It is no secret that I like Apple products. My affinity aside, the company has an interest to me that is even broader. Apple represents what may be the most improbable of all business comebacks. The company was co-founded by Steve Jobs in 1976. The most successful product that the company produced in its first decade was the Macintosh, launched in 1984. Sales were initially strong, but Apple was already making massive mistakes that would take them to the edge of failure.
The financial failures and turbulent tides of big computer business were determined to be a place for only the seasoned and veteran executives. So, the Apple board fired Steve Jobs and hired CEO John Sculley, who was brought in from Pepsi. The products launched under Sculley were popular at first, particularly the Powerbook, one of the earliest portable PCs. To capitalize on the new growth and excitement, Sculley decided to launch several new lines of products all at once and this proved to be a devastating blow. Apple’s sales dropped so sharply in the early 1990s that Apple went through a series of large layoffs and two CEOs.
In 1997, Apple’s board, now desperate, turned back to Steve Jobs in hopes of a turnaround. Jobs understood that Apple’s success could not be based on the niche market for the Mac. So, under Jobs lead Apple launched the iMac in 1998 and began to dig itself out of a hole. But, it was going to take more than one computer to change the future of Apple. The big risk came in 2000 when Jobs decided to use the Apple brand to launch the iPod. Apple had never produced a product even remotely like it. Jobs decision paid off. The iPod became one of the best-selling consumer electronics products in history, and has been the primary springboard for Apple’s success.
I can’t imagine the feelings that surrounded people that worked at Apple during the worst days. They had pinned their hopes on so many new products and ideas that never panned out. Instead, it led them to the brink of disaster. How about Jobs, being terminated by a company you cofound only to be asked to return later to rescue it from impending doom. I think that Jobs understood that struggles are a part of any great success. We have to see strife for what it is and not let it define us. No doubt Moses felt the same way, except the stakes were higher. In this study, Moses and Aaron are soundly dismissed (even mocked) by Pharoah, though they resolved to pursue God’s will with obedient courage, the success they would encounter would only come through great strife.
What struggles have you faced today? Tell God about them, and let him show you through Scripture how he deals with evil.
Questions for greater study:
- What were the major outcomes of the first encounter between Moses and Aaron and Pharaoh (Ex 5)?
At your next home group think about and describe Moses’ feelings and the logic of his cry to God (5:22-23).
- The statement “I am the LORD” is repeated four times in 6:1-8. Why do you think God did this?
- What does God emphasize about himself in response to Moses’ complaint (6:1-5)?
- What does the Lord’s message to Israel emphasize about his plans for them (6:6-8)?
- Moses is concerned that Pharaoh won’t listen to him (6:30). Yet how will Pharaoh’s stubbornness help to fulfill God’s plans for Egypt (7:3-5)?
- In spite of defeat and discouragement (5:2; 6:9, 12, 30), Moses “did just as the LORD commanded” (7:6). What do you think brought him to this decisive obedience?
As your are reading or during your next Home Group, give an example from your life of when discouragement blurred the clarity of God’s power and promises.
Write down and share with at least one person this week some of the definitive spiritual decisions you have made during your life as a Christian?
Time to Pray:
Thank God for the people and circumstances he used to influence your walk with Christ.
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