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Who is the LORD That I Should Obey?

Exodus 5:2

"And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go."

Pharaoh asked a foolish question when asking who and why he should obey the LORD. This question revealed the hardness of his heart. This question showed the disdain he had for the LORD. However, what he didn't know was that he was about to find out Who the LORD is. Yet, leading up to the ten plagues, God briefly reminds us Who He is.

First, we are reminded in Exodus 6:3 that He is "God Almighty." This name shows that God is the all-sufficient God. In other words, His power comes from no one else but from Himself. In other words, God is reminding us that He is all we need. You don't need anyone else, you need God. When God says that He is all-sufficient, He is teaching us that we will never find satisfaction in anyone or anything else other than through Him. Christian, you can search this world high and low to find something that will satisfy, but your satisfaction will only come from God Almighty. Money, fame, possessions, lifestyles or people will not satisfy, only God is the One Who is able to satisfy all of your needs.

Second, we are reminded in Exodus 6:6 that God is the deliverer. God reminded Israel in this verse that He would deliver them from their bondage. Pharaoh could have been delivered from the bondage of his sins if he would have gone to God. Likewise, the only One Who can deliver you from your bondage is God. When sin has bound you with its chains, only God can deliver you. When vices bind you and cause you to be addicted, only God can deliver you. When poor health has bound you, then you will find that only God can deliver you from its grip. Whatever it is that has you in bondage, only God can completely deliver you.

Third, we are reminded in Exodus 7:10 that God is a powerful God. The rod in the hand of Aaron was a symbol of God's power. When God sent the ten plagues upon Egypt, God would often tell Aaron or Moses to lift up the rod. This rod reminds us that God is powerful enough to help us through whatever we face in life. When the world is against you, God is powerful enough to help you overcome the world. When your marriage seems like it will not make it, let me remind you that God is powerful enough to help you overcome your marital problems. When your family faces problems that seem insurmountable, only God has the power to help you fix those problems. Whatever problems you face, only God is powerful enough to help you overcome them.

Last, we are reminded from the plague of the Passover that God is the God of salvation. Nothing else can save you. Only God can save. The Pope cannot save you from your sins. A church leader cannot save you from your sins. Your religion cannot save you from your sins. Your works cannot save you from your sins. Church ordinances cannot save you from your sins. Only God can save you from your sins.

So, if like Pharaoh you ask Who is the LORD that you should obey Him? I believe you asked the wrong question. You should be asking, "Who am I that the LORD would want me to serve Him?" What a great God we serve! God in His greatness wants you to be His servant. What a privilege and honor it is to serve the LORD. Don't ever forget the privilege it is to serve the LORD. For God to give you an opportunity to serve Him is the greatest honor that you will have in your life. Don't pass up this honor for something second-rate.