God's Power Over Egypt’s Gods

 “The First Clash: God's Power Over Egypt’s Gods”

Text: Exodus 7:8–15

Today we open to Exodus 7:8–15, where we witness the first direct confrontation between the God of the Hebrews and the gods of Egypt. This passage is not just about a miracle—it’s a declaration of war, a cosmic showdown that pits the Creator of heaven and earth against the spiritual forces worshiped in Egypt. This is the first sign, and it carries powerful lessons about God's supremacy, the emptiness of false gods, and what happens when truth meets deception.

Scripture Reading: Exodus 7:8–15 (paraphrased summary)

God tells Moses and Aaron that when Pharaoh asks for a miracle, Aaron is to throw down his staff, and it will become a serpent. Pharaoh’s magicians do the same with their secret arts, but Aaron’s staff swallows up theirs. Still, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened.

God's Power Over Imitation (vv. 10–12)

Aaron throws down his staff, and it becomes a serpent. Pharaoh's magicians, using their "secret arts," imitate the miracle.

This is more than a magic trick. In Egyptian culture, the serpent was a powerful religious symbol. Pharaoh's crown even bore the uraeus—a rearing cobra representing the goddess Wadjet, the protector of Pharaoh and the land of Egypt. For Aaron’s staff to become a serpent and then consume the serpents of the magicians is a direct assault on Wadjet and all she stood for.

• Lesson: God is not impressed or threatened by imitation power.
  False religion and demonic influence can mimic the real thing, but they cannot stand against the authority of the living God. When God acts, there’s no competition—only counterfeit.

The Devouring Staff: A Symbol of Judgment

Aaron’s serpent swallowed up the serpents of the magicians. In ancient Egyptian belief, the act of “swallowing” symbolized dominance, conquest, and judgment. This act wasn't just a magic show—it was a theological statement:

• God was showing that He alone is sovereign—not Pharaoh, not the gods of Egypt.

Among the gods challenged here is Nehebkau, a snake god believed to guard the underworld and be a protector of the king in death. By swallowing the serpents, God is symbolically declaring His authority over life, death, protection, and the afterlife—domains supposedly ruled by gods like Nehebkau.

• Lesson: When God moves, He doesn’t just compete—He conquers.
  The gods of Egypt were being put on trial, and from the first confrontation, they are found powerless before the God of Israel.

Hardened Hearts and Missed Opportunities (v. 13–15)

Despite the miracle and the clear demonstration of power, Pharaoh hardened his heart. He saw the sign, watched his gods be symbolically defeated, and still refused to yield.

• Lesson: Seeing is not always believing.
  Signs alone do not change hearts—obedience and humility do. Pharaoh was not ignorant; he was rebellious. Many today are like Pharaoh—they see evidence of God, but because of pride or comfort or fear, they refuse to submit.

Application

1. Don’t be fooled by spiritual imitations. Test the spirits. Only God’s truth remains.

2. Trust in the power of God even when it seems the enemy has power too. God’s authority will swallow up all opposition in the end.

3. Guard your heart. Pharaoh’s hardness began early. What excuses are you making that keep you from surrendering to God’s will?

The Bottom Line for Us

In this first clash between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt, we are reminded that no matter how entrenched or powerful the opposition seems—God will prevail. He is not one god among many—He is the Lord. The God who turned the staff into a serpent and swallowed up the enemy’s power is still active today, swallowing up pride, falsehood, fear, and idolatry.

Let us not harden our hearts. Let us respond with reverence, obedience, and awe to the One true God.

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, we stand in awe of Your unmatched power. You are the God who confronts falsehood and consumes deception. Teach us to trust in You fully, to reject spiritual counterfeits, and to humble our hearts before You. May we not be like Pharaoh, who saw but did not believe. Help us to walk in truth, in obedience, and in faith. In Jesus' name, amen.

More: Sabbath School EXODUS Lesson 4 - The Plagues

The Name of the LORD: Why do Some Christians Have a Problem with the Name Jesus?

 “The Name of the LORD”

Key Texts: Exodus 3:14; Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9–11

What’s in a Name?

Names have great significance in Scripture. They carry identity, character, purpose, and often a divine revelation. When we speak of the name of the LORD, we are not just talking about pronunciation or syllables—we’re talking about the nature of God Himself.

Today, we’ll look at:

1. The history of God’s names in the Bible.

2. The debate over using the name “Jesus” vs. “Yeshua.”

3. Why what we mean matters more than the precise sound we say.

God’s Names in the Old Testament

The first time God reveals a personal name to Moses is in Exodus 3:14, when He says:

“I AM WHO I AM… Tell them, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

The Hebrew here is Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh, and it reflects the eternal, self-existent nature of God. He simply is.

Soon after, in Exodus 6:3, God adds:

“I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name YHWH I did not make myself fully known to them.”

This sacred name—YHWH, often rendered Yahweh—was considered so holy by the Jews that they would not speak it aloud. Instead, they substituted “Adonai” (Lord) when reading the Scriptures. That tradition carried over into Greek translations like the Septuagint, which used Kyrios (Lord) instead.

Other names and titles of God in the Old Testament include:

• Elohim – God, mighty creator (Genesis 1:1)

• El Shaddai – God Almighty (Genesis 17:1)

• Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14)

• Jehovah Rapha – The Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26)

These names point not just to what God is called, but who He is.

Jesus, Yeshua, and the Greek New Testament

Some Christians today argue that we should only use the name Yeshua, the Hebrew name for Jesus. It’s true that when Jesus walked the earth, His Hebrew name would have sounded like Yeshua, a shortened form of Yehoshua (Joshua), meaning "The LORD saves."

But here's the critical point:
The New Testament was written in Greek, and the inspired authors called Him Iēsous (Ἰησοῦς)—the Greek equivalent of Yeshua.

• In Matthew 1:21, the angel says, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

• In Acts 4:12, Peter boldly declares:

  “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

That name was written in Greek. If it were wrong to call Him anything but Yeshua, then the apostles themselves were wrong—and the Holy Spirit, who inspired Scripture, would have corrected them.

Furthermore, the title Christ (Greek: Christos) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Mashiach (Messiah). Again, the apostles had no problem using a Greek title to proclaim a Hebrew truth.

Did Jesus Object to Being Called by Other Names?

There is no biblical evidence that Jesus ever objected to someone calling Him by the translated or contextual version of His name.

In fact:

• He interacted with Greek-speaking Gentiles (John 12:20–21).

• His followers would go on to proclaim His name across cultures and languages—never insisting on a single linguistic form.

The focus was never how to say the name, but who the name refers to, and whether one believes in who He is.

Jesus Himself said in John 17:6:

“I have revealed Your name to those whom You gave Me out of the world.”

That doesn’t mean He merely spoke God’s name aloud. It means He revealed God’s character, His heart, and His will.

The Heart Behind the Name

God is not confined to language. He is not honored by syllables but by faith and obedience.

As Paul says in Philippians 2:9–11:

“God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”

Whether you say Yeshua, Jesus, Iēsous, or Isa (as in Arabic), what matters most is:

• Are you calling upon the true Savior?

• Are you trusting in His finished work?

• Do you bow your heart before the One who is Lord of all?

Conclusion: Calling on the Name That Saves

Let us never become more concerned with pronunciation than with praise.

Let us remember that “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

And let us proclaim boldly—whether in English, Hebrew, Spanish, or Swahili—that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for revealing Yourself through Your names—Elohim, Yahweh, I AM—and ultimately through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us not to get caught up in debates about language, but to worship You in spirit and truth. May we call upon Your name with reverence, faith, and love, knowing that You hear us, no matter the tongue.
In Jesus’ name we pray—Amen.

Sabbath School Lesson 4: The Plagues

 

EXODUS 

Sabbath School Lesson 4

Rough Start

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for Lesson 4 video here.

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More on Lesson 4:

Sunday: God vs. gods

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No More Excuses: Trusting God’s Call

 

“No More Excuses: Trusting God’s Call”

Text: Exodus 6:28–7:7

Have you ever been so overwhelmed by what God was asking of you that you started making excuses? Maybe you felt too weak, too unqualified, too sinful, too afraid. If so, you’re in good company. Moses, one of the greatest leaders in Scripture, wrestled with those same feelings. But there came a moment when his excuses no longer stood. In Exodus 6:28–7:7, we see how God gently but firmly brings Moses to that moment of surrender.

Let’s explore this passage and reflect on how God deals with our doubts and hesitations—and what excuses we might still be clinging to.

Moses’ Final Protest (Exodus 6:28–30)

“Now when the Lord spoke to Moses in Egypt, he said to him, ‘I am the Lord. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.’ But Moses said to the Lord, ‘Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?’” (Ex. 6:29–30)

This isn't the first time Moses raised this concern. He had already told God back in Exodus 4 that he wasn’t eloquent. Yet here we are again. He’s still hung up on his perceived inadequacy—what he calls “uncircumcised lips,” a poetic way of saying, “I’m not good at speaking. I’m not the right guy.”

Moses is doing what we often do: rehearsing our weaknesses louder than God’s promises.

God’s Response: Reaffirming the Call (Exodus 7:1–2)

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country.’” (Ex. 7:1–2)

God doesn’t argue with Moses. He doesn’t debate his qualifications. He simply restates the plan, this time even more clearly. God appoints Aaron as Moses’ mouthpiece, removing the final excuse.

But did you notice what God says? “I have made you like God to Pharaoh.” What a remarkable statement! Moses, with all his insecurities, is being placed in a position of divine authority. It’s not about Moses’ strength—it’s about God’s power working through him.

God Prepares Moses for the Hard Road Ahead (Exodus 7:3–5)

“But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart... and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand...”

God does not sugarcoat the mission. Pharaoh’s heart will be hard. This won’t be easy. But success isn’t measured by immediate results—it’s measured by obedience and by God's glory revealed.

God prepares Moses not for ease, but for endurance.

Moses Obeys (Exodus 7:6–7)

“Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them.”

This is a turning point. No more excuses. No more back-and-forth. Just obedience.

Even more interesting is the note in verse 7:

“Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.”

You’re never too old to start following God’s call. Moses’ life was just beginning in many ways. When we stop making excuses, God can begin to use us in powerful ways, no matter our age or past.

What Are Our Excuses Today?

Let’s bring this home: what are the excuses we use when God calls us?

• “I’m too young/old.” Moses was 80. God isn't checking your age.

• “I don’t speak well.” God gave Moses Aaron. He gives us help too.

• “I’m too sinful.” God forgives and restores. He doesn’t call the perfect—He perfects the called.

• “People won’t listen to me.” It’s not our job to ensure the outcome—only to obey.

• “I’m afraid.” So was Moses. But God was patient with him and powerful through him.

Whatever your excuse is, God has already made provision for it.

How About Us?

Moses ran out of excuses. And when he finally submitted, God did incredible things through him—not because Moses was strong, but because God was faithful.

What about us? What is God calling you to do? To speak truth where there’s compromise? To forgive where there’s hurt? To serve where there’s a need? To surrender where there’s resistance?

Let us lay down our excuses today.
Let us trust the God who equips the called.
Let us say, as Moses eventually did—not with words, but with action—“Here I am, Lord. I’ll do what You say.”

Prayer:

“Lord, we confess that we often make excuses when You call us. We doubt, we fear, we resist. But You are patient, and You are powerful. Today, help us to surrender our excuses and obey Your voice. Use us, in our weakness, to show Your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

The Lips of Moses: When Hope Fades: God Still Speaks

 “When Hope Fades: God Still Speaks”

Text: Exodus 6:9–13

Have you ever had a moment where you felt like all your trust in God amounted to nothing? A time when you thought you were following God’s plan, only to see things go from bad to worse?

That’s where we find Moses and the Israelites in Exodus 6:9–13. Moses has obeyed God's call to confront Pharaoh, yet instead of deliverance, the suffering of the people increases. And now, God gives Moses another charge—to go again and speak to Pharaoh. But Moses is discouraged, and he uses a strange phrase to express it: “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips.”

What does this moment teach us about disappointment, about struggle, and about continuing to follow God when it feels like everything has failed?

Disappointment Can Mute Our Faith (v. 9)

“Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.” (Exod. 6:9, NIV)

God had just made incredible promises—freedom, redemption, and a new relationship with Him. But the people didn’t listen. Why? Because they were crushed by discouragement and harsh labor.

Lesson:
Even when God's Word is true and powerful, the pain of life can make it hard for us to hear. Disappointment can close our ears to hope. We must recognize that spiritual numbness doesn’t mean God has failed—it means we’re human.

Obedience Doesn’t Always Bring Immediate Success (v. 10–11)

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.’”

This is the second time God tells Moses to confront Pharaoh. The first time had ended in disaster. The natural human instinct would be to back away from trying again. But God calls Moses to continue.

Lesson:
Obedience is not measured by outcomes but by faithfulness. The first attempt didn’t bring success—but God hadn’t changed His plan. Sometimes we must press forward even when nothing seems to work.

“Uncircumcised Lips” — A Picture of Inadequacy (v. 12)

“But Moses said to the Lord, ‘Since I speak with uncircumcised lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?’”

This phrase “uncircumcised lips” appears only here in the Old Testament. It’s a metaphor for being unclean, unworthy, or inadequate. Circumcision represented covenant membership—Moses feels like his mouth isn’t worthy of representing God.

Lesson:
Moses is not just complaining about speech difficulties; he’s expressing deep insecurity. He feels spiritually disqualified. But God doesn’t respond by fixing Moses—He responds by reaffirming the mission.

Encouragement:
God does not depend on your perfection to fulfill His promises. If you feel unworthy or ill-equipped, you are in good company with Moses, Isaiah (“unclean lips”), and Jeremiah (“I am only a youth”).

God’s Patience and Sovereignty (v. 13)

“Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them a command about the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt: He commanded them to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.” (CSB)

God doesn’t rebuke Moses. He simply recommissions him. In God’s plan, there is space for human weakness and divine persistence. God keeps the mission moving forward—even when His messengers falter.

Lesson:
When we are discouraged, God remains determined. When we struggle to trust, God still speaks. Our struggles do not derail His purpose—they become the very platform for His power.

How About Us?

Exodus 6:9–13 is a snapshot of divine calling in the middle of human discouragement. The Israelites couldn’t hear because of pain. Moses couldn’t speak because of fear. But God still speaks. And He still calls.

When life leaves us tired and discouraged—when our words feel weak and our faith feels small—God is not finished.

Let’s remember:

• God's promises are true, even when our pain drowns them out.

• Obedience isn’t about immediate success; it’s about continued trust.

• Feeling unworthy doesn’t disqualify us—because it’s God who qualifies.

• When we can’t hear or speak, God still commands deliverance.

Let Him strengthen you today—not because you’re ready, but because He is faithful.

Prayer:

Lord, in moments of disappointment, speak again. When we feel like we have uncircumcised lips, remind us that You choose the weak to show Your strength. Help us to listen, to obey, and to trust—even when nothing makes sense. Amen.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 3 - Rough Start