Daily Thought

Today’s thought from Exodus 10 – 12

          The opening of Chapter 10 sets the tone for what is about to happen.  In order that God is to be glorified and so that His people as well as the world will know that He alone is Lord, an orchestrated series of events continues to play out in Egypt.  Pharaoh’s heart is locked against God’s and he is determined to not be swayed by Moses or the proclamations of his God.  Pharaoh’s own officials recognize long before pharaoh that Egypt is destroyed, and that unless they heed these warnings of Moses, they will likely be utterly brought to ruin. Pharaoh had seen how seemingly acting convinced and repentant would stave off the trials and the plagues.  So he would concede long enough for Moses to revoke the plague and then he would withdraw the offer of letting the people leave.  But Pharaoh’s not willing to be told what to do by his slaves.  It is not until he is so personally affected by the loss of his own child and the children of those he is closest to that he comes to a clearer understanding of the God he is dealing with.  I don’t think anyone could fathom the grief that was felt collectively in Egypt at this time.  The land is ravaged, the livestock are depleted, there is pending famine, loved ones and property have already been recently lost and now the firstborn of every household will perish. 

          God is not one to be toyed with, the very statement doesn’t even seem like it should have to be said, but daily nations and people that have hardened their hearts toward God and knowing his awesome power, the history that is contained in scripture and archives, knowing full well that he is a jealous God. It doesn’t seem to sway people until catastrophic events take place.  Look at Europe and how they have turned from and forgot God, Look at our own very Government and how willingly we remove God at every hand.  Look at a Country like Haiti that embraces voodoo and other false Gods and finds itself in abject poverty, trying anything but God to turn things around.  God allows us to choose whom we follow.  He even creates environments where we can clearly see him at work if we are willing.  Pharaoh, his officials and his people all had a clear view of who and how powerful God is.  Yet look at what it took to bring them to submission, nothing short of, total loss of personal existence.

          How hard will our hearts have to be before we turn to listen to what God is telling us?

Have a good day.

Rob