Message Notes

5 August 2014

Text: Exodus 4:18-31

(I) MOSES PREPARES FOR MINISTRY

1. He speaks to Jethro his father-in-law

a) He asks for permission to leave home (Midian) for ministry in Egypt

b) Jethro is fully supportive (Exodus 4:18)

2. He plans to bring Zipporah and his two sons to Egypt with him

a) Specific mention

b) They went along with him

3. He brings with him his shepherd’s rod

a) This would be the rod with which he would perform mighty miracles

b) This rod would become a symbol of Moses’ leadership and authority

(II) GOD’S WORD TO MOSES

1. Information

The previous Pharaoh had died (Exodus 4:19)

The order for the arrest of Moses had also expired with the death of the Pharaoh

2. Instruction

a) To perform the miracles (Exodus 4:21)

b) To speak to Pharaoh and give him a word from the Lord

i) Israel is His firstborn son (Exodus 4:22)

ii) Let Israel go… so that he may serve the Lord (Exodus 4:23)

iii) If there is refusal to obey… God will kill the Pharaoh’s firstborn (Exodus 4:23)

c) Hardening of the heart to be expected

i) Pharaoh will harden his heart

ii) God will also harden his heart (Exodus 4:21)

(III) MOSES’ NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE

1. The Lord sought to kill him

a) Possibly Moses suffered a serious illness

b) His life was in danger

c) This is attributed to the Lord (Exodus 4:24)

2. Zipporah’s response

a) She sensed that this was the hand of God

b) She also suspected that the problem was that Moses’ sons were not circumcised

c) She had them circumcised but with great anger (Exodus 4:25-26)

d) Zipporah took her children back with her to Midian

(IV) GOD’S WORD TO AARON

1. He was informed of Moses’ arrival

2. He was instructed to meet him

(V) RE-UNION OF TWO BROTHERS

1. Moses had a happy re-union with Aaron (Exodus 4:27)

2. Moses updates Aaron concerning his experience with God (Exodus 4:28)

(VI) MEETING WITH THE ELDERS

1. They gathered together

2. Aaron was Moses’ spokesman (Exodus 4:30)

3. Moses performed the signs (Exodus 4:30)

4. Response of the Elders

a) They believed

b) They bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord (Exodus 4:31)