Life is full of "stinging nettle,” or, those moments of sudden burns and heavy burdens. In Exodus 1–6, the children of Israel are knee-deep in that pain, facing a Pharaoh who has forgotten their history and a bondage that feels never ending. But the desert has a secret: wherever there is a sting, God has already planted the "lamb’s ear," a soothing balm designed to heal the burn. From a tiny basket hidden in the reeds to the radical "I Will" promises of a God who refuses to stay distant, these chapters prove that the Deliverer is always moving before the rescue even seems possible. It is a raw look at how God uses "slow-tongued" people to do His work and a reminder that when life stings, the antidote is already growing nearby.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
2 Nephi 27:20 – "I am able to do mine own work."
Exodus 3:8 – "And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians." Referenced to show that God Himself is the deliverer, coming down to save His people.
Exodus 3:1 – Moses went to the "mountain of God, even to Horeb." Horeb and Sinai are the same place, and this represents Moses going to the temple to commune with God.
Segment 2
Scriptures:
Isaiah 54:7,10 – "For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee." God’s kindness won’t depart.
Exodus 1:20 – God deals well
Words of the General Authorities:
"My brothers and sisters, the first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength—that’s the first great commandment. But the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength. That love is the foundation stone of eternity, and it should be the foundation stone of our daily life." (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders among You”, April 2016 General Conference)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
Genesis 50:26 – Mentions the death of Joseph
Exodus 1:7-12 – Despite being afflicted with "task masters" and "burdens" (stinging nettle), the children of Israel "multiplied and grew" (lamb’s ear)
Mosiah 24:14 – "I will ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders... that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter." Heidi connected this to the bondage in Exodus, showing that God eases burdens so His people can testify of Him.
Exodus 1:20-21 – God "dealt well with the midwives" and "made them houses." Referenced to show that because they feared God more than Pharaoh, He blessed their lineage and families. Rewards of following God
(Do What Is Right, Hymns #237) – Do what is right; let the consequence follow. Battle for freedom in spirit and might;
Segment 4
Scriptures:
Exodus 2:1-4 – Moses' mother hides him in an "ark of bulrushes" daubed with "slime and with pitch." Referenced to show the "stinging nettle" of having to hide a child from Pharaoh's decree .
Exodus 1:22 – Pharaoh's command to cast every son into the river. This was the "stinging nettle" Moses’ mother was navigating.
Exodus 1:14 – The Egyptians made lives bitter with "mortar and in brick." Tammy noted a cross-reference between "mortar" and the "slime" used for Moses' basket, showing that the materials of slavery were used by God to create a tool for salvation.
Hebrew Translations:
Goodly (Exodus 2:2) = beautiful
Segment 5
Scriptures:
Exodus 4:10-12 – Moses says he is "slow of speech, and of a slow tongue." Referenced to discuss feelings of inadequacy and "imposter syndrome" .
Exodus 4:14-15 – God provides Aaron to be Moses’ spokesman. God uses other people as "lamb’s ear" to help us fulfill our missions .
Exodus 4:21 – "I will harden [Pharaoh's] heart." Footnote clarifies that the JST indicates Pharaoh hardened his own heart, but the Lord would "prosper" Moses regardless.
Words of the General Authorities:
"No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, God will never desert us... He will always stand by us. We may pass through fiery furnace... but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed." (George Q. Cannon)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
Exodus 5:22-23 – Moses asks, "Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people?" Shows Moses’ human frustration when his initial efforts only made things harder for the Israelites.
Exodus 6:1-8 – The "I Will" statements of the Lord. The ultimate "lamb's ear": "I will bring you out," "I will rid you out of their bondage," and "I will redeem you" .
Hebrew Translations:
‘I Am’ (Exodus 3:14/6:3) = In Hebrew, it carries the meaning "I will cause to be"
Words of General Authorities:
“The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit.” (Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” October 2009)
Read the transcript here.