Moses was eighty years old. He had lived a hard life for the last forty years. He was reluctant to return to Egypt. But return he did all because he heard and responded to the call of God. With the call of God behind him and the power of God on him we might anticipate smooth sailing for the seasoned captain of Israel’s ship. Experience and Scripture teach us differently.
Moses returned to Egypt only to be spurned by both Pharaoh and the Israelites. Pharaoh rebuffed him with a tort, “Who is the LORD that I should obey Him by letting Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and what’s more, I will not let Israel go.” (5: 2). In fact Pharaoh retaliated and worsened the working conditions of the Israelites. Now the leaders of his own people were displeased with Moses and they did not hesitate to let it show (5: 19 – 21). Moses’ shock drove him back to the Lord with new questions. When he tried once again to challenge Israel they did not listen to him because of their broken spirit and hard labor (6: 9). And what did God say about Pharaoh? “I will harden [his] heart (7: 3).
H. A. Ironside was right when he observed in the last century, “Anyone who has been in the ministry half an hour knows the wrath of the dragon.” I don’t know what army you enlisted in but the one I signed up for demands I fight the good fight for the faith (1 Tim. 6: 12). It’s always darkest before the dawn and the opposition is often greatest just before the greatest victory. If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited (Prv. 24: 10).
Following Jesus isn’t for sissies. The Christian life is not a wimpy life. It’s not tough. It’s impossible without the omnipotent power which coursed through Moses veins and begs to be released in us. When God is for us and all others against us then we will hear Him say, “Now you are going to see what I will do” (6: 1).