Rough Start for Moses: When Obedience Makes Things Worse Before They Get Better

 

When Obedience Makes Things Worse Before They Get Better

Text: Exodus 5:3–23
Key Verse: “May the Lord look on you and judge you! You have made us obnoxious to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.” – Exodus 5:21 (NIV)

Have you ever obeyed God—and immediately regretted it?

Not because it was the wrong thing to do, but because the consequences felt worse than before you obeyed?

In Exodus 5:3–23, Moses and Aaron finally stand before Pharaoh with a divine message: “Let my people go.” But what follows is not a triumphant breakthrough—it’s backlash. Pharaoh not only refuses but intensifies Israel’s suffering. And the people? They turn their anger on Moses and Aaron.

It’s one of those moments when doing the right thing seems to make life worse. But in that painful tension, God is at work.

The Immediate Outcome of Obedience (vv. 3–19)

Moses and Aaron obey God’s command. They speak directly to Pharaoh:

“The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God…” (v.3)

But Pharaoh’s reaction is harsh and proud:

• He dismisses their God (v.2).

• He accuses them of distracting the Israelites from their work (v.4–5).

• He punishes the people by increasing their labor—no more straw for bricks, but the same daily quota (v.6–9).

Obedience triggered resistance.

And not just resistance from Pharaoh—but pain for the people of God. That’s a hard pill to swallow. We often expect obedience to result in blessing, clarity, and ease. But the pattern of Scripture—and real life—often shows that obedience first leads us into hardship, not out of it.

The People’s Reaction to Moses and Aaron (v. 21)

The foremen of Israel, beaten and blamed for falling short, meet Moses and Aaron and say:

“May the Lord look on you and judge you! You have made us obnoxious to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.” (v.21)

In modern words: “Thanks a lot. You’ve made our lives even worse. You’ve given Pharaoh a reason to destroy us.”

Now imagine yourself in their place:

• You were already suffering.

• Someone promises deliverance.

• And the result? More pain.

Wouldn’t you be angry too? Wouldn’t you feel betrayed, confused, even resentful?

It’s easy to judge their words, but honesty compels us to admit we might have said the same.

Moses’ Desperation and Honest Prayer (vv. 22–23)

Moses turns to God—not in praise, but in protest:

“Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me?... You have not rescued your people at all.” (vv.22–23)

This is the raw, painful heart of a man who obeyed—and saw everything get worse.

Yet here’s the lesson: God does not rebuke Moses. He listens. And in the next chapter, He reaffirms His covenant, His power, and His plan (Exodus 6:1–8).

God can handle our honest prayers. He invites us to bring confusion, pain, and protest to Him.

Lessons for Today

1. Obedience may lead to opposition.
   Don’t assume that doing God’s will means a smooth path. In fact, opposition can be a sign that you’re right where God wants you.

2. God sees beyond the immediate.
   Pharaoh’s cruelty didn’t catch God off guard. In fact, God told Moses in Exodus 3:19–20 that Pharaoh would resist. The pain was part of the process.

3. People may blame you for doing the right thing.
   Moses and Aaron weren’t wrong—but they were targets of anger. Sometimes, the cost of leadership is being misunderstood. Be faithful anyway.

4. God honors honest prayer.
   When the road gets rough, take your pain to God. Don’t pretend. He welcomes honesty and responds with reassurance.

The encounter in Exodus 5 reminds us that following God doesn’t always yield instant results. Sometimes obedience brings struggle, and the people we hope to help may turn against us. But this isn’t the end of the story.

God is not silent. He is setting the stage for deliverance. The oppression gets worse—but that’s because freedom is drawing near.

So if you're in a place where obedience seems to have made things harder, take heart: God is still writing the story. What looks like a step back is often a setup for a mighty act of deliverance.

Keep trusting. Keep obeying. And keep praying.
Because God sees. And He will act—with a mighty hand.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 3 - Rough Start

I Do Not Know the Lord

“I Do Not Know the Lord”

Text: Exodus 5:1–2

In Exodus 5, Moses and Aaron deliver a bold and divine message to Pharaoh:

“Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’” (Exod. 5:1)

But Pharaoh’s reply is defiant and dismissive:

“Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” (Exod. 5:2)

This short exchange is a collision of two worldviews: God’s authority versus human pride. And Pharaoh’s response reveals more than a personal refusal—it reflects the heart of rebellion that still resists God today.

Pharaoh’s Response: Rejection and Ignorance

Pharaoh responds with two declarations:

1. “Who is the Lord?”
   Pharaoh didn’t deny gods existed—he had a whole pantheon of them. But Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, was unknown to him. He saw no reason to submit to this foreign deity.

2. “I do not know the Lord… I will not let Israel go.”
   This wasn’t just ignorance—it was willful ignorance. Pharaoh’s heart was proud and closed. His mind was made up before he heard the message.

Significance:

• Pharaoh’s rejection highlights the natural human resistance to God’s rule.

• It foreshadows the hardening of his heart throughout the plagues.

• It sets the stage for God to make Himself known—through mighty acts that will answer Pharaoh’s question: “Who is the Lord?”

The World Still Says: “I Don’t Know the Lord”

Many today echo Pharaoh’s words—not always in anger or defiance, but in confusion, indifference, or ignorance:

• “I don’t know the Lord.”

• “Why should I obey Him?”

• “How do I even know He’s real?”

Sometimes this comes from arrogance, like Pharaoh. But often, it comes from lack of experience with God’s truth and love. And here is where we enter the picture.

Our Response to Those Who Don’t Know the Lord

1. Be Patient and Compassionate.
Not everyone is Pharaoh. Some genuinely don’t know God because they’ve never seen Him modeled. We can be the first glimpse of God’s love they encounter.

“Always be prepared to give an answer… with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

2. Point Them to the Lord Through Your Life.
Pharaoh needed to see God’s power. Many today need to see God’s love—through us.

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)

3. Speak Boldly—but Humbly—About Who God Is.
Moses didn’t back down from Pharaoh. And we shouldn’t shrink from speaking about our faith. But like Moses, we can speak with humility, knowing it’s God who works through us.

4. Pray for God to Reveal Himself.
Ultimately, only God can change hearts. He can show Himself to those who say, “I don’t know the Lord”—just as He revealed Himself in Egypt.

The Lord Will Make Himself Known

Pharaoh said, “I don’t know the Lord.”
By the end of the story, he knew. All of Egypt knew. The plagues, the Passover, the parting of the sea—all answered Pharaoh’s question.

But let’s not miss this: God wanted to be known not just as Judge, but as Deliverer. And that’s the same heart God has today.

“This is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” (John 17:3)

When the World Doesn’t Know God

So what do we do when someone says, “I don’t know the Lord”?
We don’t argue them into faith. We show them. We live out the truth. We speak with grace. And we pray that the Lord who revealed Himself in Egypt will also reveal Himself to them—through His Word, His Spirit, and even through us.

Let’s be people who know the Lord—and make Him known.

Prayer:

Lord, we live in a world where many say, “I don’t know the Lord.” Help us be vessels of Your love and truth. Teach us to respond with grace, boldness, and compassion. And may those who don’t know You come to know You through Jesus, Your Son, our Savior. Amen.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 3 - Rough Start

When Excuses Sound Reasonable: Trusting God’s Call

 

"When Excuses Sound Reasonable: Trusting God’s Call"

Text: Exodus 3:11–4:17

Have you ever felt unqualified for something important—something bigger than you? Maybe you were asked to lead, to speak up, to take on a role you didn’t feel ready for. Most of us have. And in those moments, we often offer what seem like perfectly reasonable excuses.

Moses did the same. In fact, his objections to God’s call are so familiar, so human, that we might be tempted to sympathize with him completely.

But the story of Moses shows us something powerful: God is not interested in how qualified we feel. He’s interested in what He can do through us—if we trust Him.

Reasonable Excuses, Divine Response

Let’s look at Moses' objections in Exodus 3–4:

1. “Who am I?” (Ex. 3:11)
   Moses begins with a deep sense of inadequacy. He’s a shepherd, not a diplomat. He tried to help his people once and failed.

   God’s reply? “I will be with you.”
   God doesn’t boost Moses’ ego; He shifts the focus. The success of the mission won’t depend on who Moses is, but on who God is.

2. “What if they don’t believe me?” (Ex. 4:1)
   A fair question—after all, Moses had no official credentials.

   God responds by giving him signs—a staff turned to a snake, a leprous hand healed, water turned to blood.
   In other words, God equips him with more than words: He provides evidence of divine backing.

3. “I am slow of speech and tongue.” (Ex. 4:10)
   Moses is convinced he’s the wrong man for a speaking job.

   God replies, “Who gave human beings their mouths?” and promises, “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

4. “Please send someone else.” (Ex. 4:13)
   At the core of all his excuses is fear and reluctance.

   God becomes angry—but even then, He accommodates Moses by sending Aaron to speak for him.

Each time Moses gives an excuse, God doesn’t say the concern is totally false—but He reminds Moses that the call isn’t based on human ability. It’s based on divine power and presence.

Lessons for Us Today

1. God Calls Imperfect People.
   The Bible is full of them—Abraham the doubter, David the sinner, Jeremiah the weeping prophet, Peter the denier, Paul the persecutor. Why? Because God delights in showing His strength through human weakness.

2. Excuses Often Reveal Fear, Not Fact.
   Moses’ excuses sounded logical, but underneath was fear. That same fear grips us—fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of not being enough. But faith begins where fear ends—with trusting God more than our own perceptions.

3. God Provides What We Need—When We Obey.
   God didn’t give Moses everything up front. As Moses stepped forward in obedience, God supplied what he needed. It’s the same with us. Provision often follows obedience.

4. God’s Presence is Enough.
   The answer to every excuse was the same: “I will be with you.” That’s the same promise Jesus gave to His disciples in Matthew 28:20—“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Trusting the God Who Calls

If we only followed God’s call when we felt fully ready, few of us would ever take the first step. But the call of God doesn’t depend on our confidence; it depends on His presence and power.

So, what is God asking of you today?
Is He calling you to step out in ministry, to serve, to lead, to speak, to forgive, to change direction?

You might have a list of reasons why you can’t. Moses did too.
But in God’s hands, even the most ordinary person can do extraordinary things.

Let’s lay down our excuses and pick up trust.
Let’s believe that the One who calls us is faithful—and He will do it.

“Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Prayer:

Lord, You know our hearts. You know our fears, our doubts, and the excuses we carry. Help us lay them down at Your feet. Teach us to trust not in our ability but in Your power. Use us, Lord, not because we are able, but because You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.

More: EXODUS - Sabbath School Lesson 2 - The Burning Bush

Sabbath School Lesson 3: Rough Start

 

EXODUS 

Sabbath School Lesson 3

Rough Start

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

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> Download the notes for Lesson 3 video here.

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More on Lesson 2:

Sunday: Who is the LORD

Monday: Rough Start

Friday Further Thought: "I Don't Know the Lord"

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I do not Know the LORD

 

“That I May Know Him”

Text: Exodus 5:1–2
“Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.” Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.”’”

What would you say to someone who says, “I do not know the Lord”? Not in rebellion, not in mockery, but simply in honesty?
That question was asked long ago by Pharaoh—though his version was full of pride and resistance. But what about today, when someone says it out of confusion, curiosity, or even sadness? “I don’t know the Lord.”

Today, I want us to walk through how God responded to that statement in Exodus and how we can lovingly respond to those who say it today.

Pharaoh’s Words: “I Do Not Know the Lord”

Pharaoh’s statement in Exodus 5:2 was blunt: “I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go.”
It was not a question, but a challenge. He saw himself as a god-king. The God of the Hebrews meant nothing to him.

But here’s the key truth: God took that statement seriously—and personally.

Through the plagues and the mighty acts of deliverance, God essentially said, “You will know who I am.” Over and over, God said, “So that you may know that I am the Lord.”

Pharaoh came to know about God through judgment. But it doesn’t have to be that way for others.

What if Someone Today Says, “I Don’t Know the Lord”?

What if a friend, a coworker, a family member says the same words—not with Pharaoh’s arrogance, but with sincere honesty?

It’s more common than you think.

They may not have grown up in church.
They may have heard of God but never met Him.
They may feel unworthy, or unsure where to begin.

Here’s where we come in—not to scold or preach at them, but to gently introduce them to the God we know.

Helping Others Know the Lord

Moses had a mission: to speak on behalf of God, even when it was difficult. We are called to the same.

Here’s how we help others know the Lord:

• Tell Your Story – Share what God has done in your life. People may not understand theology, but they can’t deny your testimony.

• Point Them to Jesus – Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). To know the Lord is to know Jesus.

• Be Patient – God was patient with Moses when he had questions, and He was persistent with Pharaoh even in his rebellion.

• Live What You Speak – Let them see the Lord through your actions, peace, kindness, and integrity.

• Pray for Them – Only the Holy Spirit can open someone’s heart. Never underestimate what your quiet prayers can do.

Why It’s So Important to Know the Lord

Why should someone want to know the Lord?

Because to know the Lord is:

• To walk in truth, not confusion

• To live with hope, not despair

• To find grace instead of guilt

• To experience love that never fails

Jesus said in John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Eternal life is not just about heaven—it's about relationship. It starts now. Knowing the Lord is not about religion, it’s about life—real life.

If someone tells you, “I don’t know the Lord,” don’t panic. That’s a starting place. It’s honest. And it’s where we all once were.

Pharaoh resisted God and was brought low. But others—like the woman at the well, the thief on the cross, or Saul on the Damascus road—came to know the Lord through grace.

Let us be like Moses: willing to speak, even when it’s uncomfortable. Willing to go where God sends us. Willing to be part of God’s plan to help someone say one day, “Now I know the Lord.”

If you’re here today and those words—“I don’t know the Lord”—feel true of you, I invite you to take a step. Ask. Seek. Knock.
God wants to be known. He has revealed Himself in Jesus. And He’s not far from any one of us.

As the Scripture says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

Moses, Zipporah, Circumcision: The Lord Who Will Not Be Ignored

 "The Lord Who Will Not Be Ignored"

Text: Exodus 4:18–31

The Strange Passage

Let’s be honest—Exodus 4:18–31 is one of the strangest, most jarring passages in the Old Testament. One moment, Moses is on his way to obey God’s call, and the next, God seeks to kill him. Then Zipporah, Moses' wife, steps in and circumcises their son, touching Moses with the foreskin and saying, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.” What’s going on here?

We might be tempted to skip past passages like this—but we must remember that every word of Scripture is inspired and profitable (2 Tim. 3:16). So today, we will walk through this story, consider its background, and find its message for us today.

The Journey Begins (vv. 18–20): Obedience with Loose Ends

Moses finally agrees to obey God’s call. He asks Jethro for permission to return to Egypt, loads his family on a donkey, and heads out. Outwardly, everything seems in order.

But there’s a major unresolved issue: Moses has not circumcised his son.

According to Genesis 17:10–14, circumcision was the covenant sign for Abraham’s descendants. God said any male who was not circumcised would be cut off from his people. For Moses to approach the God of the covenant while neglecting the covenant sign was serious disobedience—especially as the one God had chosen to lead the covenant people.

Historical Note:
Some scholars suggest that Moses may have compromised with Zipporah, a Midianite, on this issue. Midianites practiced circumcision, but not necessarily in the same way or at the same time as the Hebrews. There may have been tension in their marriage over this. Perhaps Moses avoided the conflict—but in doing so, he also avoided obedience.

The Lord’s Confrontation (v. 24): God Seeks to Kill Moses

This is shocking. God, who had just sent Moses to Egypt, now comes to kill him? The Hebrew here is ambiguous—it could mean "God sought to put him to death," and the subject (Moses or the son) is not fully clear. But the context points to Moses being in danger.

Why? Because God is holy, and His servants must not treat His covenant lightly. Moses cannot represent God before Pharaoh while openly ignoring God’s covenant requirements in his own family.

Lesson:
Partial obedience is not obedience. God is patient, but He is also just. He is not to be trifled with, even by His chosen leaders.

Zipporah’s Bold Action (vv. 25–26): A Wife Steps In

Zipporah sees the seriousness of the moment. She circumcises their son and touches Moses (or perhaps the child) with the foreskin, saying, “You are a bridegroom of blood to me.” This act seems to satisfy God's requirement, and the danger passes.

What does this tell us?

• Zipporah may not have liked the Hebrew custom, but she knew what had to be done.

• Her action saves Moses’ life and allows him to fulfill God’s mission.

• Her words, though perhaps spoken in frustration or grief, recognize the blood covenant that defines Israel's relationship with God.

Historical Insight:
In the ancient Near East, covenant signs were not optional customs—they were binding and serious. By circumcising the child, Zipporah ensured her family was under God’s covenant protection.

God Provides Help (vv. 27–31): Aaron and Obedient Faith

The rest of the passage quickly shifts tone. God sends Aaron to meet Moses. The brothers reunite, and together they present God’s message and signs to the elders of Israel. The people believe and worship—at least for now.

This shows us something powerful: Once the issue of obedience is resolved, God moves forward. He provides help. He affirms His plan. He begins the redemption of His people.

What Can We Learn?

1. God Takes Obedience Seriously
   God does not ignore private disobedience, especially from those called to lead. What Moses left undone nearly cost him everything. We must not delay in obeying God in both public and private matters.

2. Our Families Matter in Ministry
   Moses’ household was part of his calling. Ministry doesn’t exempt us from living in obedience at home—it begins there. How we lead our families matters to God.

3. God’s Mercy Is Amazing
   Though the Lord sought to confront Moses, He also allowed for repentance and provided a way forward. God doesn’t cast us aside when we fail. He disciplines those He loves—and then restores.

4. Obedience Clears the Way for Mission
   Once the issue is resolved, the story accelerates toward God’s purpose: the deliverance of His people. When we deal with what’s holding us back, we can move freely in God’s mission.

"Bridegroom of Blood"

This passage reminds us that God’s covenant is sealed in blood. For Moses, it was the blood of circumcision. For us, it’s the blood of Jesus. We do not stand before God on our merit, but by the covenant of grace established through Christ.

But that grace is not a license for disobedience. It is a call to live fully surrendered lives, in our homes, our ministries, and our hearts.

Let us respond with reverence, repentance, and readiness—so that, like Moses, we may be used powerfully in God’s plan.

Prayer:

"Lord, You are holy and faithful. Teach us to honor Your covenant in every area of our lives. Help us not to delay obedience, and give us courage to lead with integrity—starting in our own homes. Thank You for the blood of Christ, which covers our sins and calls us into Your mission. In His name we pray, Amen."

More: EXODUS - Sabbath School Lesson 2 - The Burning Bush

The Excuses of Moses: When God Calls, He Equips

 

"When God Calls, He Equips"

Text: Exodus 4:1–17

Have you ever felt inadequate for a task you knew was important—maybe something you believed God was asking you to do? Maybe you’ve had a sense of calling but felt overwhelmed by your weaknesses. If so, you are in good company. Moses, one of the most revered leaders in the Bible, experienced this same inner struggle in Exodus 4:1–17. Here, we see a conversation between God and Moses that reveals both human hesitation and divine patience.

The Excuses of Moses (Exodus 4:1, 10, 13)

God had already called Moses in Exodus 3, but here in chapter 4, Moses begins to push back. He gives three excuses:

1. "They won’t believe me" (v.1) – Moses feared rejection, doubting that the Israelites would believe that God had sent him.

2. "I’m not eloquent" (v.10) – Moses focused on his perceived weakness—his lack of speaking ability, whether due to a speech impediment or insecurity.

3. "Please send someone else" (v.13) – Ultimately, Moses just didn’t want to go. He doubted himself—and, indirectly, doubted God.

These excuses are not unfamiliar to us. We, too, fear rejection, feel underqualified, or just want someone else to do what God is asking of us.

The Signs God Gave (Exodus 4:2–9)

To assure Moses, God gives three miraculous signs:

1. The staff turns into a snake and back (vv.2–4) – Symbolizing God's power over nature and fear, and Moses' authority.

2. His hand becomes leprous and is healed (vv.6–7) – A sign of God's power to afflict and restore; a reminder that God controls even our bodies.

3. Water from the Nile turns to blood (v.9) – A powerful warning and sign of judgment, especially against Egypt's gods.

Each sign was not just for show but carried spiritual weight. These miracles were designed to affirm that the God of their ancestors was truly at work through Moses.

God’s Response to Moses' Insecurity (vv.11–12)

When Moses says he’s not a good speaker, God answers with a powerful question:

“Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? ... Is it not I, the Lord?” (v.11)

In other words, “I know your limitations better than you do—and I’m still calling you.”

God promises, “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (v.12). What grace! But even then, Moses resists, and finally God becomes angry—not because Moses was weak, but because Moses was unwilling to trust.

Still, God doesn’t abandon him. Instead, He offers Aaron, Moses’ brother, to go with him and be his spokesman. God adapts to Moses’ weakness but doesn’t remove the call.

Lessons for Us

1. God knows our weaknesses—but still calls us.
   He doesn’t wait for perfect people. He uses the willing, not just the qualified.

2. God equips those He calls.
   He provides signs, help, words, and people—whatever is needed to carry out His will.

3. Excuses rob us of experiencing God’s power.
   Fear is natural, but faith must respond. God is patient, but He expects obedience.

4. God’s call is about His power, not our ability.
   When we focus on our inadequacies, we forget the One who empowers us. God didn’t need Moses to be perfect—He needed him to trust.

Maybe you, like Moses, are wrestling with God’s call in your life. Maybe you feel too weak, too afraid, too imperfect. But God still says, “Go.” And He promises, “I will be with you.”

Don’t let fear stop you from following God’s purpose. Trust Him. Step forward in faith. Because when God calls, He doesn’t just send you—He goes with you. Amen!

More: EXODUS - Sabbath School Lesson 2 - The Burning Bush

I AM WHO I AM: The Name That Changes Everything

 

“I AM WHO I AM: The Name That Changes Everything”

Text: Exodus 3:13–22

Have you ever had someone ask, “Who sent you?”

It’s a question about authority, identity, and purpose. In Exodus 3, Moses stands at a turning point. God has just called him to the impossible: confront Pharaoh and deliver a nation of slaves. But Moses, uncertain and afraid, asks something incredibly profound:

“If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” (Exodus 3:13)

This isn’t just a request for information. It’s a desperate need for assurance. Who are You, God?
And what God gives in response is nothing short of life-changing.

Moses Asks: Who Are You?

Moses wasn’t doubting that a god had spoken to him. He wanted to know which God—and what kind of God—was sending him into danger.

Names in the ancient world weren’t just labels. They revealed something about the person’s character, authority, and power. For Moses to stand before Israel and Pharaoh with confidence, he needed more than a vague title—he needed the Name.

Moses is asking:
“Can I trust You? Will You keep Your promises? Are You real, present, and powerful?”

God Answers: “I AM WHO I AM”

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ … Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Ex. 3:14)

This name is rich and mysterious. It comes from the Hebrew root “hayah”, meaning “to be.” From this root comes Yahweh, the personal covenant name of God.

By calling Himself “I AM,” God is saying:

• I exist—not because anyone made Me or sustains Me, but because I am.

• I am unchanging—always present, always faithful.

• I am personal—not a distant force, but the living God who sees, hears, and acts.

• I am self-sufficient—not dependent on time, space, or human effort.

This name reveals God’s eternal nature. He isn’t just the God of the past—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—but the living God of today, fully present in Moses’ crisis and Israel’s suffering.

Yahweh: God of the Covenant

“Say to the people of Israel, ‘The Lord [Yahweh], the God of your fathers… has sent me to you.’” (Ex. 3:15)

“Yahweh” is more than a title—it’s a covenant name. It reminds Israel that this is their God—the One who made promises to Abraham and intends to keep them.

God is not a vague spiritual power. He is a relational God, bound to His people by sacred promise.

When God says “I AM,” He means:

• I am the same God who promised to make you a great nation.

• I am the One who will be with you in Egypt, in the wilderness, and beyond.

• I am not just “out there.” I am here. I am with you.

This covenant relationship is not based on Israel’s merit but on God’s unchanging character.

The Name Means God Is Present

Notice God doesn’t say, “I was” or “I will be.” He says, “I AM.”
Whatever season you’re in—fear, failure, waiting—God’s name reminds us: He is present.

“I will be with you.” (Ex. 3:12)

That’s the real power behind the mission—not Moses’ words or staff—but the presence of Yahweh.

God’s Name, Our Confidence

God’s name isn’t just theology—it’s practical truth for the journey.

• When you feel weak, remember: “I AM” is your strength.

• When you are afraid, “I AM” is your shield.

• When you doubt, “I AM” is your assurance.

• When others question your calling, “I AM” is your authority.

God didn’t send Moses alone. He sent Moses with His name, which meant He sent Moses with Himself.

The Name Fulfilled in Jesus

Centuries later, Jesus echoed these words:

“Before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)

Jesus wasn’t just quoting the Old Testament—He was identifying Himself as Yahweh in the flesh.
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant, the final assurance that God is with us—Emmanuel.

In Christ, we see the “I AM” walking among us, healing, forgiving, dying, and rising again.

When Moses asked, “What is Your name?”

God gave an answer that still echoes today: “I AM WHO I AM.”

It’s not just a name—it’s a promise:

• I am present.

• I am faithful.

• I am with you.

So when God calls you—when life overwhelms you, when others ask who you think you are—remember, it’s not about who you are.
It’s about who He is.

And He is I AM.

Short prayer: Lord, You are the great I AM—unchanging, eternal, and faithful. Help us to trust in Your name, to walk in Your promises, and to remember that You are always present. May we, like Moses, go forward not in our own strength, but in the power of the One who says, “I AM with you.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More: EXODUS - Sabbath School Lesson 2 - The Burning Bush

Erton Köhler Elected GC President, Seventh-day Adventist Church

 

On July 4, 2025, during the 62nd General Conference (GC) Session in St. Louis, Missouri, Erton C. Köhler was elected president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

This marks the beginning of Köhler’s first term as the spiritual and administrative leader of a global movement that spans over 200 countries and includes more than 23 million members.

“Before anything else, I want to say that I move forward with renewed confidence in the Lord and in His church,” Köhler said.

His nomination followed careful and prayerful deliberation by the Nominating Committee, made up of delegates from every global division and attached field of the church. The committee’s recommendation was then presented to the full body of delegates, who voted to confirm Köhler’s appointment during a business session at the Dome in America’s Center.

Since his election as General Conference (GC) secretary during the 2021 Spring Meeting at church headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, Erton C. Köhler has been a leading voice in calling the global church to refocus its mission. Under his leadership, the church launched the Mission Refocus initiative.

“Mission Refocus is a project … an initiative, a movement,” Köhler said. “But more than anything, it’s a call for integration.”

Through this initiative, Köhler has guided the Adventist Church in identifying and prioritizing 30 key mission areas—ten countries, ten major cities, and ten unreached people groups—across the 10/40 Window, urban centers, and secular regions. His vision calls every church entity, regardless of size or location, to join a global culture of collaboration, service, and mission accountability.

Now, as GC president, Köhler is expected to continue championing this mission-centered approach—mobilizing members as disciple-makers, aligning church structure with frontline ministry, and strengthening the church’s prophetic voice amid a rapidly changing world.

Born in southern Brazil, Erton C. Köhler was inspired by his father, an Adventist pastor, to pursue ministry. He earned a theology degree from the Adventist Teaching Institute (now Brazilian Adventist University) in 1989 and later completed a master’s in pastoral theology there in 2008. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree from Andrews University.

Köhler began his ministry as a pastor in São Paulo (1990–1994), then served as Youth Ministries director in both the Rio Grande do Sul Conference and the Northeast Brazil Union. In 2002, he returned to Rio Grande do Sul as conference secretary, and in 2003, became Youth Ministries director for the South American Division (SAD). In 2007, he was elected SAD president.

In April 2021, Köhler became General Conference secretary, one of the church’s three top officers. In this role, he supported global mission efforts, oversaw administrative functions, and helped guide church policy and governance.

He is married to Adriene Marques, a nurse, and they have two children. Together, they actively serve the church, often traveling and ministering as a family.

As General Conference (GC) president, Erton C. Köhler serves as the administrative leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, guiding strategic vision, fostering doctrinal unity, and bringing together diverse regions around a common mission. He chairs the GC Executive Committee and several boards, working closely with regional leaders and representing the church at major international events.

Köhler also plays a vital role in promoting global mission, maintaining the integrity of Adventist beliefs, and supporting the church’s education, health, and media institutions.

Reacting to the announcement, Kyoshin Ahn, NAD executive secretary, said, “Erton Köhler is a mission-focused leader. His approach will help advance the gospel with renewed urgency.”

North American Division president G. Alexander Bryant added, “Elder Köhler steps into leadership at a critical time in history. He is experienced, deeply committed to mission, and his integrated approach aligns well with our focus of 'Together in Mission.' Let’s keep him and his family in prayer as they take on this great responsibility.”

The GC president election is the session’s first major officer vote, with additional confirmations, including division officers, expected in the coming days. 

For updates, visit nadadventist.org and adventist.news. 

Source for this article and photo: Erton C. Köhler Elected as General Conference President | North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists

The Angel of the LORD: The Call from the Burning Bush

 

"The Call from the Burning Bush"

Text: Exodus 3:1–12

Sometimes God calls us when we least expect it. Moses wasn’t in a temple or on a mountain looking for God. He was shepherding sheep in the wilderness of Midian—just another ordinary day. But in this passage, God steps into Moses’ quiet life in an extraordinary way.

Let us consider:

1. Why God chose to intervene on behalf of His people.

2. Who the “Angel of the LORD” might be.

3. And how the humility of Moses gives us a model for our own response to God’s call.

God's Compassionate Response (Exodus 3:7–9)

God begins by explaining why He is stepping into the story of Israel’s oppression. He tells Moses:

“I have surely seen the affliction of my people... and have heard their cry... I know their sorrows.” (Ex. 3:7, KJV)

Notice these three verbs: seen, heard, and know. God is not distant or indifferent. He sees the injustice. He hears the groans. He knows the pain of His people intimately.

Then He says:

“I am come down to deliver them... and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land.” (Ex. 3:8)

This is the heart of God: not only to free but to lift up—to redeem and restore. This echoes the same compassion we see in Jesus when He weeps over Jerusalem, when He heals the sick, when He welcomes the weary. God steps in when suffering endures too long.

So why did He intervene? Because of His covenant, His compassion, and His character. The cries of Israel had reached the ears of a faithful God.

The Angel of the LORD: A Mysterious Presence (Exodus 3:2)

We read:

“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush.”

Who is this "Angel of the LORD"? This figure appears throughout the Old Testament and often speaks as God Himself, not merely for God. In this passage, the angel appears, but then it is God who speaks from the bush. There’s no handoff. The presence is continuous.

Many scholars and theologians believe this “Angel of the LORD” may be a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ—the eternal Son before He took on flesh. He is God’s Word made visible, God's messenger who is God. This would not be surprising, for Jesus says in John 8:58:

“Before Abraham was, I am.”

He was already present and active, revealing God to His people long before Bethlehem. If this is Jesus, we see that He was already the Deliverer, already involved in the rescue plan from the very beginning.

Moses’ Humility and Reluctance (Exodus 3:11–12)

Moses responds in verse 11 with a simple, honest question:

“Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?”

This is the voice of humility, even inadequacy. Moses had been a prince in Egypt, but now he’s a shepherd. He had tried to rescue his people once and failed. He no longer believed in himself.

But God doesn’t answer by building up Moses’ confidence. He simply says:

“Certainly I will be with thee.” (Ex. 3:12)

That’s the key. It’s not about who Moses is—it’s about who is with Moses. God’s presence is the guarantee of success.

And isn’t this still true? When God calls us, we often feel unworthy, unprepared, or overwhelmed. But He doesn’t need our strength. He needs our surrender. Humility, as Moses displays here, is the very thing God can use.

So today, remember this:

• God hears the cries of His people. He sees, hears, and knows.

• The One who called Moses may have been Christ Himself, already working salvation.

• And though Moses felt small, it was God's presence that made the mission possible.

In the end, God's message to Moses is His message to us:
“I will be with you.”

Let us answer God's call—not because we are confident in ourselves—but because we are confident in Him.

Amen.

More: EXODUS - Sabbath School Lesson 2 - The Burning Bush