Exodus 4:18-31

“Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at Moses’ feet, and said, ‘Surely you are a husband of blood to me!’” (Exodus 4:25, NKJV)

After accepting God’s calling, Moses took his family and headed back to Egypt with the rod of God in his hand. He would perform the signs that the LORD gave him before Pharaoh and before the elders of Israel.

But as they came to the encampment, God sought to kill Moses! The problem was that he had never circumcised their youngest son Eliezer. We don't know how Moses almost died, but his wife Zipporah took a sharp stone and performed the procedure on their son to save Moses’ life. But she was not happy about it!

It is likely that there had been a disagreement between Moses and his wife over circumcising Eliezer. Zipporah was a Midianite, and she didn’t understand why this was necessary. But the bigger issue was that Moses came under the influence of his wife and disobeyed God. The LORD could not let this slide, because Moses would receive the Law to give to the nation. Those who represent God must prove worthy by obeying God.

There is a lesson for us in home life. A husband can influence his wife for good, and a wife can influence her husband for good. But the opposite can also occur. If you are married, are you echoing the voice of God to your spouse? Or are you giving your own opinions that may be contrary to God's will? The same is true of parents raising their children. Are you seeking God’s ultimate good for them? Or are you trying to fashion them after your own will? Zipporah thought she was sparing her youngest son from pain, but by delaying circumcision until he was older, she caused him more pain. And she almost lost her husband!

Fortunately, Zipporah stepped in and did the right thing. But how much better would it have been to listen to God the first time?

Is there something God has been speaking to you about that you have left undone?