Mission Becomes the Path of Healing
Moses has returned to Pharaoh’s court. The first encounter goes terribly wrong. Pharaoh shows no respect. Instead, he dismisses Moses with contempt: “Stop wasting my time. Go back to your burdens.” The Israelites’ suffering only increases, and Moses stands there appearing powerless before the stubborn ruler. Perhaps the only comfort he has in that moment is that Aaron stands beside him. Though resistance from Pharaoh was expected, Moses now has to prepare himself for many more confrontations with the thick-headed king. Yet something deeper is happening here—something that is not immediately obvious. God is not only preparing Moses to free Israel. God is also healing Moses. Returning to the Place of the Wound Forty years earlier Moses fled Egypt in fear. After killing an Egyptian and being rejected by his own people, he ran into the wilderness of Midian. Egypt became the place of shame, failure, and unfinished stories. And now God sends him back. Not gently. Not once. But again and aga...