ESOCS Devotional 27 April 2021
TEXT: EXODUS 11:1-10
MEMORY VERSE: “And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharoah that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.” Exodus 11:5 KJV
In our text, God’s love and commitment to His people, the nation of Israel, is on display. Prior to this episode, God had heard Israel’s cry from their slavery, and He had been working through Moses and Aaron to secure Israel’s freedom. He had demonstrated His power through signs and wonders; but Pharaoh would not allow His people to go. He had sent plagues; but Pharaoh would not allow His people to go. Even though Pharaoh had shown a willingness to make some concessions by allowing the men to worship the Lord in the wilderness, or allowing the people to go, while they left their cattle behind, he was not willing to submit to God’s demands.
God wanted to make the nation of Israel His people. He was preparing to enter into a covenant relationship with them. He had made a distinction (see verse 7) between Israel and the Egyptians. He had taken up the cause of the Israelites against the Egyptians. He had chosen His people.
This distinction that God had made caused two polar-opposite consequences. For Israel, God demonstrated His love by taking drastic measures to free them. While many people may advocate for another with words, advice, or even limited actions, God was willing to get involved in a terrible messy situation, and He took the awful steps that were necessary to free His people. For Egypt, God acted in a way that caused terrible suffering. When Pharaoh repeatedly refused to acknowledge God’s power, God responded with escalating series of plagues in order to demonstrate His power. Finally, God struck an awful blow that will free His people – all the first born in Egypt die, of both human and beast.
If you are subject to God, He will fight for you. This episode demonstrates the measures God is willing to take to secure His plans and care for His people. However, if you stand against God, you have reason to be wary. Pharaoh’s refusal to submit to God resulted in the penalty of loss of countless lives. In Romans 8:31, the Bible says, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” The story of the tenth plague illustrates that there is tremendous difference between having God for us and the enemy against us. Ironically, it is better to be a slave with God on your side, than to be a king who stands against God.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
Examine yourself to know if you are on God’s side. Do you have any difficulty you would want God to tackle for you? Settle it with Him.
PRAYER POINT
Pray and ask God to help you fight your battles.
FURTHER READING: Exodus 14:1–31; Joshua 10:1-15
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ESOCS Devotional 27 April 2021
