To Kill the Man He Sent
Read it Aloud: And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him (Exodus 4:24-27).
Ponder it Prayerfully: Continuing on in our study of Exodus: The chapter takes an interesting turn at this point, one that for some reason many people miss. For some reason, God was angry with Moses. The story that follows is what we can conclude to be the reason for God’s anger. Moses was supposed to lead the Israelites, yet his son was not circumcised – this was a command that all the Israelites had to follow (Genesis 17:12). His wife had to circumcise their son, and out of anger for his neglect to do the duty of a father, she left him.
As Matthew Henry says:
God met Moses in anger. The Lord threatened him with death or sent sickness upon him, as the punishment of his having neglected to circumcise his son. When God discovers to us what is amiss in our lives, we must give all diligence to amend it speedily. This is the voice of every rod; it calls us to return to Him that smites us. God sent Aaron to meet Moses. The more they saw of God’s bringing them together, the more pleasant their interview was. The elders of Israel met them in faith, and were ready to obey them. It often happens, that less difficulty is found than was expected, in such undertakings as are according to the will of God, and for his glory. Let us but arise and try at our proper work, the Lord will be with us and prosper us. If Israel welcomed the tidings of their deliverance, and worshipped the Lord, how should we welcome the glad tidings of redemption, embrace it in faith, and adore the Redeemer!
Be A Doer (James 1:22): When God tells us to do something, we must do it. We cannot expect to hold an office in the service of the Lord if we are not being obedient to Him. Yes, there are many false teachers out there, but those whom He has chosen must hold to His standard of holiness, and continually live in obedience to Him. James, knowing this, says that there should be few teachers, because teachers receive greater judgment. This is because leadership positions wield an immense ability to influence the masses and should therefore not be taken lightly. People who lead others in worship should be of pure hearts and should not stand in front of a congregation and expect to usher them into God’s presence if they are not right with God. It is also dangerous for us to take Holy Communion if our hearts are not right (1 Corinthians 11:27-31).
It is after Moses’ son is circumcised that Aaron then meets him, and his ministry truly begins. As Christians, and given the Great Commission, all of us are in ministry and therefore should live obedient lives. Jesus said that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15).
Hide It In Your Heart (Psalm 119:11): For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. (Matthew 12:50).
Pray It Personally: Father in heaven, give me an obedient heart, and teach me to do Your will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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