Consider the small things

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Exodus 4:18-31 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘On the way, at a place where they spent the night, the Lord met him and tried to kill him.’ Exodus 4:24

Now, have I done everything?! This brief yet popular phrase aims to reassure us that we have done all that is required. However, even after this confirmation, we often still manage to miss something important. Perhaps you can relate to preparing for a holiday and prior to departure ensuring that the house is fully secure, only to realise halfway down the road that you have not locked the door! Although a small and rarely visible feature, a lock is very important and failing to operate it correctly can influence events significantly.

In today’s passage we read of Moses finally beginning his journey to Egypt as God had commanded him to do. Having done the courteous thing of seeking permission from his father-in-law, the family depart. However, in verse 24 we learn that the Lord planned to kill Moses. This is a surprising turn as with everything supposedly in order, this is the last thing we expected to happen. What we learn is that whilst Moses had been diligent in seeking permission and making other preparations, he overlooked a very important factor; the circumcision of his son. The circumcision was crucial for honouring the covenant with God and by failing to do so in the past, Moses had now provoked the wrath of the Lord. In the moment, Zipporah removed the foreskin and thus secured the relationship between the Lord and Moses. Crucially, this small act corrected something that Moses had overlooked and enabled the journey to continue as planned meaning Moses could fulfil the Lord’s command.

How often do we pay attention to the small details which affect our relationship with God and others? Whether this be a promise we have failed to keep or a small debt we have yet to repay, they all impact our relationships and deserve our attention. As we journey through this season of preparation, take time to consider all those things you ought to have done, the small things which are easily forgotten and give attention to faithful prayer. Perhaps then you can say with a little more confidence: now, have I done everything?!

Sam Walmsley, Ordinand