When you are caught in the middle

Exodus 5:20-23

In my last reflection, Moses and his brother Aaron had convinced the Israelite leaders to let them approach Pharaoh and request the release of the Israelite community, who were being held as slaves. We know from earlier verses that God would “harden Pharaoh’s heart” and not let the Israelites go. When they ask, Pharaoh not only says no, he also significantly increases the Israelites’ workload. They are not happy:

[The Israelite leaders] met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them, as they came out from Pharaoh; and they said to them, “The LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.” Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.” (Exodus 5:20-23)

Moses and Aaron fail in their first attempt to free the people, and in the process make life harder for them. The Israelites are angry. They blame Moses, even suggesting he is complicit in the abuses Pharaoh is dishing out. In turn, Moses questions God, regretting his choice to represent the Israelites. Moses is caught between his people, Pharaoh, and God. To make matters worse, Moses knows from his discussions with God that he is doing God’s will! He’s in an unbelievably uncomfortable and vulnerable place. It does not feel good.

It doesn’t take much to feel “caught in the middle” between people in the family business, or between people and what seems like the right thing to do. Different interests and goals and personalities, historical conflicts between individuals, sibling rivalries and jealousies, unkept promises, adult children angling for inheritance, parents waffling on succession, in-law angst, favoritism…these are just a few of the situations that cause family members, at different times, to experience what feels like a no-win situation. The tension is real because you often know what needs to be done. There are no easy answers.

Have you ever felt caught between others in the family business, when it seems like there is no good place to turn? Have you ever been caught between your loyalty or care to others and doing the right thing?