In Today's Scripture Reading:
Plagues of frogs, lice, flies, death of cattle, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness
While God was in the process of delivering the Israelites, the Egyptians suffered through each of the ten plagues. But, amazingly, the Hebrews were unaffected by them. Even Pharaoh's magicians recognized who was in control of the plagues. They said to Pharaoh: This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them (Exodus 8:19). Following the hail that destroyed all that was in the field, both man and beast. . . . Pharaoh sent . . . for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned . . . the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked (9:25,27).
Pharaoh assured Moses that the Israelites could go free the moment the hail ceased. However, once again Pharaoh changed his mind and hardened his heart against the will of God. Without a doubt, Pharaoh's heart was hardened a little more each time he decided to reject the Word of God (7:13-14,22; 8:15,19,32; 9:7). But, the time came when the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh (9:12).
Eventually, Pharaoh agreed to Moses' request, saying: Go, serve the LORD your God: but who are they that shall go? And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD (10:8-9) — meaning that everyone from the youngest child to the most elderly person must worship the Lord. However, Pharaoh insisted that the Israelite slaves must worship on his terms. His own advisers withstood him, saying: Let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed? (10:7). Pharaoh disregarded his advisers, and Moses and Aaron were driven out from Pharaoh's presence (10:8-11).
A person is deceived if he, like Pharaoh, believes he can worship the Lord on his own terms. Others are equally mistaken when they say they will live for Jesus later in life and refuse to give up control of their present way of living. But there will come a day when the time for repentance will be past. God alone decides how long He will be insulted (Jeremiah 7:16).
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (II Corinthians 6:2).
Christ Revealed:
As the Light to His people. There was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt . . . but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings (Exodus 10:22-23). Jesus said: I am The Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness (John 8:12). The LORD will lighten my darkness (II Samuel 22:29; also Isaiah 42:6-7).
Word Studies:
8:15 respite =b> relief, an interval of delay; 8:22 sever =b> set apart; separate; 8:23 put a division =b> make a distinction; 9:3 grievous murrain =b> severe pestilence or disease; 9:31 in the ear =b> ripening; bolled =b> in the bud; 10:7 snare =b> endanger our welfare.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Bonnie Wilhite Staff: Ken Sharp Government Official: Rep. Shelley Berkley (NV) Country: Cape Verde (405,000) 15 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 390 miles off the coast of Africa Major languages: Portuguese and Crioulo Religious freedom 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks to the God of heaven; His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever (Psalm 136:26).
Optional Reading: Matthew 20
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:11