In the opening chapters of Exodus (Shemoth), we are told that Moshe was able to speak for Adonai and wield great power on His behalf, turning water to blood and calling down multiple plagues on Egypt. That being said, Moshe was certainly able to leave Egypt whenever he wanted. So why did he stay and bear with Pharaoh’s nonsense?
Despite his ability to leave, he sought Pharaoh’s permission, and he would not leave without it. Moshe waited for permission because that was what God required of him. Moshe was not on a mission to establish his own personal rights or freedoms. He was not dissuaded from his mission by the fact that Pharaoh was unreasonable and even capricious in giving and then retracting his permission for the Israelites to leave Egypt. The servant of God looks not to the circumstances, the “bosses” or government over him, but rather to the hand of his Master. (See Psalm 123:2) He seeks what is pleasing to the One who sent him.
Pressing into that, we understand that the people who serve God and call Adoniah, “Master,” must submit to every authority over them. (Romans 13:1) It is not for them to assert their rights and try to extricate themselves from the authority of “Pharaoh” or other similarly positioned unfair, unfeeling or unresponsive government leaders. Rather they must wait until they receive permission–from the Master.
God is willing . . . and able, but His timing is His own, not ours. Obey His Word, and it will be well with you. Go out on your own, be self-reliant, try and assert your “rights,” and you will find you are no match for your foes and you have no permission to be where you are. To obey is better than any sacrifice–even a well-intentioned one.
Rooted and Grounded 