Reading: Exodus 6:1-13

Israel complains that God brings them trouble and no deliverance (Exodus 5:22). God patiently responds: you wait and see what I will do to Pharaoh; he will drive you out. God adds “I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty … I established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan” (vs 2-4). God rebukes the Israel’s complaints and distrust.  If they carefully consider God’s faithfulness, they will patiently wait for deliverance. But now they reject it, because God does not immediately deliver. God adds “I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name LORD I was not known to them.” But to Israel He does make known His name LORD.  In other words God’s glory, majesty and care now shine more brightly than during the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were satisfied with limited knowledge of God’s great deeds, but now the Israelites, who much know more, are unthankful.

But God also reassures Moses in vs 5 “I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel.” He remembers His covenant and promises to rescue them with a display of great power. In vs 7 and 8 He reassures Israel: “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God.” He will give them Canaan as a heritage. What great blessings!

Sometimes we feel burdened. Recently a sister told me: life is so difficult; so much pressure, and we can see no end to it. In times like this we must meditate more God’s covenant faithfulness. Since Moses’ time God has revealed much more to us, especially in the work of Jesus Christ on earth. God gives us much more than Canaan; He gives us eternal life. When you feel burdened, focus on God’s covenant blessings. Pray to God to help you in this.

Key verse: Ex 6:8 “And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am the LORD.’ ”

Question: When burdened, do you focus on prayer and meditate on God’s faithfulness?