Regarding God’s “breaking point”, I’m not entirely sure how to answer the question. We should not conceive of God as getting exasperated, as we might do when we lose patience. God’s anger is always perfect, not the result of impatience but a response to unrighteousness. However, it does appear that God is willing to answer Moses’ initial questions but eventually does become angry, as the text clearly indicates. What I tried to suggest Sunday was that in chapter 4 Moses’ questions turned from being legitimate to being the result of unbelief and unwillingness. In response to Moses’ unbelief God grants three signs, but it is in response to Moses’ unwillingness that God becomes angry. It seems that when Moses’ questions turn into excuses that God reaches his “breaking point,” if it’s fair to characterize his response that way.

Aaron’s involvement is interesting as well, for it seems in part a gracious act on God’s part, but it also seems to be possibly disciplinary (the text does not clearly state this, but later on Aaron does cause problems for Moses). It is also interesting that God in his anger does not destroy Moses, but rather overcomes his unwillingness and ultimately uses him anyway (perhaps with some discipline, if one takes Aaron’s involvement in that way).

In verse 24, why would God seek to put Moses to death and how does that relate to his son’s circumcision?

Where is God’s “breaking point” as far as his anger towards Moses? Its clear that when he brings Aaron into the picture that he must be somewhat fed up with him. Or maybe he’s not angry at all??

As to Jenny’s comments, I certainly can empathize with all of what was mentioned. I suppose I don’t work outside of the home during the day but I do work hard all day and desperately desire to just rest by the time dinner is on the table.

I will speak from my own experience and what I am learning because this is something I struggle with ALL the time. And I will try to be general (although I’d rather be specific).

*Our calling in life is to be a child of Christ and to serve Him. That will look different in each person’s life depending on whether they are married, single, mother, etc. Our callings are different so the way we use our time will look different and that is expected.

I think we must examine every part of our day to determine what is necessary and what is a luxury. Things like rest, extracurricular activity, a job, straightened homes, and Bible studies are sometimes necessary and sometimes not. We must evaluate this through the eyes of Christ and His worldview not from a me-centered view. I think this can be very hard to do often and this is where I would love further discussion.

Just a thought to ponder…do we work to rest or rest to work? I think most of us are raised in the mindset that we work so that we can rest but I am not sure this is Biblical. It seems we should rest so that we can work if we have Christ’s view of the world in mind. I don’t have a particular scripture in mind but instead the picture of Christ’s life. He rested most definitely but its clear that wasn’t his goal. His goal was to build His kingdom which meant he “worked” a lot.

I completely understand wanting unscheduled time, which is why as a church we only schedule two regular activities - Sunday worship and a weekly community group. Anything else we plan is incidental and temporary.

This is a great topic to discuss. I do have some thoughts that I think will both encourage and challenge you, but they are better spoken in person. But perhaps someone else has some general comments that would be helpful to you…

I often have very negative thoughts when imagining committing another evening or weekend to meetings or activities which I know will actually be beneficial. I know as a woman who juggles a career and (growing) family, I feel the need for time at home that is completely unscheduled. I am in amazement at you all who have something going on almost every night and on the weekends. Don’t you ever just want to “be”? Maybe that makes me a lazy homebody? This is why I struggle with it. I know I’m not a lazy person! I just know that I feel exhausted after working all day, tending to my family afterward and possibly sneaking in a load of laundry before collapsing into bed.

This all sounds so negative, I know. It is something I’m trying to pray about and overcome (if possible). Don’t get me wrong, there are activities/meetings I’d like to be a part of, and we love to be in the presence of other members of our church. Does it ever stress anyone else to be “scheduled” without much time to yourselves?

I know this “scheduled” time is productive, brings members closer together, and introduces others to Christ, which is why I struggle with my negative perceptions. There’s a lot that I’d love to be able to do, whether it’s volunteering or attending a Bible study. The logistics of “making time” is my hurdle.

Any encouraging thoughts for this pregnant woman with the rollercoaster emotions?

I am going to ask a “guest blogger” to address this in more detail in case my sermon didn’t fully answer your question.