28/09/2017 - HOLY AND NECESSARY TROUBLING

• 
• 
• 
• 

And Moses and Aaron did so, just as the Lord commanded. So he lifted up the rod and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.  Exodus 7.20

This was the beginning of the punishments that came upon Egypt, so that the children of Israel would be set free from captivity in the land of Ham. Moses and Aaron should rise in the morning, go to the place where Pharaoh bathed, and give him the message. The Lord used this sign to teach that He delivers us from any captivity, even if it concerns sickness or sin, suffering or temptation.

Next to the river, they would not only find Pharaoh, but also his servants, friends, and soldiers. In Scriptures, water is the symbol of the Word of God, which cleanses and sanctifies us. Therefore, seek to speak according to it, because if you do so, you will be used to touch people’s hearts, and they will bow before the divine will. But pay attention! Be careful not to take advantage of those who are touched by the Most High. After all, you are a servant.

We do not know if Pharaoh complained of being persecuted. Even in his moment of leisure, they went after him. This shows us that we must speak of the love of God in any circumstance and act with wisdom and steadiness. The purpose of our work is the well-being of others. Thus, we cannot be lazy or do the work only when we desire. Obey Him!

Moses and Aaron were wise, and therefore, they acted in the same way as Jesus taught in the parable of the persistent widow, by troubling the leader of Egypt (Luke 18.1-5). The Lord’s revelation to us must be written, for example, in outdoors, so that even those who are running can see it. We cannot spare resources when preaching the Gospel, since we are talking about lives. If these lives die in sin, they will never be set free from eternal loss. Have mercy, Lord!

The two brothers sent by God did as they were told. There is no reason to fear someone´s annoyance or aggressiveness, nor what they may attempt against us because of our insistence. The worst they can do is offend the Lord. When He sent us, He went ahead of us to fulfill His work. We are only His cooperators. If those who were with Pharaoh rose against those servants, the Most High would keep them from all evil.

The moment was really serious, but the missionary brothers were not intimidated. Before the power of Egypt, Aaron lifted his rod and Moses struck the waters before the eyes of Pharaoh and his servants. How bold! This is the right way to serve God. On the contrary, we will be serving the king of cowardliness and fear. Do not be shy to fulfill what the Lord has ordered you, because He will fulfill His part forever.

The result of their courage and obedience was that all the waters of the river became blood. Pharaoh saw that God was not just pestering him. Whether the lost accept it or not, what is important is that they have their opportunity.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares