The Scriptures Old Testament—Exodus 6:2–8 Epistle—Romans 11:33–36 Gospel—Matthew 16:13–20 The Church Year The Old Testament reading, Exodus 6:2–8, relates what follows after Moses had asked Pharaoh to let Israel go. Pharaoh responded by increasing Israel’s hard labor. Moses questioned God and complained. God answered Moses with loving reassurance. He would demonstrate his gracious character by redeeming his people from Egypt with his mighty acts of judgment, the ten plagues. Even though