Who Is the Lord?

Well, hey, if we haven't had the chance Well, hey, if we haven't had the chance to meet, my name is Bryson Cook and I to meet, my name is Bryson Cook and I to meet, my name is Bryson Cook and I have the honor of serving as the campus have the honor of serving as the campus have the honor of serving as the campus pastor at our Franklin campus. It's pastor at our Franklin campus. It's pastor at our Franklin campus. It's great to be here with you this morning. great to be here with you this morning. great to be here with you this morning. You know, I don't think that there is a You know, I don't think that there is a You know, I don't think that there is a title worn as a badge of honor more in title worn as a badge of honor more in title worn as a badge of honor more in our culture than the title self-made, our culture than the title self-made, our culture than the title self-made, like self-made millionaire or self-made like self-made millionaire or self-made like self-made millionaire or self-made success. It's printed on book covers and success. It's printed on book covers and success. It's printed on book covers and dropped in bios and big and bold on dropped in bios and big and bold on dropped in bios and big and bold on podcast thumbnails. It's the image, for podcast thumbnails. It's the image, for podcast thumbnails. It's the image, for instance, of the garage where Apple instance, of the garage where Apple instance, of the garage where Apple started with a founder grinding alone at started with a founder grinding alone at started with a founder grinding alone at 2 a.m. before anybody gave him the time 2 a.m. before anybody gave him the time 2 a.m. before anybody gave him the time a day. It's the underdog athlete who a day. It's the underdog athlete who a day. It's the underdog athlete who everyone overlooked, who trained harder everyone overlooked, who trained harder everyone overlooked, who trained harder than anyone else and reached the than anyone else and reached the than anyone else and reached the mountain peak of a championship. It's mountain peak of a championship. It's mountain peak of a championship. It's the award show speech of, "Hey, nobody the award show speech of, "Hey, nobody the award show speech of, "Hey, nobody believed in me, but look what I did. I believed in me, but look what I did. I believed in me, but look what I did. I made it." We don't just enjoy these made it." We don't just enjoy these made it." We don't just enjoy these stories. If you think about it, we've stories. If you think about it, we've stories. If you think about it, we've built entire industries around them. All built entire industries around them. All built entire industries around them. All promising to teach you the secret of promising to teach you the secret of promising to teach you the secret of becoming a self-made success yourself becoming a self-made success yourself becoming a self-made success yourself through self-help materials and life through self-help materials and life through self-help materials and life hack tips and tricks and influencer hack tips and tricks and influencer hack tips and tricks and influencer culture. You name it. But you don't have culture. You name it. But you don't have culture. You name it. But you don't have to run a startup company or stand on a to run a startup company or stand on a to run a startup company or stand on a podium to know what this feels like in podium to know what this feels like in podium to know what this feels like in your own life. It's the picture of the your own life. It's the picture of the your own life. It's the picture of the parent whose kid finally starts parent whose kid finally starts parent whose kid finally starts thriving. like the grades and the thriving. like the grades and the thriving. like the grades and the behavior and the faith and and and you behavior and the faith and and and you behavior and the faith and and and you love it a little too much when someone love it a little too much when someone love it a little too much when someone says, "You're such a good parent." It's says, "You're such a good parent." It's says, "You're such a good parent." It's the friend who walks someone through a the friend who walks someone through a the friend who walks someone through a hard season and all of a sudden when hard season and all of a sudden when hard season and all of a sudden when that person says, "Well, I I don't know that person says, "Well, I I don't know that person says, "Well, I I don't know what I would have done without you."

what I would have done without you." what I would have done without you." Something in you wants to hear it again Something in you wants to hear it again Something in you wants to hear it again and again. Keep telling me that. It's and again. Keep telling me that. It's and again. Keep telling me that. It's you as a boss or a coach or or a mentor you as a boss or a coach or or a mentor you as a boss or a coach or or a mentor watching someone that you've poured into watching someone that you've poured into watching someone that you've poured into finally succeed and catching yourself finally succeed and catching yourself finally succeed and catching yourself hoping that they mention your name when hoping that they mention your name when hoping that they mention your name when they tell the story. they tell the story. they tell the story. It's the itch that seeks to be scratched It's the itch that seeks to be scratched It's the itch that seeks to be scratched by recognition and praise and attention. by recognition and praise and attention. by recognition and praise and attention. The craving of the moments where things The craving of the moments where things The craving of the moments where things finally click in our areas of influence, finally click in our areas of influence, finally click in our areas of influence, where something we worked hard for or where something we worked hard for or where something we worked hard for or strive towards finally pays off and strive towards finally pays off and strive towards finally pays off and where others look to us with admiration where others look to us with admiration where others look to us with admiration or give us the attention or recognition or give us the attention or recognition or give us the attention or recognition that we've worked hard for and and we that we've worked hard for and and we that we've worked hard for and and we think we deserve. You know, as opposite think we deserve. You know, as opposite think we deserve. You know, as opposite as this might feel to our culture, the as this might feel to our culture, the as this might feel to our culture, the Bible warns us about what's actually Bible warns us about what's actually Bible warns us about what's actually underneath that itch and desire. It's underneath that itch and desire. It's underneath that itch and desire. It's what the Bible calls pride. It's not what the Bible calls pride. It's not what the Bible calls pride. It's not always the loud and boastful and obvious always the loud and boastful and obvious always the loud and boastful and obvious kind. Like usually it's the quiet kind. kind. Like usually it's the quiet kind. kind. Like usually it's the quiet kind. The kind that just wants a little bit of The kind that just wants a little bit of The kind that just wants a little bit of credit and fishes for a little credit and fishes for a little credit and fishes for a little recognition that our effort mattered or recognition that our effort mattered or recognition that our effort mattered or we're looked up to by others. And if we we're looked up to by others. And if we we're looked up to by others. And if we were to dig even deeper underneath that were to dig even deeper underneath that were to dig even deeper underneath that pride, if we really look closely and pride, if we really look closely and pride, if we really look closely and honestly, what we would find typically honestly, what we would find typically honestly, what we would find typically even deeper at the root of it all is even deeper at the root of it all is even deeper at the root of it all is insecurity.

insecurity. insecurity. Beneath the pride is the fear that if we Beneath the pride is the fear that if we Beneath the pride is the fear that if we don't get the credit or if we're not don't get the credit or if we're not don't get the credit or if we're not seen as capable or impressive or seen as capable or impressive or seen as capable or impressive or self-sufficient, then maybe we don't self-sufficient, then maybe we don't self-sufficient, then maybe we don't actually matter or or our lives lack actually matter or or our lives lack actually matter or or our lives lack purpose or or all the messages about us purpose or or all the messages about us purpose or or all the messages about us in our head and our heart that keep us in our head and our heart that keep us in our head and our heart that keep us up at night like they they may be true. up at night like they they may be true. up at night like they they may be true. As weird as it might sound, pride and As weird as it might sound, pride and As weird as it might sound, pride and insecurity, they're not opposites. Like insecurity, they're not opposites. Like insecurity, they're not opposites. Like pride is actually insecurities defense pride is actually insecurities defense pride is actually insecurities defense mechanism or shield. Like insecurity mechanism or shield. Like insecurity mechanism or shield. Like insecurity hides behind and thrives behind pride. hides behind and thrives behind pride. hides behind and thrives behind pride. the label of of self-made and that deep the label of of self-made and that deep the label of of self-made and that deep down prideful itch for recognition and down prideful itch for recognition and down prideful itch for recognition and praise and attention like it rarely praise and attention like it rarely praise and attention like it rarely feels dangerous in the moment it feels feels dangerous in the moment it feels feels dangerous in the moment it feels normal like even culturally acceptable normal like even culturally acceptable normal like even culturally acceptable like I I've earned this right but but like I I've earned this right but but like I I've earned this right but but left alone it cuts deeper often times left alone it cuts deeper often times left alone it cuts deeper often times than we realize like maybe it costs the than we realize like maybe it costs the than we realize like maybe it costs the relationship like family and friends relationship like family and friends relationship like family and friends start to feel like it's it's your way or start to feel like it's it's your way or start to feel like it's it's your way or the highway like every conversation is the highway like every conversation is the highway like every conversation is really just you needing to be right or really just you needing to be right or really just you needing to be right or needing to stay in control and So, they needing to stay in control and So, they needing to stay in control and So, they stop bringing you their honest thoughts stop bringing you their honest thoughts stop bringing you their honest thoughts because they already know how the because they already know how the because they already know how the conversation's going to go. Or maybe it conversation's going to go. Or maybe it conversation's going to go. Or maybe it costs you your peace. Like you replay costs you your peace. Like you replay costs you your peace. Like you replay the conversation on the drive home over the conversation on the drive home over the conversation on the drive home over and over or you have the anxiety over and over or you have the anxiety over and over or you have the anxiety over the decision-making in the middle of the the decision-making in the middle of the the decision-making in the middle of the night and and oftentimes it's not night and and oftentimes it's not night and and oftentimes it's not because you're worried about others.

because you're worried about others. because you're worried about others. It's because you're worried about how It's because you're worried about how It's because you're worried about how you're going to be perceived by others. you're going to be perceived by others. you're going to be perceived by others. Eventually, it cost you the very thing Eventually, it cost you the very thing Eventually, it cost you the very thing that you're actually called to do as that you're actually called to do as that you're actually called to do as someone whose life is leading and someone whose life is leading and someone whose life is leading and pointing somewhere in your sphere of pointing somewhere in your sphere of pointing somewhere in your sphere of influence. Because listen, the goal that influence. Because listen, the goal that influence. Because listen, the goal that we're talking about through this series we're talking about through this series we're talking about through this series is never to be the most impressive in is never to be the most impressive in is never to be the most impressive in your different areas of life. It's to your different areas of life. It's to your different areas of life. It's to point people to Jesus. And pride can't point people to Jesus. And pride can't point people to Jesus. And pride can't do that. Pride always ends up pointing do that. Pride always ends up pointing do that. Pride always ends up pointing back to itself. Like that's the danger back to itself. Like that's the danger back to itself. Like that's the danger underneath that identity badge of of underneath that identity badge of of underneath that identity badge of of self-made. It quietly replaces God with self-made. It quietly replaces God with self-made. It quietly replaces God with us in the one role that only he can us in the one role that only he can us in the one role that only he can actually hold as the ultimate leader in actually hold as the ultimate leader in actually hold as the ultimate leader in whose image we're made as he seeks to whose image we're made as he seeks to whose image we're made as he seeks to shape us more and more into the leaders shape us more and more into the leaders shape us more and more into the leaders that he's made us to be. You we've been that he's made us to be. You we've been that he's made us to be. You we've been making our way through a series called making our way through a series called making our way through a series called the unexpected leader looking at the the unexpected leader looking at the the unexpected leader looking at the book of Exodus through the context of book of Exodus through the context of book of Exodus through the context of leadership exploring how God uses leadership exploring how God uses leadership exploring how God uses ordinary people in ordinary places to ordinary people in ordinary places to ordinary people in ordinary places to make an extraordinary difference for his make an extraordinary difference for his make an extraordinary difference for his kingdom. You know, we said that kingdom. You know, we said that kingdom. You know, we said that leadership in a gospel sense, it isn't leadership in a gospel sense, it isn't leadership in a gospel sense, it isn't about position or platform. It's about about position or platform. It's about about position or platform. It's about influence. And to lead is to influence influence. And to lead is to influence influence. And to lead is to influence and inspire and point others towards a and inspire and point others towards a and inspire and point others towards a vision or a goal or a way of life. And vision or a goal or a way of life. And vision or a goal or a way of life. And it happens whether you know you're it happens whether you know you're it happens whether you know you're actively doing it or not. For followers actively doing it or not. For followers actively doing it or not. For followers of Jesus, that looks like us leading of Jesus, that looks like us leading of Jesus, that looks like us leading people towards him. And what we've people towards him. And what we've people towards him. And what we've talked about is it means that leadership talked about is it means that leadership talked about is it means that leadership isn't reserved for the few. It it's a isn't reserved for the few. It it's a isn't reserved for the few. It it's a call for every one of us. It branches call for every one of us. It branches call for every one of us. It branches into every sphere of influence in our into every sphere of influence in our into every sphere of influence in our lives that God has placed us in. Like lives that God has placed us in. Like lives that God has placed us in. Like whether you're a parent or a teacher or

whether you're a parent or a teacher or whether you're a parent or a teacher or a boss or a peer or even just a really a boss or a peer or even just a really a boss or a peer or even just a really good friend. Like your life is always good friend. Like your life is always good friend. Like your life is always leading and pointing somewhere to those leading and pointing somewhere to those leading and pointing somewhere to those around you. So the question isn't like around you. So the question isn't like around you. So the question isn't like am I a leader? It's hey what kind of am I a leader? It's hey what kind of am I a leader? It's hey what kind of leader am I? You kind of recap. Two leader am I? You kind of recap. Two leader am I? You kind of recap. Two weeks ago we watched God quietly weeks ago we watched God quietly weeks ago we watched God quietly position Moses before he had any idea position Moses before he had any idea position Moses before he had any idea what was being he was being prepared for what was being he was being prepared for what was being he was being prepared for because he was a baby and all. Last because he was a baby and all. Last because he was a baby and all. Last week, we watched God call him at the week, we watched God call him at the week, we watched God call him at the burning bush in the wilderness. Despite burning bush in the wilderness. Despite burning bush in the wilderness. Despite every excuse that Moses could offer or every excuse that Moses could offer or every excuse that Moses could offer or anything that he thought might anything that he thought might anything that he thought might disqualify him, where we pick up this disqualify him, where we pick up this disqualify him, where we pick up this week, Moses has left the burning bush in week, Moses has left the burning bush in week, Moses has left the burning bush in the wilderness. He's returned to Egypt the wilderness. He's returned to Egypt the wilderness. He's returned to Egypt and he's gone to Pharaoh. And over the and he's gone to Pharaoh. And over the and he's gone to Pharaoh. And over the next 10 chapters, we're going to watch next 10 chapters, we're going to watch next 10 chapters, we're going to watch God do something really specific. He's God do something really specific. He's God do something really specific. He's going to confront the prideful, going to confront the prideful, going to confront the prideful, self-made attitude, wherever he finds self-made attitude, wherever he finds self-made attitude, wherever he finds it, with whoever's holding it. Because it, with whoever's holding it. Because it, with whoever's holding it. Because Exodus 5 through14, some of the most Exodus 5 through14, some of the most Exodus 5 through14, some of the most famous chapters in the entire Bible, I famous chapters in the entire Bible, I famous chapters in the entire Bible, I it's not just a rescue story. It's a it's not just a rescue story. It's a it's not just a rescue story. It's a declaration of who is the real ultimate declaration of who is the real ultimate declaration of who is the real ultimate leader. And it's God's invitation to all leader. And it's God's invitation to all leader. And it's God's invitation to all of us to stop reaching for that badge, of us to stop reaching for that badge, of us to stop reaching for that badge, that identity of self-made and its that identity of self-made and its that identity of self-made and its prideful desires for recognition and prideful desires for recognition and prideful desires for recognition and praise and credit and instead start praise and credit and instead start praise and credit and instead start letting him build something that looks letting him build something that looks letting him build something that looks more like God made in us. So, we're more like God made in us. So, we're more like God made in us. So, we're going to move through 10 chapters today, going to move through 10 chapters today, going to move through 10 chapters today, but really it's just three pivotal but really it's just three pivotal but really it's just three pivotal scenes, like three invitations of scenes, like three invitations of scenes, like three invitations of rejecting self-made pride and letting rejecting self-made pride and letting rejecting self-made pride and letting God lead instead. As the ultimate leader

God lead instead. As the ultimate leader God lead instead. As the ultimate leader who made us that we get to lead through who made us that we get to lead through who made us that we get to lead through it looks like this. Obey when it's hard. it looks like this. Obey when it's hard. it looks like this. Obey when it's hard. Step down off the throne and watch where Step down off the throne and watch where Step down off the throne and watch where you're pointing. you're pointing. you're pointing. Scene one in chapter 5 opens with Moses Scene one in chapter 5 opens with Moses Scene one in chapter 5 opens with Moses and his brother Aaron returning to Egypt and his brother Aaron returning to Egypt and his brother Aaron returning to Egypt and presenting themselves before Pharaoh and presenting themselves before Pharaoh and presenting themselves before Pharaoh with a short but powerful request. And with a short but powerful request. And with a short but powerful request. And if you've seen the the Charlton H's Ten if you've seen the the Charlton H's Ten if you've seen the the Charlton H's Ten Commandments or the prince of Egypt, Commandments or the prince of Egypt, Commandments or the prince of Egypt, like you know this scene, this is what like you know this scene, this is what like you know this scene, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says, "Let the Lord, the God of Israel, says, "Let the Lord, the God of Israel, says, "Let my people go." Right? And Pharaoh's my people go." Right? And Pharaoh's my people go." Right? And Pharaoh's response tells you everything that you response tells you everything that you response tells you everything that you need to know about where this story is need to know about where this story is need to know about where this story is headed. And who is the Lord? Why should headed. And who is the Lord? Why should headed. And who is the Lord? Why should I listen to him and let Israel go, I I listen to him and let Israel go, I I listen to him and let Israel go, I don't know the Lord? Like, you can just don't know the Lord? Like, you can just don't know the Lord? Like, you can just hear Pharaoh's posture behind that hear Pharaoh's posture behind that hear Pharaoh's posture behind that question. Like, Pharaoh already believes question. Like, Pharaoh already believes question. Like, Pharaoh already believes the answer is obviously, well, nobody the answer is obviously, well, nobody the answer is obviously, well, nobody who matters more than me, that's who the who matters more than me, that's who the who matters more than me, that's who the Lord is. The self-made pride is already Lord is. The self-made pride is already Lord is. The self-made pride is already being heard loud and clear. A man who being heard loud and clear. A man who being heard loud and clear. A man who has built his entire sense of worth has built his entire sense of worth has built his entire sense of worth around being the most powerful figure in around being the most powerful figure in around being the most powerful figure in the world. And yet, beneath the pride, the world. And yet, beneath the pride, the world. And yet, beneath the pride, there's insecurity. Like if some god there's insecurity. Like if some god there's insecurity. Like if some god that nobody's ever heard of can simply that nobody's ever heard of can simply that nobody's ever heard of can simply tell Pharaoh's slaves to walk out and tell Pharaoh's slaves to walk out and tell Pharaoh's slaves to walk out and they listen, then Pharaoh's entire they listen, then Pharaoh's entire they listen, then Pharaoh's entire influence and sense of power is exposed influence and sense of power is exposed influence and sense of power is exposed as smaller than everything he's actually as smaller than everything he's actually as smaller than everything he's actually made it out to be. There's Pharaoh. But made it out to be. There's Pharaoh. But made it out to be. There's Pharaoh. But now put Moses right up next to that now put Moses right up next to that now put Moses right up next to that picture. We don't see him posture or picture. We don't see him posture or picture. We don't see him posture or seek to push back in his own strength.

seek to push back in his own strength. seek to push back in his own strength. He simply delivers the message that he He simply delivers the message that he He simply delivers the message that he was given and he obeys regardless of was given and he obeys regardless of was given and he obeys regardless of what comes next. And honestly, what what comes next. And honestly, what what comes next. And honestly, what comes next makes everything harder and comes next makes everything harder and comes next makes everything harder and worse. And that same day, Pharaoh sent worse. And that same day, Pharaoh sent worse. And that same day, Pharaoh sent this order to the Egyptian slave drivers this order to the Egyptian slave drivers this order to the Egyptian slave drivers in the Israelite foremen. Hey, do not in the Israelite foremen. Hey, do not in the Israelite foremen. Hey, do not supply the people with any more straw supply the people with any more straw supply the people with any more straw for making bricks. Make them go get it for making bricks. Make them go get it for making bricks. Make them go get it themselves. But hey, still require them themselves. But hey, still require them themselves. But hey, still require them to produce the same number of bricks as to produce the same number of bricks as to produce the same number of bricks as before. They're lazy. Like that's why before. They're lazy. Like that's why before. They're lazy. Like that's why they're crying out, "Let us go." they're crying out, "Let us go." they're crying out, "Let us go." Pharaoh doesn't just say no. like he Pharaoh doesn't just say no. like he Pharaoh doesn't just say no. like he retaliates. He strips away the materials retaliates. He strips away the materials retaliates. He strips away the materials the Israelites need while demanding the the Israelites need while demanding the the Israelites need while demanding the exact same output. And when the exact same output. And when the exact same output. And when the Israelite foremen can't keep up, they're Israelite foremen can't keep up, they're Israelite foremen can't keep up, they're beat by their Egyptian slave drivers. beat by their Egyptian slave drivers. beat by their Egyptian slave drivers. And so these Israelite foremen, battered And so these Israelite foremen, battered And so these Israelite foremen, battered and bruised, they make their way to and bruised, they make their way to and bruised, they make their way to Moses and Aaron, not to thank them, not Moses and Aaron, not to thank them, not Moses and Aaron, not to thank them, not to celebrate that God's deliverer has to celebrate that God's deliverer has to celebrate that God's deliverer has finally arrived, but to confront them. finally arrived, but to confront them. finally arrived, but to confront them. Hey, may the Lord judge you for the Hey, may the Lord judge you for the Hey, may the Lord judge you for the trouble that you've caused us. trouble that you've caused us. trouble that you've caused us. And I want us to just sit in that And I want us to just sit in that And I want us to just sit in that reality for a moment.

reality for a moment. reality for a moment. Moses obeyed God. And the very people Moses obeyed God. And the very people Moses obeyed God. And the very people that he was sent to lead, well, now they that he was sent to lead, well, now they that he was sent to lead, well, now they see him as the problem. There's no see him as the problem. There's no see him as the problem. There's no applause. There's no credit. There's no applause. There's no credit. There's no applause. There's no credit. There's no immediate confirmation that he's doing immediate confirmation that he's doing immediate confirmation that he's doing the right thing. Like, he's actually the right thing. Like, he's actually the right thing. Like, he's actually obeyed into being perceived as a bad obeyed into being perceived as a bad obeyed into being perceived as a bad leader by those that he's come to lead. leader by those that he's come to lead. leader by those that he's come to lead. He He got blamed by the people he was He He got blamed by the people he was He He got blamed by the people he was trying to lead well for a mess that he trying to lead well for a mess that he trying to lead well for a mess that he didn't even make. Like, Pharaoh created didn't even make. Like, Pharaoh created didn't even make. Like, Pharaoh created it. If pride is front and center in the it. If pride is front and center in the it. If pride is front and center in the need to be seen as the reason that need to be seen as the reason that need to be seen as the reason that things are going really well and you're things are going really well and you're things are going really well and you're experiencing success in your life, like experiencing success in your life, like experiencing success in your life, like this is the moment when insecurity is this is the moment when insecurity is this is the moment when insecurity is ripped out from hiding behind pride into ripped out from hiding behind pride into ripped out from hiding behind pride into the light and has nowhere to hide. the light and has nowhere to hide. the light and has nowhere to hide. It's the moment you corrected your kid It's the moment you corrected your kid It's the moment you corrected your kid or or you remained firm on a boundary or or or you remained firm on a boundary or or or you remained firm on a boundary or you had a hard conversation with someone you had a hard conversation with someone you had a hard conversation with someone and instead of being thanked or and instead of being thanked or and instead of being thanked or respected, you got resented for it. respected, you got resented for it. respected, you got resented for it. Maybe it's the moment that you spoke the Maybe it's the moment that you spoke the Maybe it's the moment that you spoke the truth in love to a friend in a hard truth in love to a friend in a hard truth in love to a friend in a hard season and you watched them push back season and you watched them push back season and you watched them push back and the relationship actually became and the relationship actually became and the relationship actually became strained instead of strengthened.

strained instead of strengthened. strained instead of strengthened. It's the moment that you tried to lead It's the moment that you tried to lead It's the moment that you tried to lead your family towards something really your family towards something really your family towards something really good like less screen time or or more good like less screen time or or more good like less screen time or or more prayer at the dinner table and it felt prayer at the dinner table and it felt prayer at the dinner table and it felt like you were the only one who wanted it like you were the only one who wanted it like you were the only one who wanted it while everyone else just seemed really while everyone else just seemed really while everyone else just seemed really annoyed. Listen, you're not doing it annoyed. Listen, you're not doing it annoyed. Listen, you're not doing it wrong. You're just in Exodus chapter 5. wrong. You're just in Exodus chapter 5. wrong. You're just in Exodus chapter 5. Notice what Moses doesn't do in the Notice what Moses doesn't do in the Notice what Moses doesn't do in the midst of all this push back. He doesn't midst of all this push back. He doesn't midst of all this push back. He doesn't allow pride to take the reigns to try to allow pride to take the reigns to try to allow pride to take the reigns to try to self-make his leadership. He doesn't self-make his leadership. He doesn't self-make his leadership. He doesn't defend his reputation. He doesn't argue defend his reputation. He doesn't argue defend his reputation. He doesn't argue his case. He doesn't try to convince his case. He doesn't try to convince his case. He doesn't try to convince anyone. He's actually on their side. He anyone. He's actually on their side. He anyone. He's actually on their side. He just keeps going back to God. Like just keeps going back to God. Like just keeps going back to God. Like that's the humility at the heart of God that's the humility at the heart of God that's the humility at the heart of God made leadership. Staying obedient even made leadership. Staying obedient even made leadership. Staying obedient even when it costs you because you know it's when it costs you because you know it's when it costs you because you know it's what God is asking of you. what God is asking of you. what God is asking of you. Moses [clears throat] doesn't get to see Moses [clears throat] doesn't get to see Moses [clears throat] doesn't get to see where we're going at the end of chapter where we're going at the end of chapter where we're going at the end of chapter 14. Like he he just has to obey into 14. Like he he just has to obey into 14. Like he he just has to obey into chapter 5 in the midst of the beatings chapter 5 in the midst of the beatings chapter 5 in the midst of the beatings and the accusations and a situation and the accusations and a situation and the accusations and a situation where his influence looks like the where his influence looks like the where his influence looks like the opposite of good leadership to those opposite of good leadership to those opposite of good leadership to those around him. And listen, the call is for around him. And listen, the call is for around him. And listen, the call is for us too. The call isn't to obey because us too. The call isn't to obey because us too. The call isn't to obey because it's easy or we'll receive credit. It's it's easy or we'll receive credit. It's it's easy or we'll receive credit. It's to obey and lead in how God's leading us to obey and lead in how God's leading us to obey and lead in how God's leading us simply because God has told us to. To be simply because God has told us to. To be simply because God has told us to. To be the leaders that God has called us to be the leaders that God has called us to be the leaders that God has called us to be is to obey even when it's hard. Like is to obey even when it's hard. Like is to obey even when it's hard. Like obeying even when it's hard, it kills obeying even when it's hard, it kills obeying even when it's hard, it kills that self-made pride and it allows God that self-made pride and it allows God that self-made pride and it allows God made leadership to be built up in us.

made leadership to be built up in us. made leadership to be built up in us. As we shift to scene two, it opens with As we shift to scene two, it opens with As we shift to scene two, it opens with the dramatic movie montage that many of the dramatic movie montage that many of the dramatic movie montage that many of our minds immediately go to when we our minds immediately go to when we our minds immediately go to when we think of the Exodus. darkness and think of the Exodus. darkness and think of the Exodus. darkness and locusts and rivers of blood. God is locusts and rivers of blood. God is locusts and rivers of blood. God is going to quickly begin to answer going to quickly begin to answer going to quickly begin to answer Pharaoh's question of who is the Lord. Pharaoh's question of who is the Lord. Pharaoh's question of who is the Lord. And what follows isn't just this random And what follows isn't just this random And what follows isn't just this random series of 10 disasters or plagues of series of 10 disasters or plagues of series of 10 disasters or plagues of Egypt that Exodus is so famous for. If Egypt that Exodus is so famous for. If Egypt that Exodus is so famous for. If you know anything about Egyptian you know anything about Egyptian you know anything about Egyptian religion, you may actually start to religion, you may actually start to religion, you may actually start to notice something really remarkable as notice something really remarkable as notice something really remarkable as you work your way through these you work your way through these you work your way through these chapters. And here it is. Nearly every chapters. And here it is. Nearly every chapters. And here it is. Nearly every plague is a direct strike against a plague is a direct strike against a plague is a direct strike against a specific Egyptian god or goddess. Like specific Egyptian god or goddess. Like specific Egyptian god or goddess. Like the Nile River turns to blood in Exodus the Nile River turns to blood in Exodus the Nile River turns to blood in Exodus chapter 7. The Nile, it wasn't just a chapter 7. The Nile, it wasn't just a chapter 7. The Nile, it wasn't just a river to Egypt. Like it was worshiped. river to Egypt. Like it was worshiped. river to Egypt. Like it was worshiped. It was tied to the god Hoppy, the the It was tied to the god Hoppy, the the It was tied to the god Hoppy, the the god of fertility and life. It was god of fertility and life. It was god of fertility and life. It was perceived as the very reason Egypt could perceived as the very reason Egypt could perceived as the very reason Egypt could exist and flourish in the midst of a exist and flourish in the midst of a exist and flourish in the midst of a desert. So listen, God doesn't just turn desert. So listen, God doesn't just turn desert. So listen, God doesn't just turn water into blood. He turns the source of water into blood. He turns the source of water into blood. He turns the source of Egypt's life into a symbol of death and Egypt's life into a symbol of death and Egypt's life into a symbol of death and casts shame over their idol of casts shame over their idol of casts shame over their idol of fertility. How about the livestock being fertility. How about the livestock being fertility. How about the livestock being struck down in Exodus chapter 9? It's a struck down in Exodus chapter 9? It's a struck down in Exodus chapter 9? It's a direct hit on Hatheror, the cow goddess direct hit on Hatheror, the cow goddess direct hit on Hatheror, the cow goddess of motherhood and childbirth, one of of motherhood and childbirth, one of of motherhood and childbirth, one of Egypt's most widely worshiped deities.

Egypt's most widely worshiped deities. Egypt's most widely worshiped deities. And in fact, one of the reasons that And in fact, one of the reasons that And in fact, one of the reasons that scholars think Israel makes a golden scholars think Israel makes a golden scholars think Israel makes a golden calf statue in the wilderness. The calf statue in the wilderness. The calf statue in the wilderness. The animals that Egypt depended on animals that Egypt depended on animals that Egypt depended on economically and worshiped religiously, economically and worshiped religiously, economically and worshiped religiously, they're they're wiped out in a single they're they're wiped out in a single they're they're wiped out in a single stroke. How about the darkness that stroke. How about the darkness that stroke. How about the darkness that covers the land for three full days in covers the land for three full days in covers the land for three full days in Exodus chapter 10? It's this direct Exodus chapter 10? It's this direct Exodus chapter 10? It's this direct affront to Rah, the son god, arguably affront to Rah, the son god, arguably affront to Rah, the son god, arguably the most powerful deity in the entire the most powerful deity in the entire the most powerful deity in the entire Egyptian mythology, the the king of the Egyptian mythology, the the king of the Egyptian mythology, the the king of the gods, the the father of mankind. Pharaoh gods, the the father of mankind. Pharaoh gods, the the father of mankind. Pharaoh himself was considered Raw's son, himself was considered Raw's son, himself was considered Raw's son, descendant on earth. God doesn't just descendant on earth. God doesn't just descendant on earth. God doesn't just darken the sky for an afternoon like darken the sky for an afternoon like darken the sky for an afternoon like he's silencing the very idol that he's silencing the very idol that he's silencing the very idol that Pharaoh claimed to descend from while Pharaoh claimed to descend from while Pharaoh claimed to descend from while Israel just a few miles away lives in Israel just a few miles away lives in Israel just a few miles away lives in uninterrupted light. Like what's painted uninterrupted light. Like what's painted uninterrupted light. Like what's painted here in chapters 7 through13 of Exodus. here in chapters 7 through13 of Exodus. here in chapters 7 through13 of Exodus. It isn't just a list of 10 arbitrary It isn't just a list of 10 arbitrary It isn't just a list of 10 arbitrary plagues that God thought might wake plagues that God thought might wake plagues that God thought might wake Egypt up and get on their nerves. It's Egypt up and get on their nerves. It's Egypt up and get on their nerves. It's really the picture of like a courtroom. really the picture of like a courtroom. really the picture of like a courtroom. One by one, if you were to go through One by one, if you were to go through One by one, if you were to go through every plague, God is over and over again every plague, God is over and over again every plague, God is over and over again putting every competing idol and power putting every competing idol and power putting every competing idol and power that Egypt has built its identity around that Egypt has built its identity around that Egypt has built its identity around in its proper place underneath his feet.

in its proper place underneath his feet. in its proper place underneath his feet. And over and over again, the text tells And over and over again, the text tells And over and over again, the text tells us exactly why. I will show you that I us exactly why. I will show you that I us exactly why. I will show you that I am the Lord. Hey, then you will know am the Lord. Hey, then you will know am the Lord. Hey, then you will know that I am the Lord. But I have spared that I am the Lord. But I have spared that I am the Lord. But I have spared you for a purpose to show you my power. you for a purpose to show you my power. you for a purpose to show you my power. And that phrase, then you'll know that And that phrase, then you'll know that And that phrase, then you'll know that I'm the Lord. It's the the heartbeat of I'm the Lord. It's the the heartbeat of I'm the Lord. It's the the heartbeat of this entire section of scripture. Every this entire section of scripture. Every this entire section of scripture. Every plague answers Pharaoh's mocking plague answers Pharaoh's mocking plague answers Pharaoh's mocking question of who is the Lord? With the question of who is the Lord? With the question of who is the Lord? With the same way, there is no other throne. same way, there is no other throne. same way, there is no other throne. There's no other god. There's no other There's no other god. There's no other There's no other god. There's no other power in this story that gets to sit power in this story that gets to sit power in this story that gets to sit above God. And at the center of all of above God. And at the center of all of above God. And at the center of all of it, sits one man who refuses to believe it, sits one man who refuses to believe it, sits one man who refuses to believe that. But Pharaoh's heart was hard and that. But Pharaoh's heart was hard and that. But Pharaoh's heart was hard and he wouldn't listen to them just as the he wouldn't listen to them just as the he wouldn't listen to them just as the Lord had predicted. Lord had predicted. Lord had predicted. Here's what gets me every time I read Here's what gets me every time I read Here's what gets me every time I read this story about Pharaoh. Like he's not this story about Pharaoh. Like he's not this story about Pharaoh. Like he's not stupid, like he's watching miracle after stupid, like he's watching miracle after stupid, like he's watching miracle after miracle, really devastation after miracle, really devastation after miracle, really devastation after devastation that he cannot explain away. devastation that he cannot explain away. devastation that he cannot explain away. And instead of softening his heart, he And instead of softening his heart, he And instead of softening his heart, he continues to build up this wall. And you continues to build up this wall. And you continues to build up this wall. And you ask the question why? I think it's this.

ask the question why? I think it's this. ask the question why? I think it's this. Because his whole identity is the most Because his whole identity is the most Because his whole identity is the most powerful man in the world. like bending powerful man in the world. like bending powerful man in the world. like bending the knee doesn't just cost him the knee doesn't just cost him the knee doesn't just cost him politically or a labor force. It costs politically or a labor force. It costs politically or a labor force. It costs him his identity that he's worked to him his identity that he's worked to him his identity that he's worked to build up as a leader. He's self-made. build up as a leader. He's self-made. build up as a leader. He's self-made. Admitting that God is God means this, Admitting that God is God means this, Admitting that God is God means this, that Pharaoh isn't God. And if we're that Pharaoh isn't God. And if we're that Pharaoh isn't God. And if we're being honest, that's just not something being honest, that's just not something being honest, that's just not something that Pharaoh just wrestles with. Like we that Pharaoh just wrestles with. Like we that Pharaoh just wrestles with. Like we I know we don't have a Nile River or a I know we don't have a Nile River or a I know we don't have a Nile River or a sun god in our own lives or a throne sun god in our own lives or a throne sun god in our own lives or a throne that we sit on over a physical empire, that we sit on over a physical empire, that we sit on over a physical empire, but maybe it looks like this. Maybe it but maybe it looks like this. Maybe it but maybe it looks like this. Maybe it looks like the parent who can't looks like the parent who can't looks like the parent who can't apologize because admitting fault feels apologize because admitting fault feels apologize because admitting fault feels like losing authority. Or maybe it's the like losing authority. Or maybe it's the like losing authority. Or maybe it's the co-orker who who can't share and co-orker who who can't share and co-orker who who can't share and delegate because their worth is wrapped delegate because their worth is wrapped delegate because their worth is wrapped up in being the only one with the up in being the only one with the up in being the only one with the answers. Or maybe it's the friend who answers. Or maybe it's the friend who answers. Or maybe it's the friend who can't be vulnerable for fear of not can't be vulnerable for fear of not can't be vulnerable for fear of not being looked up to any longer. being looked up to any longer. being looked up to any longer. Listen, where have you built a throne Listen, where have you built a throne Listen, where have you built a throne that you need to come down off of? Maybe that you need to come down off of? Maybe that you need to come down off of? Maybe it's the throne of competence. If you it's the throne of competence. If you it's the throne of competence. If you work hard enough, like you won't need to work hard enough, like you won't need to work hard enough, like you won't need to depend on anyone else and you'll prove depend on anyone else and you'll prove depend on anyone else and you'll prove everyone wrong who doubted you. Maybe everyone wrong who doubted you. Maybe everyone wrong who doubted you. Maybe it's the throne of people's approval it's the throne of people's approval it's the throne of people's approval that every decision has to be filtered that every decision has to be filtered that every decision has to be filtered through. Well, what will they think of through. Well, what will they think of through. Well, what will they think of me? So, you people please and you feel me? So, you people please and you feel me? So, you people please and you feel paralyzed in decisions because of trying paralyzed in decisions because of trying paralyzed in decisions because of trying to maintain everyone's view of you.

to maintain everyone's view of you. to maintain everyone's view of you. Maybe it's the throne of control like Maybe it's the throne of control like Maybe it's the throne of control like needing to meticulously make sure the needing to meticulously make sure the needing to meticulously make sure the outcome goes your way because trusting outcome goes your way because trusting outcome goes your way because trusting someone else could lead to failure in someone else could lead to failure in someone else could lead to failure in your life. Pharaoh shows us what happens your life. Pharaoh shows us what happens your life. Pharaoh shows us what happens though when we stay on those thrones. though when we stay on those thrones. though when we stay on those thrones. Hardness, blindness, exhaustion, and a Hardness, blindness, exhaustion, and a Hardness, blindness, exhaustion, and a kingdom falling apart while you insist kingdom falling apart while you insist kingdom falling apart while you insist that you're still in charge. And the that you're still in charge. And the that you're still in charge. And the worst part is sometimes like we can't worst part is sometimes like we can't worst part is sometimes like we can't even see when it's happening around us even see when it's happening around us even see when it's happening around us as a family splinters or a team becomes as a family splinters or a team becomes as a family splinters or a team becomes tense or influence that points to Jesus tense or influence that points to Jesus tense or influence that points to Jesus becomes meddriven until suddenly your becomes meddriven until suddenly your becomes meddriven until suddenly your spouse sits you down in tears or your spouse sits you down in tears or your spouse sits you down in tears or your kids openly push you away or you realize kids openly push you away or you realize kids openly push you away or you realize that everyone around you at work or that everyone around you at work or that everyone around you at work or school operates in fear or walks on school operates in fear or walks on school operates in fear or walks on eggshells around you. But humility shows eggshells around you. But humility shows eggshells around you. But humility shows us the other option. not weakness, just us the other option. not weakness, just us the other option. not weakness, just stepping down off the throne and finally stepping down off the throne and finally stepping down off the throne and finally letting God sit where he's always letting God sit where he's always letting God sit where he's always belonged so that he can actually do what belonged so that he can actually do what belonged so that he can actually do what only he can do through you instead of in only he can do through you instead of in only he can do through you instead of in spite of you in a way that actually spite of you in a way that actually spite of you in a way that actually ultimately builds you and others up.

ultimately builds you and others up. ultimately builds you and others up. Listen, to be the leaders that God has Listen, to be the leaders that God has Listen, to be the leaders that God has called us to be, we need to let him sit called us to be, we need to let him sit called us to be, we need to let him sit where he belongs. above every idol that where he belongs. above every idol that where he belongs. above every idol that we've built, above every fear that we're we've built, above every fear that we're we've built, above every fear that we're protecting, like stepping down off the protecting, like stepping down off the protecting, like stepping down off the throne, it kills self-made pride and it throne, it kills self-made pride and it throne, it kills self-made pride and it allows true Godmade leadership to be allows true Godmade leadership to be allows true Godmade leadership to be built up in us. built up in us. built up in us. Well, we skip ahead to our final scene. Well, we skip ahead to our final scene. Well, we skip ahead to our final scene. In scene three, we're 10 devastating In scene three, we're 10 devastating In scene three, we're 10 devastating plagues in Pharaoh has finally broken plagues in Pharaoh has finally broken plagues in Pharaoh has finally broken and let Israel go. And you'd think that and let Israel go. And you'd think that and let Israel go. And you'd think that the danger was finally over with the danger was finally over with the danger was finally over with sunshine ahead for Israel. It's not like sunshine ahead for Israel. It's not like sunshine ahead for Israel. It's not like not even close. Moses and Israel have not even close. Moses and Israel have not even close. Moses and Israel have made their way out from Egypt through a made their way out from Egypt through a made their way out from Egypt through a stretch of wilderness to the coast. When stretch of wilderness to the coast. When stretch of wilderness to the coast. When suddenly Pharaoh changes his mind, the suddenly Pharaoh changes his mind, the suddenly Pharaoh changes his mind, the Egyptians caught up with the people of Egyptians caught up with the people of Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel. As Pharaoh approached, the Israel. As Pharaoh approached, the Israel. As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and they people of Israel looked up and they people of Israel looked up and they panicked when they saw the Egyptians panicked when they saw the Egyptians panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them and they said to Moses, overtaking them and they said to Moses, overtaking them and they said to Moses, "HEY, WHY DID YOU bring us out here to "HEY, WHY DID YOU bring us out here to "HEY, WHY DID YOU bring us out here to die in the wilderness?" die in the wilderness?" die in the wilderness?" Same dynamic again as scene one, except Same dynamic again as scene one, except Same dynamic again as scene one, except the stakes have multiplied. like the the the stakes have multiplied. like the the the stakes have multiplied. like the the people are trapped between an impassible people are trapped between an impassible people are trapped between an impassible sea and the most powerful army on earth.

sea and the most powerful army on earth. sea and the most powerful army on earth. And once again, the first thing they do And once again, the first thing they do And once again, the first thing they do is turn on their leader, Moses. Except is turn on their leader, Moses. Except is turn on their leader, Moses. Except back in chapter 5, it was only making back in chapter 5, it was only making back in chapter 5, it was only making brick baking more difficult. Here, it's brick baking more difficult. Here, it's brick baking more difficult. Here, it's an entire nation's survival at stake an entire nation's survival at stake an entire nation's survival at stake with their backs against the sea. And with their backs against the sea. And with their backs against the sea. And yet, what Moses does in that exact yet, what Moses does in that exact yet, what Moses does in that exact moment with the army's dust cloud rising moment with the army's dust cloud rising moment with the army's dust cloud rising up on the horizon is this. Moses told up on the horizon is this. Moses told up on the horizon is this. Moses told the people, "Hey, don't be afraid. Just the people, "Hey, don't be afraid. Just the people, "Hey, don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue stand still and watch the Lord rescue stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Lord himself will fight you today. The Lord himself will fight you today. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." for you. Just stay calm." for you. Just stay calm." And before there is a single shred of And before there is a single shred of And before there is a single shred of visible evidence that anything is about visible evidence that anything is about visible evidence that anything is about to change, Moses's first move is to not to change, Moses's first move is to not to change, Moses's first move is to not only obey in the impossibly hard moment only obey in the impossibly hard moment only obey in the impossibly hard moment and step down off the throne of pride and step down off the throne of pride and step down off the throne of pride that may have been fighting to swell up that may have been fighting to swell up that may have been fighting to swell up in him in that moment, but lastly this, in him in that moment, but lastly this, in him in that moment, but lastly this, he watched where he was pointing. He he watched where he was pointing. He he watched where he was pointing. He doesn't say, "Hey, give me a a minute. doesn't say, "Hey, give me a a minute. doesn't say, "Hey, give me a a minute. Like, I I'll figure this out. I have a Like, I I'll figure this out. I have a Like, I I'll figure this out. I have a plan." He doesn't say, "Hey, watch what plan." He doesn't say, "Hey, watch what plan." He doesn't say, "Hey, watch what I'm about to do. I've got this handled." I'm about to do. I've got this handled." I'm about to do. I've got this handled." He says, "Hey, the Lord will fight for He says, "Hey, the Lord will fight for He says, "Hey, the Lord will fight for you. Stay calm." Like, that that is a you. Stay calm." Like, that that is a you. Stay calm." Like, that that is a dependence spoken out loud in front of a dependence spoken out loud in front of a dependence spoken out loud in front of a panicking crowd that before the proof panicking crowd that before the proof panicking crowd that before the proof shows up. I I it takes so much nerve in shows up. I I it takes so much nerve in shows up. I I it takes so much nerve in that moment to do that. And humility and that moment to do that. And humility and that moment to do that. And humility and and and that in itself is a miracle. But and and that in itself is a miracle. But and and that in itself is a miracle. But then all of a sudden, the unthinkable then all of a sudden, the unthinkable then all of a sudden, the unthinkable happens. Moses raised his hand over the happens. Moses raised his hand over the happens. Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path sea, and the Lord opened up a path sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east through the water with a strong east through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all night, turning

wind. The wind blew all night, turning wind. The wind blew all night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people the seabed into dry land. So the people the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of of Israel walked through the middle of of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground with walls of the sea on dry ground with walls of the sea on dry ground with walls of water on each side. And when all the water on each side. And when all the water on each side. And when all the Israelites had reached the other side, Israelites had reached the other side, Israelites had reached the other side, the water rushed back into its usual the water rushed back into its usual the water rushed back into its usual place. and the Egyptians tried to place. and the Egyptians tried to place. and the Egyptians tried to escape, but the Lord swept them into the escape, but the Lord swept them into the escape, but the Lord swept them into the sea. sea. sea. This moment of deliverance, it's uh it's This moment of deliverance, it's uh it's This moment of deliverance, it's uh it's been captured in so many breathtaking been captured in so many breathtaking been captured in so many breathtaking ways in art and in movies, and it's easy ways in art and in movies, and it's easy ways in art and in movies, and it's easy to get as mesmerized as I'm sure to get as mesmerized as I'm sure to get as mesmerized as I'm sure everyone was witnessing in that moment everyone was witnessing in that moment everyone was witnessing in that moment on that day. But there's a couple on that day. But there's a couple on that day. But there's a couple details here that are worth slowing down details here that are worth slowing down details here that are worth slowing down for because this once again isn't just for because this once again isn't just for because this once again isn't just about a rescue story. It's a story about a rescue story. It's a story about a rescue story. It's a story written in deliberate echoes of written in deliberate echoes of written in deliberate echoes of everything that's come before us to show everything that's come before us to show everything that's come before us to show who is the Lord. First, the the word who is the Lord. First, the the word who is the Lord. First, the the word wind that God sends to blow over the wind that God sends to blow over the wind that God sends to blow over the sea. In Hebrew, the word is ruach. The sea. In Hebrew, the word is ruach. The sea. In Hebrew, the word is ruach. The exact same word for spirit. And that's exact same word for spirit. And that's exact same word for spirit. And that's not a coincidence. If if you were to go not a coincidence. If if you were to go not a coincidence. If if you were to go back to the very first page of the back to the very first page of the back to the very first page of the Bible, you'd see this phrase, the spirit Bible, you'd see this phrase, the spirit Bible, you'd see this phrase, the spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

of God was hovering over the waters. of God was hovering over the waters. Same word, same picture. Before God Same word, same picture. Before God Same word, same picture. Before God speaks creation into existence, his speaks creation into existence, his speaks creation into existence, his spirit, his ruach, hovers over the spirit, his ruach, hovers over the spirit, his ruach, hovers over the chaotic, formless waters about to divide chaotic, formless waters about to divide chaotic, formless waters about to divide them and bring about new creation and them and bring about new creation and them and bring about new creation and order and life. And now at this sea, order and life. And now at this sea, order and life. And now at this sea, these chaotic waters, God's ruach moves these chaotic waters, God's ruach moves these chaotic waters, God's ruach moves again all night, driving back the again all night, driving back the again all night, driving back the waters, turning chaos into dry ground to waters, turning chaos into dry ground to waters, turning chaos into dry ground to walk on. And God is bringing about new walk on. And God is bringing about new walk on. And God is bringing about new creation again through the deliverance creation again through the deliverance creation again through the deliverance of his people, creating a new freed of his people, creating a new freed of his people, creating a new freed nation just as he created the world in nation just as he created the world in nation just as he created the world in the beginning. Secondly, is this in the the beginning. Secondly, is this in the the beginning. Secondly, is this in the original Hebrew, this is never actually original Hebrew, this is never actually original Hebrew, this is never actually called this body of water. It's it's called this body of water. It's it's called this body of water. It's it's never actually called the Red Sea. Like never actually called the Red Sea. Like never actually called the Red Sea. Like the actual phrase is Yamsu or the sea of the actual phrase is Yamsu or the sea of the actual phrase is Yamsu or the sea of reeds. That word should stop you because reeds. That word should stop you because reeds. That word should stop you because we've heard it before. Back in Exodus we've heard it before. Back in Exodus we've heard it before. Back in Exodus chapter 2, baby Moses was hidden in a chapter 2, baby Moses was hidden in a chapter 2, baby Moses was hidden in a basket among what? among the reeds along basket among what? among the reeds along basket among what? among the reeds along the bank of the Nile completely at the the bank of the Nile completely at the the bank of the Nile completely at the mercy of the water. God delivered him mercy of the water. God delivered him mercy of the water. God delivered him through the water then and now decades through the water then and now decades through the water then and now decades later, God delivers an entire nation later, God delivers an entire nation later, God delivers an entire nation through the water at the Sea of Reeds.

through the water at the Sea of Reeds. through the water at the Sea of Reeds. The same God who once preserved one The same God who once preserved one The same God who once preserved one helpless child among the reeds is now helpless child among the reeds is now helpless child among the reeds is now preserving an entire helpless nation in preserving an entire helpless nation in preserving an entire helpless nation in the exact same way among the watery the exact same way among the watery the exact same way among the watery reeds. And where is Moses in all of this reeds. And where is Moses in all of this reeds. And where is Moses in all of this just screaming God's leadership and just screaming God's leadership and just screaming God's leadership and power to the tens of thousands of people power to the tens of thousands of people power to the tens of thousands of people around him? Like he had just become the around him? Like he had just become the around him? Like he had just become the man who raised his staff and the sea man who raised his staff and the sea man who raised his staff and the sea split. Like from their perspective, he split. Like from their perspective, he split. Like from their perspective, he could have stopped and built a monument could have stopped and built a monument could have stopped and built a monument right there on the shore with his own right there on the shore with his own right there on the shore with his own name on it. Like undeniable public proof name on it. Like undeniable public proof name on it. Like undeniable public proof that could have made him like a king or that could have made him like a king or that could have made him like a king or a god in the eyes of the people. Like a god in the eyes of the people. Like a god in the eyes of the people. Like Pharaoh spent nine chapters hardening Pharaoh spent nine chapters hardening Pharaoh spent nine chapters hardening his heart against evidence that should his heart against evidence that should his heart against evidence that should have humbled him, Moses gets the single have humbled him, Moses gets the single have humbled him, Moses gets the single greatest vindication moment of his life. greatest vindication moment of his life. greatest vindication moment of his life. Every beating, every year of obscurity, Every beating, every year of obscurity, Every beating, every year of obscurity, every moment nobody believed in him every moment nobody believed in him every moment nobody believed in him answered all at once in front of answered all at once in front of answered all at once in front of everyone. Like this is exactly the everyone. Like this is exactly the everyone. Like this is exactly the moment where self-made pride wants to moment where self-made pride wants to moment where self-made pride wants to grab the moment and never let go. In grab the moment and never let go. In grab the moment and never let go. In fact, let me ask you this. Like, where fact, let me ask you this. Like, where fact, let me ask you this. Like, where would you be standing at in this moment?

would you be standing at in this moment? would you be standing at in this moment? And where do you find yourself? Maybe And where do you find yourself? Maybe And where do you find yourself? Maybe it's the dark season that you walked it's the dark season that you walked it's the dark season that you walked through and people ask you how you did through and people ask you how you did through and people ask you how you did it. Or maybe it's the kid who finally it. Or maybe it's the kid who finally it. Or maybe it's the kid who finally turned a corner and people started turned a corner and people started turned a corner and people started asking you what you did right in your asking you what you did right in your asking you what you did right in your parenting. Or or maybe it's the recovery parenting. Or or maybe it's the recovery parenting. Or or maybe it's the recovery or the reconciliation or the turnaround or the reconciliation or the turnaround or the reconciliation or the turnaround that everyone thought wouldn't happen that everyone thought wouldn't happen that everyone thought wouldn't happen and they ask, "Hey, how'd you do it?" and they ask, "Hey, how'd you do it?" and they ask, "Hey, how'd you do it?" Like self-made grabs that moment with Like self-made grabs that moment with Like self-made grabs that moment with both hands. It's the whole reason both hands. It's the whole reason both hands. It's the whole reason self-made exists for for moments like self-made exists for for moments like self-made exists for for moments like this where the spotlight is on you where this where the spotlight is on you where this where the spotlight is on you where you get the credit. But Moses, he you get the credit. But Moses, he you get the credit. But Moses, he watches where he points. And in chapter watches where he points. And in chapter watches where he points. And in chapter 15, Moses writes a song. It's the very 15, Moses writes a song. It's the very 15, Moses writes a song. It's the very first worship song ever recorded in first worship song ever recorded in first worship song ever recorded in scripture. And in that song in verse 13, scripture. And in that song in verse 13, scripture. And in that song in verse 13, there's a word that has never once there's a word that has never once there's a word that has never once anywhere appeared in the Bible before anywhere appeared in the Bible before anywhere appeared in the Bible before this exact moment. With your unfailing this exact moment. With your unfailing this exact moment. With your unfailing love, you lead the people you have love, you lead the people you have love, you lead the people you have redeemed. redeemed. redeemed. Redeemed. Redeemed. Redeemed. It's the very first time that word ever It's the very first time that word ever It's the very first time that word ever shows up in all of scripture. A word shows up in all of scripture. A word shows up in all of scripture. A word with economic connotations, but also the with economic connotations, but also the with economic connotations, but also the idea of recovery and rescue. And God idea of recovery and rescue. And God idea of recovery and rescue. And God puts it in a song pointing to God, not puts it in a song pointing to God, not puts it in a song pointing to God, not about him. Like the man with the single about him. Like the man with the single about him. Like the man with the single best comeback story in the entire Old best comeback story in the entire Old best comeback story in the entire Old Testament up to this point. from Testament up to this point. from Testament up to this point. from wilderness obscurity to deliverer picks wilderness obscurity to deliverer picks wilderness obscurity to deliverer picks up a pen and he writes someone else's up a pen and he writes someone else's up a pen and he writes someone else's name in the spotlight. God, you are the name in the spotlight. God, you are the name in the spotlight. God, you are the ultimate leader who has led and rescued ultimate leader who has led and rescued ultimate leader who has led and rescued your people back into your arms. I'm

your people back into your arms. I'm your people back into your arms. I'm simply a tool in your leading. simply a tool in your leading. simply a tool in your leading. This is the Godmade leadership that this This is the Godmade leadership that this This is the Godmade leadership that this entire stretch of scripture has been entire stretch of scripture has been entire stretch of scripture has been building and forming Moses towards. the building and forming Moses towards. the building and forming Moses towards. the same dependency of baby Moses in a same dependency of baby Moses in a same dependency of baby Moses in a basket. The same trust he needed walking basket. The same trust he needed walking basket. The same trust he needed walking into Pharaoh's court with no plan. The into Pharaoh's court with no plan. The into Pharaoh's court with no plan. The same patience and confidence and same patience and confidence and same patience and confidence and rejection of insecurity and pride that rejection of insecurity and pride that rejection of insecurity and pride that he needed to obey in chapter five and in he needed to obey in chapter five and in he needed to obey in chapter five and in the chaos of the plagues in chapter 7 the chaos of the plagues in chapter 7 the chaos of the plagues in chapter 7 through13. It climaxes at this moment through13. It climaxes at this moment through13. It climaxes at this moment with the splitting of the sea in a with the splitting of the sea in a with the splitting of the sea in a moment of ultimate victory bathed in moment of ultimate victory bathed in moment of ultimate victory bathed in humility. Listen, to be the leaders God humility. Listen, to be the leaders God humility. Listen, to be the leaders God has called us to be means we watch where has called us to be means we watch where has called us to be means we watch where we point, especially in the moments of we point, especially in the moments of we point, especially in the moments of victory. Like watching where we point victory. Like watching where we point victory. Like watching where we point it, it it kills that self-made pride and it, it it kills that self-made pride and it, it it kills that self-made pride and it allows God made leadership to be it allows God made leadership to be it allows God made leadership to be built up in us. built up in us. built up in us. Who is the Lord? Who is the Lord? Who is the Lord? That's the question that Pharaoh sneered That's the question that Pharaoh sneered That's the question that Pharaoh sneered back in chapter 5, asking it like the back in chapter 5, asking it like the back in chapter 5, asking it like the answer obviously didn't matter.

answer obviously didn't matter. answer obviously didn't matter. It's the question every plague and every It's the question every plague and every It's the question every plague and every act of surrender and every wave of that act of surrender and every wave of that act of surrender and every wave of that parted sea answered over and over louder parted sea answered over and over louder parted sea answered over and over louder and louder until there was no honest way and louder until there was no honest way and louder until there was no honest way left to dodge it. That you may know that left to dodge it. That you may know that left to dodge it. That you may know that I am the Lord. Not Moses, not Pharaoh, I am the Lord. Not Moses, not Pharaoh, I am the Lord. Not Moses, not Pharaoh, not Egypt's gods, and not the idols any not Egypt's gods, and not the idols any not Egypt's gods, and not the idols any of us have quietly built in our own of us have quietly built in our own of us have quietly built in our own lives around masking our insecurities. lives around masking our insecurities. lives around masking our insecurities. The ultimate leader is the Lord. And we The ultimate leader is the Lord. And we The ultimate leader is the Lord. And we reframe that continually in our minds in reframe that continually in our minds in reframe that continually in our minds in leadership when we obey when it's hard leadership when we obey when it's hard leadership when we obey when it's hard and we step down off the throne and when and we step down off the throne and when and we step down off the throne and when we watch where we're pointing. we watch where we're pointing. we watch where we're pointing. Look, maybe you're in your own version Look, maybe you're in your own version Look, maybe you're in your own version of chapter 5 right now. Like you obeyed of chapter 5 right now. Like you obeyed of chapter 5 right now. Like you obeyed and it got harder and it's not easier. and it got harder and it's not easier. and it got harder and it's not easier. Listen, stay there. You're exactly where Listen, stay there. You're exactly where Listen, stay there. You're exactly where Moses was. Or maybe you're steering down Moses was. Or maybe you're steering down Moses was. Or maybe you're steering down your own version of Pharaoh's throne, your own version of Pharaoh's throne, your own version of Pharaoh's throne, like your own idol of control or like your own idol of control or like your own idol of control or approval or competence, and you know approval or competence, and you know approval or competence, and you know it's keeping you from loving and caring it's keeping you from loving and caring it's keeping you from loving and caring for others the way God actually is for others the way God actually is for others the way God actually is calling you to. Like, watch Pharaoh and calling you to. Like, watch Pharaoh and calling you to. Like, watch Pharaoh and choose a different ending than his.

choose a different ending than his. choose a different ending than his. Or maybe you're standing at your own sea Or maybe you're standing at your own sea Or maybe you're standing at your own sea right now. You're watching God do right now. You're watching God do right now. You're watching God do something that you could have never something that you could have never something that you could have never engineered on your own or imagined. And engineered on your own or imagined. And engineered on your own or imagined. And the only question left is whether your the only question left is whether your the only question left is whether your story is going to be about what you did story is going to be about what you did story is going to be about what you did and accomplished or what he did. Listen, and accomplished or what he did. Listen, and accomplished or what he did. Listen, your life is always leading and pointing your life is always leading and pointing your life is always leading and pointing somewhere even like especially in the somewhere even like especially in the somewhere even like especially in the moments that pride and really insecurity moments that pride and really insecurity moments that pride and really insecurity could quietly take the seat and that could quietly take the seat and that could quietly take the seat and that belongs to God alone. belongs to God alone. belongs to God alone. So the question of who is the Lord? So the question of who is the Lord? So the question of who is the Lord? Self-made prideful leadership asks that Self-made prideful leadership asks that Self-made prideful leadership asks that as a way of maintaining status and as a way of maintaining status and as a way of maintaining status and identity. identity. identity. But God made dependent leadership. It But God made dependent leadership. It But God made dependent leadership. It offers an answer to that through the offers an answer to that through the offers an answer to that through the pointing to the ultimate leader who is pointing to the ultimate leader who is pointing to the ultimate leader who is working to shape us into better and working to shape us into better and working to shape us into better and better leaders that he has created us to better leaders that he has created us to better leaders that he has created us to be. Remember the question that we're be. Remember the question that we're be. Remember the question that we're wrestling with in this series isn't am I wrestling with in this series isn't am I wrestling with in this series isn't am I a leader. The question is and always a leader. The question is and always a leader. The question is and always will be what kind of leader am I? And so will be what kind of leader am I? And so will be what kind of leader am I? And so Southeast let's be Godmade leaders who Southeast let's be Godmade leaders who Southeast let's be Godmade leaders who help people see and know Jesus.

help people see and know Jesus. help people see and know Jesus. Let's pray. Jesus, I'm reminded of the words of Paul Jesus, I'm reminded of the words of Paul um in Philippians 2 of your humility, um in Philippians 2 of your humility, um in Philippians 2 of your humility, of your your humble, servant-hearted of your your humble, servant-hearted of your your humble, servant-hearted attitude that led to you stepping into attitude that led to you stepping into attitude that led to you stepping into our world and going to the cross for us. our world and going to the cross for us. our world and going to the cross for us. Jesus, we pray that as leaders, we Jesus, we pray that as leaders, we Jesus, we pray that as leaders, we through the power of the spirit could through the power of the spirit could through the power of the spirit could walk with that same kind of humility. walk with that same kind of humility. walk with that same kind of humility. Spirit, that you would show us the Spirit, that you would show us the Spirit, that you would show us the self-made, prideful areas of our self-made, prideful areas of our self-made, prideful areas of our influence and the way that we've been influence and the way that we've been influence and the way that we've been operating in our families and schools operating in our families and schools operating in our families and schools and workplaces and relationships. Root and workplaces and relationships. Root and workplaces and relationships. Root that out of us, Father. We want to be that out of us, Father. We want to be that out of us, Father. We want to be obedient. We want to be faithful. We obedient. We want to be faithful. We obedient. We want to be faithful. We want to be formed more and more into the want to be formed more and more into the want to be formed more and more into the leaders that we were created to be. And leaders that we were created to be. And leaders that we were created to be. And so, Father, Son, and Spirit, help us.

so, Father, Son, and Spirit, help us. so, Father, Son, and Spirit, help us. Help us to walk in humility and Help us to walk in humility and Help us to walk in humility and obedience. It's in the name of Jesus we obedience. It's in the name of Jesus we obedience. It's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.