As the Israelites flee Egypt, the Lord went before them with a pillar of cloud by day to shield them from the hot desert sun and a pillar of fire by night to light the way for their constant travel. Pharaoh hardens his heart once more and sends his entire Egyptian army after the Israelites. Seeing that the Red Sea lies ahead and Pharaoh's chariots are closing the gap quickly from behind, the Israelites murmur against God. Did He really grant them their freedom only to see them die by the hands of Pharaoh's soldiers in the wilderness?
But Moses responds with a confession of faith! Not to fear, but to stand by and watch the salvation of the Lord which He will perform for them this day. That they will NEVER AGAIN see the Egyptians and that the Lord Himself will fight for them.
As Moses stretched forth his hand and staff, by faith, the waters of the Red Sea piled upon themselves and a path of dry ground to cross over on appeared! After the stubborn Egyptians followed them into the path, once safe on the other side, God causes the waters to recede drowning the entire army. One of the most awesome miracles of all time occurred and surely one I'm going to ask the Lord to see a replay of on "movie- night" in heaven ;)
As amazing as the record of this wonder is, we need to be ever mindful that we serve that same AWESOME, MIGHTY God! He has not changed. The Bible says He is the same, yesterday, today and FOREVER, Amen! Moses said in verse 14:14, "The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent." Let's not forget that advice and apply it to our circumstance today. It is sometimes difficult to 'keep silent', but there is great benefit in that. When the symptoms in our bodies or the balance in our bankbook want to make us shout forth aggravation, disappointment and frustration, we need to stop, keep silent and in faith speak only words of victory, in line with God's promises to us. And watch Him fight on our behalf!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
19. Exodus 12:1-42 Passover
The time of the tenth plague had come and God gave very specific instructions to His people so that they would be spared. In ALL of the plagues, the Israelites were protected, while the Egyptians and their property were destroyed. The Hebrews were delivered from the final plague when they marked their houses, at God's command, by sprinkling the blood of a lamb over their doorposts. The death angel "passed over" the Hebrew houses.
This deliverance became one of the most memorable occasions in Hebrew history. The Passover is celebrated even today to commemorate their deliverance. And in this passage, we got a glimpse into the future plan of redemption for all of us, through the spotless Lamb, Jesus!
There is an amazing realization in the account of the Passover and the exodus of the Israelites; that God fulfilled every promise He had made to Moses. (Ex.3:21) That when they went, they would not go empty-handed, but that they would PLUNDER the Egyptians. They had favor in their sight and left a very rich people, carrying articles of silver and gold and the very clothing of the Egyptians. God is so incredible that He also healed EVERY SINGLE SICKNESS of the entire Hebrew nation, because it says that not ONE of them, young or old, was weak or sickly among them! They went forth on their journey in freedom and rejoicing!
18. Exodus 6:28-11:10 The Ten Plagues
Moses felt inadequate to speak before the Hebrew people and to go before Pharaoh to demand the freedom of his people. I'm sure we've all felt incapable of carrying out all that the Lord has led us to do. Praise God, He knows us better than we know ourselves and never leaves us unequipped. :) He sent Moses' brother, Aaron, to help him with this assignment. He prophesied to Moses that through him, He would perform great miracles which would be a sign to both the Hebrew people and the Egyptians.
Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, refused to release the Hebrew people from slavery and allow them to leave his country. So the Lord sent ten plagues upon the Egyptians to break Pharaoh's stubborn will and demonstrate His power and superiority over the pagan gods of the Egyptians.
Through each plague, Pharaoh continued to harden his heart and through such, his people and his lands were slowly being destroyed.
Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, refused to release the Hebrew people from slavery and allow them to leave his country. So the Lord sent ten plagues upon the Egyptians to break Pharaoh's stubborn will and demonstrate His power and superiority over the pagan gods of the Egyptians.
Through each plague, Pharaoh continued to harden his heart and through such, his people and his lands were slowly being destroyed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)