Have you ever known what God was calling you to do—but struggled to take the first step?
Key Verse:
“So Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, ‘Please let me go, that I may return to my brethren who are in Egypt and see if they are still alive.’” —Exodus 4:18 NASB
Background Context:
In Exodus 3–4:17, God calls Moses and responds to his hesitation, answering each objection and reminding him that His presence would be enough. Moses wrestled with fear, insecurity, and reluctance, yet God remained patient and firm in His calling.
Now in Exodus 4:18–31, Moses begins to move from hesitation to obedience. This passage marks the transition from being called to actually walking in that calling.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
18Then Moses departed and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please, let me go, that I may return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” 19Now the LORD said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” 20So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt. Moses also took the staff of God in his hand.
21The LORD said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. 22“Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Israel is My son, My firstborn. 23“So I said to you, ‘Let My son go that he may serve Me’; but you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn.”’”
24Now it came about at the lodging place on the way that the LORD met him and sought to put him to death. 25Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin and threw it at Moses’ feet, and she said, “You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me.” 26So He let him alone. At that time she said, “You are a bridegroom of blood”—because of the circumcision.
27Now the LORD said to Aaron, “Go to meet Moses in the wilderness.” So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him. 28Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD with which He had sent him, and all the signs that He had commanded him to do. 29Then Moses and Aaron went and assembled all the elders of the sons of Israel; 30and Aaron spoke all the words which the LORD had spoken to Moses. He then performed the signs in the sight of the people. 31So the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshiped.
Reflection on Exodus 4:18–31:
After all his resistance, Moses finally takes a step of obedience. He returns to Jethro, asks permission to leave, and begins the journey back toward Egypt. This moment may seem simple, but it is significant. Obedience often begins with a single step forward.
God reassures Moses along the way, reminding him that those who sought his life are no longer a threat. He also prepares Moses for what is ahead, making it clear that Pharaoh’s heart will be hardened and that the path will not be easy.
Then the passage takes an unexpected and serious turn.
God confronts Moses on the journey because of an area of disobedience in his life. Though Moses had been called and had begun to obey, he had not fully aligned himself with God’s commands. This moment is sobering. It reminds us that God does not overlook disobedience simply because we are moving in the right direction in other areas.
Zipporah quickly responds, and the situation is resolved. What could have stopped Moses’ mission is addressed before he continues forward.
This shows us that obedience is not partial. God calls us to fully align our lives with Him, not just in the areas that are comfortable or visible.
After this, we see God’s provision. Aaron is sent to meet Moses, just as God had said. The burden Moses feared—speaking before others—is now shared. God provides support, not to replace obedience, but to strengthen it.
When Moses and Aaron gather the elders of Israel, they share God’s message and perform the signs. The people believe. They recognize that God has seen their suffering and has come to act.
Their response is worship.
This moment is powerful. Before the trials ahead, there is belief, hope, and a recognition that God is at work.
This passage reveals that obedience leads to movement, but that movement includes correction, provision, and moments of encouragement. Moses is not perfect, but he is now walking forward—and God works through that willingness.
Application:
- Take the first step in obedience, even if you feel uncertain.
- Understand that partial obedience is still disobedience.
- Be willing to receive correction when God reveals areas that need change.
- Trust that God will provide what you need as you follow Him.
- Respond to God’s work in your life with worship and gratitude.
Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to move from hearing Your calling to walking in obedience. Give me courage to take the next step, even when I feel uncertain. Show me any areas of my life that are not fully aligned with Your will, and help me to respond with humility and repentance. Thank You for Your patience, Your correction, and Your provision. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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