January 26

Exodus 2:11-3:22, Matthew 17:10-27, Psalm 22:1-18, Proverbs 5:7-14

PRAY: Lord, as I open Your Word today, would You please help me see You at work? Thank You for choosing Moses to lead Your people. He wasn’t a perfect man when You called out to him, and yet You had a tremendous assignment ahead for him. Your disciples were plain, ordinary men, and You made them to become fishers of men. Please make me a blessing to others and help me to live into Your purpose for me.

READ: Moses was taken back when he saw how hard his people, the Hebrews, were forced to work. Growing up in Pharaoh’s palace, manual labor was probably foreign to Moses. And yet, something inside him stirred as he witnessed the plight of his kinsmen. Moses wanted to make a difference, but actually ended up killing an Egyptian in his effort to help the Hebrews. It wasn’t until 40 years later—after fleeing the wrath of Pharaoh—God would call out to Moses from a burning bush. Indeed, God chose Moses to deliver His people. But it would be God’s way.

EDIFY: Once we invite the Lord Jesus into our hearts, He comes to live within us (through the power of His Holy Spirit). A personal relationship with Christ is a wonderful thing. Nothing can compare. But we must remember that the path of Jesus is a road of suffering. More than once, Jesus had to set His disciples straight: “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of His enemies. He will be killed, but on the third day He will be raised from the dead” (Matthew 17:22).

PRACTICE: Although Galilee was a beautiful place and many in that region accepted Jesus’ message, Jerusalem was also part of His itinerary and in time, would be the place of His sacrifice. From the cross Jesus cried out Psalm 22:1, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Do you feel forsaken? Has living for Christ led you to a road of suffering? Jesus knows everything you are going through and He is with you. Hang on. The last chapter has not yet been written. God will receive the glory!