Revolution and Deliverance

But I know that the king of Egypt will not permit you to go, except under compulsion. (Exodus 3:19)

When I get a "good idea" but my boss doesn't see it in the same light, my natural inclination is to find some way to make it happen. This is not the approach that Moses was told to use. Pharaoh was not compelled to release the Israelites because of a revolution.

Not many of us think of prayer and seeking God's intervention when our authority disagrees with us. It seems like the normal response of human beings is to demand their way and to find a way to get their way. So, we get a cycle of demands -- the authority demands and threatens while those who are supposed to be obeying are finding creative ways to do what they want and satisfy their demands. So, there are more demands, threats, complaints and rebellion. If he has enough power, a tyrant will arise. If not, the people will revolt and get their way.

What a contrast to God's way of willing submission to authority and authority that acts in love depending on voluntary submission. The ideal of God's way depends first of all on willing submission born out of trust in Him to work in and through the authority. Secondly, the ideal situation exists when the authority desires God's best for those he is leading. Yet, the deliverance of the Israelites demonstrates that whether our role involves leading or following, we can seek God's way and direction, and expect His power in all our relationships even if the other party has the wrong motives and approach. The ideal may not happen but God will work.

It was God who put the Israelites under the authority of the king of Egypt and it was God who released them from that authority. The King of Egypt was compelled to let the Israelites go. But, the compulsion did not come from the Israelites. They repeatedly asked but God was the one who moved Pharaoh’s heart. The Israelites did not come out by revolution but by deliverance.

Project:

As a follower, let's ask God for more faith in Him to work in our boss, parent, church leader or husband. Rather than seeking change by rebellion and revolution, let's commit to asking to God work on and through our authorities.

As a leader, let's ask God for more understanding and love for those we lead. Rather than demanding obedience through power, let's seek God's power to love with His love.

Lord, we can not do either of these things without your power. Help us, Lord!