Exodus 5:6 That same day Pharaoh gave this order to the slave drivers and overseers in charge of the people:
Today’s verses make me bitter, angry, and frustrated. Moses and Aaron tried to get time for Sabbath for the Israelites, and Pharaoh increased the work needed (make the same number of bricks, but find your own straw). The Israelites, including Moses and Aaron, are frustrated, and I don’t blame them.
Exodus 5:7 “You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw.
But God has a plan, one that they don’t know and can’t understand. One that requires some harshness and unpleasantness to be endured. God is making a way in their wilderness, even if they can’t yet perceive it. They just need to have faith and hang on. That’s often easier said than done.
Exodus 5:8 But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don’t reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’
Lord, I want life to be fair. It’s not. I want obedience to You to be easy. Also, not. What I need is to trust You–Your plan, Your timing, Your sovereignty. Always. Help me to trust. Help me to obey. Help me to endure. Help me to shine Your light. Always. Amen.
Exodus 5:9 Make the work harder for the people so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies.”
Have a blessed day.