Exodus 6: A broken spirit.

The children of Israel get a really bad rap.  Yes, they complained. And complained and complained and complained. But if I read through the exodus story and honestly put myself in their shoes, I must admit I’d be complaining too.  And this morning a short sentence from Exodus 6 stuck out to me that might help us be a little more patient with the people in our lives.

Moses returns to Egypt with high hopes. He’s excited to free the nation of Israel from Egypt’s slavery, but of course things don’t go according to (his) plan. Things seem to always get worse before they get better. Pharoah not only won’t let them go, but he increases their workload, refusing to give them straw for their bricks. The people are desperate. Moses is frustrated (5:22):

“Why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharoah to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all?”

That is a frustrated man. And can’t you relate? Have you ever taken a step of faith and obeyed God only to seemingly fall on your face and have it get worse?  Moses is frustrated and doesn’t hide it. But God reassures Moses by reiterating all the promises of god, all that he has done, how He led Abraham and promised to deliver His people.  He speaks life and encouragement to Moses, promises of hope.  So Moses takes courage, and goes and repeats all of these words to the people of Israel,

“but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit…” (4:9)

I always focus on the part where they don’t listen to Moses.  Listen to him! I think to myself. Listen. Quit complaining and not having faith. See the great things before you! Believe!

But their spirits were broken.

They couldn’t listen. They had spark of hope or faith left in their hearts. Their spirits were broken.  It was as if Moses was talking nonsense. They had seen no good, no hope, no life, no promise. How could they believe Moses’ words. All they knew was cruelty, slavery, hate, bondage.  Their spirits were broken.

When God calls us to minister (and he calls all of us to minister) He calls us to give hope to those whose spirits are broken. And, if their spirits truly are broken, it is possible that they cannot listen. They cannot even muster up the strength to believe the good news.  They may not see the vision you see. They cannot envision it because they have not had vision. They have been blinded by hurt, their sense of hope seared by pain.

So if they cannot listen, to carry on anyway.  Rather than get frustrated or angry because they cannot see the promised land, we must, like Moses, continue to pursue their freedom, their good, whether they can see the light or not.  If we hold out hand they bite it (!), we must hold out our hand again.  Remember these words, “They might have a broken spirit.”

This doesn’t excuse others’ sins, but it covers them (1 Peter 4:8). It says, “It’s ok if you don’t listen. It’s ok if you can’t see the vision. It’s ok if you can’t see past your pain. I’ll still take your hand and help lead you out of slavery, help lead you toward the promised land, help you be all that God wants you to be.”

Isn’t that what Jesus did for us?

We live in a world of broken spirits.  God fill us with a compassion that quells impatience, an understanding that removes frustration. Help us see your people as you see them. And when our spirits are broken, help those around us to be patient with us, and fill us with your hope.

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Is there someone in your life who seems constantly negative? Who won’t listen to your encouragement no matter what you say? Do you find yourself getting frustrated? How can you pray for that person, that God would heal their broken spirit, and how can you choose to continue to bless that person today?