The Life of Moses the Prophet, Part 5

The lecture discusses the story of Moses, Pharaoh, and the people of Israel, explaining that Pharaoh was not merely a historical person but also a symbol of a certain type of heart in its relationship with God. Pharaoh was afraid of God’s plagues, but he did not possess the fear of God in the sense of reverence, awe, and obedience, and therefore he returned to his old nature whenever the danger disappeared. The lecture also explains the difference between repentance through words and true repentance that is demonstrated through a change of heart and behavior. Pharaoh would say that he had sinned and would ask for prayers on his behalf, but his repentance was temporary and outward because he did not change inwardly.

Spiritual Message

The lecture explains that God’s grace visits a person and works with him, but the person must also work with grace and respond to it with his heart. Pharaoh experienced the work of grace many times, but he did not cooperate with it, and therefore his knowledge of God did not become a genuine spiritual life. The lecture also shows that merely saying, “I have sinned,” is not enough if the words do not come from a sincere heart that desires change. True repentance is not merely a reaction during a time of danger, but a continuous inner transformation.

Educational Lesson

The lecture then moves to the people of Israel, explaining that they came out of Pharaoh’s slavery but did not immediately enter the blessings of Canaan, because coming out of sin represents the negative side, while entering into God’s love and enjoying Him represents the positive side. The people remained hesitant in the wilderness, to the point that they desired to return to Egypt when they faced hardship. Their faith was superficial; they rejoiced when they heard God’s promises, but they complained when hardship came, showing that their relationship with God was sometimes connected more to benefit than to love.

Practical Application

The lecture emphasizes the necessity of having a deep and steadfast faith, especially one that becomes evident during times of hardship. A person should not look only at visible circumstances, but needs to trust in God’s work even when he does not understand His ways. God’s method may initially appear to produce the opposite result, as happened when Moses first spoke to Pharaoh and the people’s suffering increased, but the matter ultimately led to salvation. Therefore, a person needs faith, patience, and waiting on the Lord instead of complaining, becoming disturbed, or returning to the old life.

The lecture also highlights Moses’ role in leading the people. He was broad-hearted and able to endure their mistakes, while God dealt with the people with love, patience, tenderness, and wisdom, rather than treating them according to what they deserved. The lecture points out that Moses asked God when he was troubled, but he did not doubt Him, whereas the people complained when hardship came. It also emphasizes that the power was not in the rod itself, but in the hand holding it, in the faith moving that hand, and in the power of God working through it. Ultimately, the lecture focuses on the fact that the inner slavery of the heart—sin, desires, and doubts—can be harder than external slavery; therefore, true salvation requires a change of heart, not merely an escape from difficult circumstances.

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