– Scripture:

The Israelite foremen came to Pharaoh and cried out for relief: “Why are you treating your servants like this? Nobody gives us any straw and they tell us, ‘Make bricks!’ Look at us; we’re being beaten. And it’s not our fault.” But Pharaoh said, “Lazy! That’s what you are! Lazy! That’s why you whine, ‘Let us go so we can worship God.’ Well then, go; go back to work. Nobody’s going to give you straw, and at the end of the day you better bring in your full quota of bricks.” The Israelite foremen saw that they were in a bad way, having to go back and tell their workers, “Not one brick short in your daily quota.” As they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting to meet them. The foremen said to them, “May God see what you’ve done and judge you; you’ve made us stink before Pharaoh and his servants! You’ve put a weapon in his hand that’s going to kill us!” Moses went back to God and said, “My Master, why are you treating this people so badly? And why did you ever send me? From the moment I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, things have only gotten worse for this people. And rescue? Does this look like rescue to you?”

                              Exodus 5:15–23 MSG

– Reflection:

                Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh

Moses went to Pharaoh and spoke about what God wanted for His people, who were currently serving Pharaoh. He asked Pharaoh to let God’s people go. However, Pharaoh made it even harder for the Israelites to be freed. In this part of the Bible, it feels like a scene from a movie where the villain ultimately faces consequences for his actions. Pharaoh, acting as if he were a god on earth, boldly challenged God. Because of Moses’ request, the Israelites were punished even more. Reading this, I know how the story ends, but it reminds me of today, where so many people have an inflated ego that makes them feel untouchable. This mindset stifles any potential for personal growth. By trampling on the aspirations of others to elevate oneself, one can never achieve long-term stability. We must honor, humble ourselves, and be honest about the existence of God, who is the true guide of our paths.

Where do we go from here?

Working towards justice is never easy. It can turn people who care about each other into enemies. The pushback from authority and those in power can freeze individuals in fear and prevent positive action. Often, just as the work for justice begins, well-meaning people step back and retreat to the safety and comfort of their lives. Yet, we are called not to turn away from the world’s troubles—not to ignore the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Instead, we might need to become a little uncomfortable ourselves so that others may find comfort. Let us keep in our sightlines the marginalized, the persecuted, and the mistreated, for that is where God often shows up and invites us to join Him as well.

Our Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, stir our hearts and quicken our feet to take action against the injustices in the world. Grant us the courage and strength to support the work you have called us to, guiding us as we strive to build your beloved community. We pray this through your Son, Jesus. Amen.