Once again, this whole reading through the Bible chronologically this year has been great. No matter how many times a person has read the Bible or how well they think they know the stories, it is always possible to glean something new. God's Word is alive and active!
As I was reading through the story of Moses' call to return to Egypt and deliver the Israelites from the hand of Pharoah, I was struck anew by some points. I don't know why, but I have had it in my mind that Moses went alone before meeting up with Aaron. However, the Word actually tells that his wife and children went with him. For Moses, in many ways, it was like going home, though tension was expected because of how he had left. For his wife and children, though, it was a whole new unfamiliar world.
Aaron coming to meet them was likely comforting for Moses but uncomfortable for his wife. Thankfully though she had someone she knew and someone who would be on their side. But what was life like for Zipporah?
Was she at home all day? Did she have any friends? How did she encourage Moses when he came home at the end of the day after a bad encounter with Pharoah? Was she able to set aside her own loneliness to encourage him to keep doing what God had commanded? As Pharoah put more pressure on the people and the people resented Moses even coming, did she struggle more with any relationships she did have? Was she bitter at any point and suggest that they leave? Did she create a haven for Moses to come to at night where he could truly rest?
Did Moses at any point think about throwing in the towel because of the toil it was taking on his family? Did he ever think of turning back with them, when he would have certainly stayed on his own? Did he ever wish they were not with him in the midst of the plagues?
How would I have reacted to everything if I had been Zipporah? Would I have been a sustaining force for my husband? Or would I have been an excuse for him to back out? Wherever we are, am I being that support for my husband to continue the job that God has given him, to bring the message of deliverance to a people that are crying out to God and the message of pending judgement to those who do not fear God?
About Me
- Lisa
- Hello, I am a mother of three living with my husband in Africa. I have been blogging for seven years but still find myself very technologically challenged. I make lots of mistakes, but life is a journey. Come join me on the journey!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Unexpected!
We did lots of traveling in the month of January. One night as we were actually here in Shreveport, we were having dinner with some friends and another family. During the course of the evening, we were getting to know this other family and the connections that they have with out country. We shared funny moments as well as precious stories about the people where we live. They informed us that there is a woman from our country in our town. I had no reason to doubt this couple but also found the idea of people from our country living here completely surprising.
So the next day, I am anxious to find out if this is true. I went to the place that these new friends had told me about to find this woman. I walked in and hesitantly began to greet her in her language. She almost exploded with joy hugging me and chatting for quite a while. In that time, she told me that she was working at this place for a friend of hers. She also told me about a shop that her friend's husband has just down the street. We had a nice conversation but I still could hardly believe it.
So a little while later that afternoon, my husband and I went to go find the little shop. My husband and the man talked in both languages, though mostly English as the man has been in the states for about 20 years. We chatted a bit more and ended with talking about getting together some time.
Surprise! Two days later the man called and invited us over for dinner with his family. We gladly accepted. The man and his wife were to greet us into their home. Their son was there and invited our children to watch TV with him. The wife was dressed in clothing from our country. The food was authentic. The juice they had to drink was authentic. If it had not been for the English mixed into the conversation, I would have had to remind myself where I was, because the feeling was so familiar.
We had a wonderful evening of food and conversation. We will look forward to getting back together with this family in the next few months. A very unexpected surprise!
So the next day, I am anxious to find out if this is true. I went to the place that these new friends had told me about to find this woman. I walked in and hesitantly began to greet her in her language. She almost exploded with joy hugging me and chatting for quite a while. In that time, she told me that she was working at this place for a friend of hers. She also told me about a shop that her friend's husband has just down the street. We had a nice conversation but I still could hardly believe it.
So a little while later that afternoon, my husband and I went to go find the little shop. My husband and the man talked in both languages, though mostly English as the man has been in the states for about 20 years. We chatted a bit more and ended with talking about getting together some time.
Surprise! Two days later the man called and invited us over for dinner with his family. We gladly accepted. The man and his wife were to greet us into their home. Their son was there and invited our children to watch TV with him. The wife was dressed in clothing from our country. The food was authentic. The juice they had to drink was authentic. If it had not been for the English mixed into the conversation, I would have had to remind myself where I was, because the feeling was so familiar.
We had a wonderful evening of food and conversation. We will look forward to getting back together with this family in the next few months. A very unexpected surprise!
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