Exodus 11:1-3
Verse 1 Now the Lord had said to Moses, “I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt. After that, he will let you go from here, and when he does, he will drive you out completely.
Today we begin the Lenten season, a time where we can reflect on the journey Jesus took to the cross to be the perfect Passover Lamb which had been promised at the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. We all know the story about how Adam and Eve fell prey to the enemy’s temptation to doubt God about eating the fruit God had told them to leave alone. Part of the curse was a child of the woman would crush the head of the enemy. Their sin led to the first sacrifice of a perfect animal. God clothed the man and woman in the skin of an animal, the first animal had been sacrificed for the sin of people.
Many years later God’s people were slaves in Egypt 430 years after God had saved them through the wisdom He had given Jacob’s son Joseph. It was during this time of slavery God brought forth the man He had chosen to bring His people out of their slavery. A tiny boy born in a time when all Hebrew boys were supposed to be killed at birth. God placed the idea of a small basket boat to save the little guy, having him found by the princess which allowed him to be raised in the palace with the highest level of education available at the time.
At 40 years of age he was upset by the treatment being endured by the people of God and his anger caused him to kill someone. To get away from the situation God sent him into the wilderness where he spent the next 40 years learning to live the opposite lifestyle he had experienced growing up. God was preparing him for a time of leading His people in the wilderness. God was teaching Moses the skills he would need to survive and teach God’s people to survive in a place unfamiliar to them.
Before they can head out on this journey of a lifetime, they need to see who God really is. While Moses and Aaron are showing Pharaoh God’s mighty power, the people of Israel were getting a front row seat to the drama. They weren’t excited the whole time as they were forced into harder labor but God also showed them He would care for them as they didn’t end up experiencing every plague the people of Egypt were having to deal with. And then came the last plague, God’s proof of who He was choosing. God was setting up the moment He would point to over and over through the generations to remind them of who He was and what His plans were for His people. He had been proving He had set these people apart for a reason, a reason we need to remember as it reflects on what He is calling us to as well.
Making It Personal
When have you felt God doing something big in your life? Why do you think He was doing that in your life? How has that time changed the path of your spiritual life?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever wanted God to do something big in your life? What are some things you would like Him to do? Who has Jesus called you to be?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for this time to reflect on Your calling us out of the slavery of sin. Give us the courage to follow You wherever You lead us. In Jesus’ name, amen.