Introduction: Moses was tasked by God with “speaking truth to power,” to use the cliche. God told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let God’s people go in order that they might worship him. We are told why in Exodus 2:24 where Moses records, “And God heard their groaning, and God rememembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel–and God knew.” Then Moses is told up front that Pharaoh will not listen: “But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand” (Ex 3:19).

Warning After Warning (10, in fact):

• God turned the Nile to blood (Ex 7:14-15)
• Frogs across Egypt (Ex 8:1-15)
• From the dust, gnats (Ex 8:16-19)
• Swarms of flies (Ex 8:20-32)
• Death of livestock (Ex 9:1-7)
• Boils on the skin (Ex 9:8-12)
• Hail from heaven (Ex 9:13-35)
• Locusts (Ex 10:1-20)
• Darkness (Ex 10:21-29)
• Death of the firsborn (Ex 11-12)

Again and again, Pharaoh hardens his heart and refuses to bow to the true and living God, despite all the evidence of his sovereignty. Via the LORD’S PASSOVER (Ex 12:11), Pharaoh again witnessed the covenant faithfulness of God to keep his promise.

But it’s not just Pharaoh and Egypt who are to learn lessons. It’s Moses, too, and all who would be godly leaders. Will you notice how God stresses the centrality of remembering God?

• “This day shall be for you a memorial day . . .” (Ex 12:14)
• ” . . . and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD” (Ex 12:14)
• ” . . . throughout your generations” (Ex 12:14)
• ” . . . as a statute forever” (Ex 12:14)

Think God was clear enough? The emphasis is constant: Don’t forget. Remember. Memorialize this. Commemorate it. Remember God. Don’t get over this. Remember, remember, remember. Why? Because if you forget God or abandon God, judgment follows.

Encouragement: The godly leader does not forget where he came from or the God who raises up leaders and humbles leaders. The godly leader knows he is a servant of righteousness, not a puppet for transgression. Remembrance keeps the godly leader humble in order that God may exalt him at the proper time.