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I. THAT THIS FIRST ATTEMPT AT A RELIGIOUS SERVICE WAS MADE RESPONSIVE TO THE CALL, AND IN HARMONY WITH THE WILL OF GOD.

1. Thus there was a great necessity that the work now attempted by Moses and Aaron should be accomplished.

2. Moses and Aaron were the right men to undertake this work. In the first place, Moses had been directly called by God to do it; also Aaron had been providentially conducted to this sphere of work. In this we see the different methods by which God enjoins work upon good men. Then, again, Moses and Aaron had been Divinely prepared for their work. Men are prepared in different ways. Solitude prepares one man; publicity will prepare another the preparation must be in harmony with the temperament of the man, and the work that he has to perform. The Church requires to think less of results, and more of the methods by which they are to be attained.

3. Moses and Aaron undertook this work in the proper spirit.

II. THAT OUR FIRST ATTEST AT RELIGIOUS SERVICE IS OFTEN MET BY OPEN PROFANITY AND IGNORANCE.

1. Moses and Aaron were met by a manifestation of ignorance.

2. They were met by deep profanity.

3. They were met by unwarrantable pride.

III. THAT OUR FIRST ATTEMPT AT SERVICE IS OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD, AND ITS MOTIVE MALIGNED.

1. Pharaoh was not sensitive to the claims of duty.

2. Pharaoh was not a disinterested interpreter of the claims urged upon him.

IV. THAT SOMETIMES OUR FIRST ATTEMPT AT RELIGIOUS SERVICE APPEARS TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE OF HARM THAN GOOD, AND TO HAVE THE VERY OPPOSITE EFFECT TO THAT DESIGNED. Lessons:

1. Begin at once some enterprise for the moral freedom of humanity,

2. If in the first attempt at service you meet with difficulty and rejection, do not be dismayed.

3. That you must be finally successful in your efforts.

(1)  For they are appointed by God.

(2)  You are upheld by heaven.

(3)  You have the sympathy of all good men.

(J. S. Excel, M. A.)

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KJV: And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.

WEB: Afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said to Pharaoh, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.'"