Hebrew midwives in the previous chapter. Pharaoh had commanded Shiphrah and Puah to kill any baby boys born to the Hebrew women (1:15–16).
Were there only two midwives? We don’t know, but these two are singled out for their moral courage. The midwives “feared God” and so defied Pharaoh’s vile command (v. 17).
When he confronted them, they lied about it (vv. 18–19). God blessed them for their fear of Him rather than Pharaoh, and for their actions in defense of vulnerable life (v. 21).
By: Tim Gustafson
APPLICATION
How do you see God’s plan at work in your life? In what ways has He rescued you?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
God’s plan for us, oftentimes not visible, is a guarantee. There’s no need entertaining a Plan B.
“”For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”” Jeremiah 29:11
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“…He had plans for Moses, and He has plans for you and me.”
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, there’s so much evil in the world. Thank You for Your rescue. Help me to trust Your perfect plan.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“GOD IS FOR US” CityAlight
We won’t fear the battle,
We won’t fear the night
We will walk the valley
With You by our side
You will go before us,
You will lead the way
We have found a refuge,
Only You can save
Sing with joy now,
Our God is for us
The Father’s love is a strong,
And mighty fortress
Raise your voice now,
No love is greater
Who can stand against us,
If our God is for us
Even when I stumble,
Even when I fall
Even when I turn back,
Still Your love is sure
You will not abandon,
You will not forsake
You will cheer me onward
With never-ending grace
Sing with joy now,
Our God is for us…
Who can stand against us…
Neither height nor depth,
Can separate us
Hell and death will not defeat us
He who gave His son to free us
Holds me in His love…
Sing with joy now,
Our God is for us
READING THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
Judges 7-8
Luke 5:1-16
