Sizing Up the Problem

Scripture: They said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness so we can worship our God lest he strike us with either disease or death.” Exodus 5:3

Observation: The stage is set for Moses to pursue the release of Israel from Pharoh, yet that isn't even what he first asks for. He doesn't ask for total release, he asks for ... a three-day weekend. It is to this simple request that Pharoh not only says no, but even gets angry and punishes all of Israel for asking.

This is the true size of the challenge ahead. Of course Pharoh wouldn't simply allow several hundred thousand slaves to walk away free. The economy of Egypt was based on slave labor, so saying "let us go" was a non-starter. But Pharoh won't even allow them to take a break to worship their God. There is no possible break in store for them, ever. This is the problem against which God will contend and win ... not one large problem like commanding Pharoh to release slaves, but one problem so huge that something miniscule by comparison is a total non-starter for Pharoh.

Application: I often think about the HUGE problems we have on earth, and wonder how God could overcome them. Well, I may wonder 'how', but I should never wonder 'if', because the Lord has proven his ability to overcome totally impossible problems. He doesn't just take on an issue, he takes on issues so massive that the tiny trial-run, inconsequential version of that problem is itself impossible.

I don't know what God's going to do about the problems in our world. They are massive. What I do know is that he is totally capable of fixing everything. He will decide how to do it. I just need to participate however he decides - which might even be just watching in awe - and worship the Lord both before, during, and after he acts.

Prayer: Lord, you are the great and mighty Lord God, creator of heaven and earth. You wield your mighty arm as you wish, and nations tumble. I celebrate how you will overcome these tremendous problems we have, and I don't celebrate after the work is complete, but now even when it seemingly hasn't begun. You have sized up the problem for us, and we know it is massive, which only makes your victory all the more amazing. Hallelujah! Amen.