Suggested Bible Reading: Exodus 7-9
Devotional Thought:
When I was younger I heard a preacher say, “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it.” But I have learned If God said it, that settles it whether I choose to believe it or not. I am not the authority and my perspective really does not matter as it relates to truth. Truth is based upon the character of God and is revealed to man. It is our job to “…get wisdom and with all thy getting, get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7) Here in these chapters we find Pharaoh fighting against the reality of the truth that Israel belonged to God. “Let My people go!” I find personal security in the fact that God is my Heavenly Father and I belong to him. However, with that truth comes a responsibility to that relationship. He has purchased me with His blood; therefore, I must “glorify God in my body and in my spirit which are God’s.” (1 Cor. 6:20) God brings things into our lives to prove to us that He is big and we are small. There are times that we are placed in the reality that we are not in control. Pharaoh would respond to God when the pressure was on, but then when the pressure was off he would rebel. I am often frustrated with my own selfishness as I find myself doing the same thing. We often read these passages and think, “Pharaoh, you are such an idiot. Do you really think you can outsmart God? Do you really think your rebellion and lack of submission to His command is going to work out well for you?” But then we rebel against God’s clear commands to witness, memorize our Bible, be faithful to church attendance, to use all our talents for the glory of the Lord, or to dwell together in unity. Our selfishness, much like Pharaoh’s, will not yield a good result for us, but non the less, we still rebel and disobey so we can do what we want. It is so much better for us to believe God and His word and live in obedience to Him. Will God need to bring “plagues” into our lives in order to prove to us that His way is best?
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me trust you and live a life of faith.
• Lord, thank you for loving me and for purchasing me with your blood. Please help me to live as though I belong to you.
• Lord, I want my faith to grow as I mature in my understanding of your character.