Song of Triumph Part 2 - Easy for GOD

 

Song of Triumph Part 2 - Easy for GOD

Exodus 15: ⁶ “Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power;
Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces.
⁷ And in the greatness of Your excellence
You have overthrown those who rose against You;
You sent forth Your wrath;
It consumed them like stubble.
⁸ And with the blast of Your nostrils
The waters were gathered together;
The floods stood upright like a heap;
The depths congealed in the heart of the sea.
⁹ The enemy said, ‘I will pursue,
I will overtake,
I will divide the spoil;
My desire shall be satisfied on them.
I will draw my sword,
My hand shall destroy them.’
¹⁰ You blew with Your wind,
The sea covered them;
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

 

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Moses continues to lead the children of Israel in song after they saw the Egyptians defeated by GOD. This stanza seems to pay tribute to how easy it was for GOD to take down the Egyptians.

 

My Observations:

• Moses used many human attributes like “right hand,” “nostrils,” and “heart” to invoke human understanding and excitement.
• Moses remembered how stubborn and cruel the Egyptians were and placed their futile attempts of being gods in the song.
• Moses points out how easy it was for GOD to overthrow the Egyptians.

 

Scripture uses the “right hand” as a statement of true, right and just. I believe Moses was speaking about GOD’s power and sovereignty. Would you blow up a balloon with your nose? No. Moses may have simply been excited and used the weakest form of wind a human can produce to show how strong GOD is.

 

The “heart” of things is usually the center, but in humans, it represents the connection to GOD. The enemy is anything or anyone who opposes GOD. In this case the Egyptians were going against a promise GOD made when HE said HE would make Abraham a great nation. By trying to be the nation above GOD’s decree, they became HIS enemy. Their “hearts” became hardened by their belief that they could be above GOD. It was easy for GOD to wipe them out, according to the song.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the song he sang regarding the greatness of GOD?
• Have you ever praised GOD for HIS might and HIS timing?
• Will you praise GOD even if your expectations are being met in a different way then you expect?

Song of Triumph Part 1

Song of Triumph Part 1

Exodus 15: Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying:

 

“I will sing to the Lord,
For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider
He has thrown into the sea!
² The Lord is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
³ The Lord is a man of war;
The Lord is His name.
⁴ Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;
His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea.
⁵ The depths have covered them;
They sank to the bottom like a stone.

 

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Wow! GOD kept HIS word! Moses and the children of Israel were so elated that they broke out in song. They started the first chorus with what GOD did.

 

My Observations:

• Moses and the children of Israel were relieved and excited.
• Moses probably sang first and the children of Israel repeated his words.
• Moses mentioned what GOD did and who HE was.

 

From the time Moses was born, he had a special relationship with GOD that he could not quite figure out. He tried to do things for GOD with deadly disastrous results. BUT GOD saw his heart. GOD told Moses that HE would save the people from the Egyptians. They thought this was impossible. Even when the plagues were poured out by GOD, they may have thought the Egyptians had it coming, but did not believe.

 

But when GOD performed the biggest miracle they had ever seen, they cheered and sang! The Red Sea fell on the Egyptian army. They knew this was the last thing standing in the way of their true freedom. Pharaoh had no army, no servants, no crops, no gold or silver. They were free and GOD was recognized as their “strength,” their “song,” and their “salvation.”

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the song they sang?
• Have you ever been so elated that you just had to sing or praise?
• Can you sing praises to GOD for being your strength, song and salvation?

Mindsets Addressed by GOD

Mindsets Addressed by GOD

Exodus 14: ²⁶ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” ²⁷ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. ²⁸ Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. ²⁹ But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

 

³⁰ So the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. ³¹ Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses.

 

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When GOD took the wheels off of their chariots, the Egyptians were filled with fear and tried to turn around from their pursuit of the children of Israel. They may have gotten close to them but fear made them turn around. Moses held up his hand again and the sea returned to its full depth.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wiped out the last thing the Egyptians had, namely a mindset of power.
• The Egyptian mindset of believing in humans as gods was wiped out by GOD.
• The children of Israel heard Moses before the plagues, saw the miracles that would be performed, saw the actual plagues happen, but did not believe until they saw the Egyptian army killed by the Red Sea.

 

Mindsets can help our free will or attack it. The children of Israel were so used to being slaves, that they could not see GOD for who HE was. They cried for help and GOD came. They watched GOD take down Egypt. They left. But it wasn’t until the sea swallowed up the army that they believed in the LORD and they believed in Moses. We treat GOD the same.

 

Our limiting beliefs can limit what GOD can do in our lives. HE does not force HIMSELF on us, rather stands back and knocks on our hearts. If we let HIM in, then HE can do amazing things. GOD allowed Pharaoh to think he was a god. GOD hardened Pharaoh’s heart by simply letting him think he was in charge. All of Egypt fell because GOD saw that his heart would not change. GOD did just as HE promised.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about how HE wiped out the Egyptian army?
• How many times has GOD rescued you and yet you may still be operating with limiting beliefs of HIM?
• Is there a limiting belief that makes you tentative that GOD can do what HE said HE would do?

LORD Fights for Them

 

LORD Fights for Them

Exodus 14: ²⁴ Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. ²⁵ And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”

 

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After Moses held up his rod, GOD parted the Red Sea. The children of Israel crossed on dry ground. The Egyptians tried to use the same path that GOD was using to protect HIS people. They pursued inside the parted sea only to find that GOD took their wheels off their chariots. They got scared.

 

My Observations:

• GOD saw the evil of the Egyptians.
• GOD fought the Egyptians in a way that was very calculated.
• The Egyptians recognized that it was GOD who was fighting against them.

 

Doing anything evil against the children of GOD was unacceptable to HIM. The pursuit to pull the children of Israel back into slavery was seen by GOD and HE used their positioning against them. HE allowed them to get close enough to the children of Israel before HE took their chariot wheels off.

 

GOD gave the children of Israel enough of a head start that they could cross the Red Sea in safety. But the Egyptians had troubles and decided to flee from their pursuit. They were in the middle of the Sea with broken chariots. They may have remembered the plagues and felt that it was no longer worth trying to fight against the children of Israel. GOD was setting them up for HIS final blow.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE did to the chariots?
• Have you ever been pursued by an enemy or the Enemy?
• Can you rest assured knowing that GOD is fighting the battle you think you need to fight?

Making a Way When it Seemed Impossible

Making a Way When it Seemed Impossible

Exodus 14: ²¹ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. ²² So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. ²³ And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

 

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After the preincarnate JESUS went behind them and the FATHER and HOLY SPIRIT did the same, Moses held up his hand with his rod and the Red Sea parted. GOD caused a wind to part the sea and the children of Israel walked on dry land.

 

My Observations:

• GOD dried up the ground so the children of Israel and their carts and cattle could easily cross.
• The Egyptians saw the Red Sea open and thought they could use GOD’s powerful miracle for their evil plan.
• Moses was obedient to GOD by holding up his rod.

 

The parting of the Red Sea is significant because it shows us that GOD is in control of impossible situations. Whether it was a mountain or a deep sea, GOD can make a way where it seems impossible.

 

Moses holding up his hand was a sign of total alignment with GOD. It was not his power that parted the sea, BUT GOD’s power. GOD made it easy for the children of Israel. HE dried up the ocean floor overnight. I believe GOD can do the same for impossible situations today. HE can change something that seems impossible overnight. GOD’s power is unstoppable!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE did with the Red Sea?
• Are you facing an impossible situation?
• Do you believe that GOD is in control of the impossible and HE can easily deliver you when you obey HIS plan?

Protective Leadership

Protective Leadership

Exodus 14: ¹⁹ And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. ²⁰ So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.

 

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Stuck at the Red Sea with no way out, the children of Israel cried out to the LORD for help. The Angel of the LORD moved from leading them to protecting them from the Egyptians.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS was leading the children of Israel and moved behind them to protect them.
• The cloud that contained the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT, also moved behind them.
• The Egyptians remembered the eerie darkness they experienced during the plagues and refused to sneak through to the children of Israel’s camp.

 

GOD could have easily wiped out the Egyptians in Egypt before they left. BUT HE had another plan. HE was addressing a mindset withing the Egyptians and the children of Israel. The mindset that appalled GOD was that of a human being considered to be a god. HE led the children of Israel to a place where HIS power could be shown.

 

HE had to protect the children of Israel as HE prepared to rescue them in a very memorable way that would be spoken about for centuries. GOD allows you and me to have free will. Unfortunately, free will can be taken too far. GOD had to address the mindset that humans can abuse other humans for their own gain. GOD protected the children of Israel as part of HIS leadership.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS protection?
• Has GOD stood between you and danger before?
• How can you mimic the LORD’s leadership by protecting those HE has given you?

Assurance from GOD

Assurance from GOD

Exodus 14: ¹⁵ And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. ¹⁶ But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. ¹⁷ And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. ¹⁸ Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

 

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Seeing the Egyptian army pursuing them, the children of Israel cried out to the LORD in fear. GOD spoke to Moses and said what HE would do.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew the people were scared and did not scold them for it.
• GOD asks Moses a leadership building question to grow him beyond fear.
• GOD told Moses what HE was about to do through him.

 

“Lift up your rod” is symbolic for what GOD was going to do. GOD was raising Moses up to continue to be their leader. GOD would part the sea, but HE wanted the people to witness a human holding up a rod so they would believe that HE listens to Moses.

 

GOD also wanted the Egyptians to believe there is no other GOD. HE promised that after this encounter with HIM, the Egyptians would no longer be a threat. No military force can withstand GOD. The Egyptian hearts would solidify in thinking they could defeat GOD’s people. GOD reassured HIS people by telling them what HE would do.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation with him concerning HIS promise?
• Has GOD made you a promise that needs reassurance?
• Will you ask GOD for reassurance, knowing HE does not mind if you are afraid right now?

Fear Introduced to Salvation

Fear Introduced to Salvation

Exodus 14: ¹⁰ And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. ¹¹ Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? ¹² Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”

 

¹³ And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

 

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When the millions of people saw the hundreds of chariots coming in the distance, they panicked. First they cried out to the LORD. Then they turned to Moses and blamed him for bringing them out of Egypt. Moses calmly told the people to “Stand still.”

 

My Observations:

• The children of Israel had a slave mindset that kept them from dreaming, solving problems for themselves or fighting.
• The children of Israel wanted complacent, controlled pain versus facing the unknown with GOD.
• Moses did not rebuke the children of Israel for being afraid.

 

Before the plagues, Moses and Aaron showed the children of Israel what GOD was going to do to the Egyptians. They all believed and praised GOD. But when Pharaoh took away their straw and kept the quota of bricks, they complained about Moses and GOD’s desire to free them. Their expectations of what GOD was going to do were not being met.

 

After the plagues, they were driven out of Egypt. They left excited. But when Pharaoh pursued them, they immediately were filled with fear. Six hundred thousand men were afraid of six hundred men. Moses did not yell. He calmly told them to “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord,.” He also said GOD would fight the battle and the problem would not happen again. GOD would take care of their fear.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the reaction of the children of Israel to Pharaoh’s pursuit?
• Have you ever blamed GOD for how he is delivering you?
• Can you stand still and see the salvation of the LORD that will happen today so you can hold your peace?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, thank YOU for helping us slow down, sit down and lay down. GOD the battle is YOURS. Please fight the battle that tries to rob us of our peace. Please go before us as we place our fragile trust before YOUR throne. amen

Arrogant Mindset with a Tiny Army

 

Arrogant Mindset with a Tiny Army

Exodus 14: ⁵ Now it was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled, and the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people; and they said, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” ⁶ So he made ready his chariot and took his people with him. ⁷ Also, he took six hundred choice chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt with captains over every one of them. ⁸ And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness. ⁹ So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

 

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Seeing the empty fields and empty houses, Pharaoh realized that he lost his entire workforce and no one was available to do the work. He immediately forgot the horrors Egypt had just experienced. He believed he was a god who could fix this problem by bringing the children of Israel back as slaves.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh’s arrogance blinded him into thinking he could force Israel back into slavery with his tiny army.
• Pharaoh possibly stole the best animals from the Israelites before they left, giving the Egyptians only a tiny army.
• Since Pharaoh did not believe that GOD was greater than him, he went to get the children of Israel with boldness.

 

Arrogant, power hungry people boldly lead people into destruction. This godlike figure was revered, talked about and honored by his nation’s followers. No matter how bad it got, his followers would obey his commands and never turn to the one and only true GOD.

 

Millions of people were up against hundreds of soldiers. They had herds of cattle, gold, silver and plenty of strong men who could fight the Egyptians. But Pharaoh had instilled the one thing that he felt could make people bow down to him, namely fear.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s change of mind?
• Have you self-examined the roots of your fears?
• Do you have limiting beliefs that GOD is not working in your favor?

True Deliverance from Danger

 

True Deliverance from Danger

Exodus 14: Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ² “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea. ³ For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’ ⁴ Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.

 

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GOD was leading. HE told Moses where to camp and told him that HE was going to let Pharaoh pursue the children of Israel. GOD had the children of Israel move to a dead end that looked like Pharaoh would have a strategic advantage.

 

My Observations:

• The triune GOD led the children of Israel into a place that looked dangerous.
• GOD told Moses that HE was about to wipe out the Egyptians.
• Pharaoh let the people go, but wanted to bring the people back.

 

GOD seems to allow people to think they are in charge. This limiting belief hardens the heart, or solidifies a way of thinking that GOD is not necessary. GOD was setting Pharaoh up to be wiped out. GOD warned the children of Israel what HE was about to do.

 

I always believed that the children of Israel ended up at a bad place that GOD needed to provide rescue. This clearly shows that the camp at the Red Sea was part of GOD’s plan. I believe the same goes for the situation you are in. GOD has a victorious plan that.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS bold statement regarding Pharaoh?
• Are you in a situation that looks like your back is up against the wall and there seems to be no escape?
• Do you believe that GOD’s escape plan is to provide you with eagle’s wings so you can soar and your strength be renewed?

Led by GOD

Led by GOD

Exodus 13: ¹⁷ Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” ¹⁸ So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.

 

¹⁹ And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you.”

 

²⁰ So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. ²¹ And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. ²² He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.

 

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After Pharaoh finally agreed to let the people go, GOD led them out in the wilderness. HE avoided the land of the Philistines and took the people through the wilderness. Joseph’s bones were taken with them. GOD appeared as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of cloud by night.

 

My Observations:

• GOD needed to lead the people away from danger so their hearts would not yearn for Egypt.
• Joseph never accepted the Egyptian ways and wanted his bones to be moved to disassociate himself fully from them for all times.
• GOD made sure the children of Israel could see HIM day and night.

 

It was important to GOD for the people to give up the Egyptian ways. For four hundred thirty years, a slavery mindset grew solidly within the children of Israel. They had no idea what freedom looked like. GOD led the people away from the place Abraham stopped off.

 

Abraham and Isaac stayed in the land of the Philistines for a while. This was a battle-driven group of people who could care less about GOD’s ways. Strangely, GOD led the people by way of the Red Sea. HE knew this was a dead end. GOD was also dealing with the mindset of HIS people who did not believe in HIS power. HE did all of this to keep HIS promise of providing a Savior. But the people did not know this.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about how HE went in front of the people to lead the way?
• Are you in a period of your life where all you have is questions for GOD?
• Is GOD preparing you for a tremendous blessing by taking you through the wilderness?

Taking Redemption of the Firstborn Seriously

Taking Redemption of the Firstborn Seriously

Exodus 13: ¹¹ “And it shall be, when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, ¹² that you shall set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord’s. ¹³ But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. ¹⁴ So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. ¹⁵ And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ ¹⁶ It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.”

 

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Moses continues speaking to the people in preparation to leave Egypt. He reiterates what GOD told him about the firstborn male. But this time he mentions redemption.

 

My Observations:

• Moses tells a group of slave-minded people that they are to remember how GOD was restoring them.
• Moses attempted to tell slave-minded people about Pharaoh’s stubbornness.
• Moses spoke figuratively about the sacrifice of the firstborn being a sign to be worn on their hands and on their foreheads.

 

GOD’s firstborn is JESUS. HIS sacrifice redeemed all of mankind who believe in HIM. This was the announcement of restoration for mankind. Unfortunately, the Pharisees would take the act of wearing scriptures on their arms and foreheads as a sign of how holy they were. They may have screamed, “Hey, look at how holy I am” by wearing the law as they judged the people harshly.

 

Satan and the beast also will twist what Moses said. In Revelation, they force people to wear the mark of the beast on their hand and forehead, marking humans as theirs. GOD sees through the false acts of holiness and the attempts to steal humans away from HIM. Redemption means everything to GOD. HE wants to restore HIS humans to live in harmony with them. GOD’s redemption must be remembered not only in ceremony, but in truth and spirit.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses that he emphasized redemption annually?
• Are you looking to feel restored when GOD told you that you are restored?
• Who have you told about your being restored by GOD?

A Feast to Remember (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

A Feast to Remember (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

Exodus 13: ³ And Moses said to the people: “Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out of this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. ⁴ On this day you are going out, in the month Abib. ⁵ And it shall be, when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month. ⁶ Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the Lord. ⁷ Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters. ⁸ And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, ‘This is done because of what the Lord did for me when I came up from Egypt.’ ⁹ It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt. ¹⁰ You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year.

 

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After speaking to GOD, Moses spoke to the people. “Remember this day” was his statement as they were preparing to exit Egypt. Moses reiterated GOD’s promise and provided instructions to stay away from leaven for a week annually. On the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD.

 

My Observations:

• Humans forget GOD easily.
• GOD’s deliverance requires remembrance.
• GOD keeps HIS promises, no matter how different our expectations of HIM really are.

 

Imagine listening to Moses speak as everyone was packed up and chased out of Egypt. This speech would fill up even the most discouraged person. Moses had no idea how long it would take to get in the promised land. He was simply being obedient.

 

The Feast of Unleavened Bread was supposed to happen annually. I am sure the first year was exciting. But what about the second? How about the nineteenth? What about the thirty ninth celebration without being in the promised land? GOD kept HIS promise while dealing with mindsets.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what Moses said to the people about the Feast of Unleavened Bread?
• Has GOD promised you something that has not come to fruition?
• Does your expectation of GOD need to be reset because HIS promise for you has not happened yet?

Firstborn Recognition of Adam’s Seed

Firstborn Recognition of Adam’s Seed

Exodus 13:¹ Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ² “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.”

 

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GOD spoke to Moses telling him to “consecrate” the firstborn. To consecrate means to officially make something holy or to dedicate it entirely to a sacred purpose. Whether it was an animal or male, the firstborn was supposed to be dedicated to GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Adam’s seed passes down the curse of GOD, therefore no human is worthy of opening up the scrolls mentioned in Revelation.
• GOD is setting up a ceremonial redemption by having the firstborn males remember they need GOD.
• As a reminder of the curse, GOD told Moses to have every family set aside the firstborn male, making him surrender to following HIM.

 

Women are off the hook when it came to the consecration of the firstborn. When Adam refused to follow GOD’s statement of not eating from the Tree of Knowledge, GOD placed a curse on his seed. BUT GOD also made a way to redeem humans.

 

JESUS volunteered to become the human who would be perfect. Instead of the seed coming from a man, an immaculate conception would be needed. Meanwhile, the men had to symbolically recognize the need for redemption. All firstborn males would need to point to the first human, namely Adam. GOD would not be forgotten.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation concerning the firstborn males?
• How often do you ponder the need for GOD’s salvation?
• Are you willing to throw away belief and remembrance of JESUS for any limiting belief that opposes HIM?

Commitment

Commitment

Exodus 12: ⁴³ And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the ordinance of the Passover: No foreigner shall eat it. ⁴⁴ But every man’s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then he may eat it. ⁴⁵ A sojourner and a hired servant shall not eat it. ⁴⁶ In one house it shall be eaten; you shall not carry any of the flesh outside the house, nor shall you break one of its bones. ⁴⁷ All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. ⁴⁸ And when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as a native of the land. For no uncircumcised person shall eat it. ⁴⁹ One law shall be for the native-born and for the stranger who dwells among you.”

 

⁵⁰ Thus all the children of Israel did; as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. ⁵¹ And it came to pass, on that very same day, that the Lord brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt according to their armies.

 

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GOD prophesied that JESUS would become the sacrificial lamb during the Passover. Now HE gives the commitment level for HIS people to follow.

 

My Observations:

• GOD first told Abraham to become circumcised.
• Circumcision was important to GOD, so HE made sure it was clear that HE wanted this for HIS people.
• GOD was separating HIS people from everyone else.

 

If anyone challenged GOD’s statement with “But what if” statements, GOD provided an answer that was clear. “But what if a stranger comes?” or “Should I force my employee to eat the Passover?” Many other questions could arise about the Passover feast, BUT GOD gave clear instruction about who should eat the meal.

 

Just like telling Moses to remove his sandals as he stood on Holy ground, GOD again, mentions circumcision as a sacred act HE desired for HIS people. Before the children of Israel could leave, GOD needed a commitment, namely circumcision of all males who were HIS followers They obeyed.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the need for circumcision to eat the Passover meal?
• Have you ever asked GOD for stuff but never considered what commitment HE wants from you?
• What are you doing to show GOD that you are committed to HIS cause?

Freed From Complacency

 Freed From Complacency

Exodus 12: ⁴⁰ Now the sojourn of the children of Israel who lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. ⁴¹ And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years—on that very same day—it came to pass that all the armies of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. ⁴² It is a night of solemn observance to the Lord for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This is that night of the Lord, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

 

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Joseph wanted to see his family do well, even though they plotted evil against him. Joseph was placed over all of Egypt during the severe famine caused by GOD. Joseph gave his father Israel, and his brothers, the land of Goshen. Thing seem to go well while Joseph was alive. But joseph died and new Pharaoh’s rose up. The children of Israel were treated worse than ever before. They cried out to GOD and HE tore down the mindsets of the Egyptians. They left on the same day they moved into Egypt.

 

My Observations:

• GOD used the same day the Israelites moved into Egypt to move them out.
• GOD watched the complacency of the Israelites and forced them out of a place that was harmful to them.
• GOD was watching over the people, but was keeping HIS promise to protect humans so JESUS could be born to save the world.

 

We all want heaven on earth. This means no conflict, no problems and a peaceful existence until we die. BUT GOD knew there would be people who wanted to rob, steal and kill others of their peace.

 

The Israelites just wanted peace, but it came with a price. Joseph believed in following GOD with all his heart. But his brothers would follow the easiest route to worldly success. This mindset was passed down for generations. Eventually, the children of Israel were complacent in being slaves. They even complained when Moses upset their slave processes by confronting Pharaoh. When they lost their straw to make bricks, they turned on Moses.

 

But some time later, GOD destroyed Egypt one plague at a time. HE set them free. The children of Israel stayed in captivity for four hundred thirty years. They say a frog will sit in a pot of water if you turn the heat up slowly. It won’t move and get boiled to death. The children of Israel gave a lesson for you and me. GOD does not want us to become complacent with where we are.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the time and day of the Exodus of the children of Israel?
• Have you become complacent by seeking a meager peaceful existence when GOD wants you to exit to serve HIM in the wilderness?
• Has complacency blinded you to the once powerful view you used to have in GOD?

Response to Death of Firstborn – Surrender (Part 2)

Response to Death of Firstborn – Surrender (Part 2)

Exodus 12: ³⁷ Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. ³⁸ A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds—a great deal of livestock. ³⁹ And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they had brought out of Egypt; for it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared provisions for themselves.

 

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The children of Israel barely had tome to prepare. They made unleavened bread as instructed because right after the plague of the death of the firstborn, all the Egyptians told them to leave.

 

My Observations:

• GOD orchestrated the hasty exit out of Egypt.
• The children of Israel wanted to leave but were not prepared to do so.
• Some Egyptians left with the children of Israel.

 

With no slaves, dead bodies, dead livestock and burned fields, some of the Egyptians gave up their citizenship to become servants of the children of Israel. They became part of the “mixed multitude” that left Egypt.

 

GOD mentions the lack of leaven again, which shows they purely needed to trust in GOD without limiting beliefs. There was no time to think. There was no political vote or an Egyptian priest guiding their thoughts. They had to leave right then and there. They were literally running out of Egypt with the Egyptian silver, gold, clothes and the livestock that was stolen from them. Pharaoh surrendered. GOD freed the children of Israel.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the hasty exit out of Egypt?
• Have you surrendered your life to move to GOD’s winning side?
• Is GOD setting you up for a successful, yet hasty move into your next phase of HIS plan?

Response to Death of Firstborn – Surrender (Part 1)

Response to Death of Firstborn – Surrender (Part 1)

Exodus 12: ³¹ Then he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have said. ³² Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also.”

³³ And the Egyptians urged the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dead.” ³⁴ So the people took their dough before it was leavened, having their kneading bowls bound up in their clothes on their shoulders. ³⁵ Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. ³⁶ And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.

 

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Unfortunately for the Egyptians, the worst happened. Death of the firstborn came, just as GOD said. Pharaoh responded by calling for Moses and Aaron by night. He told them to leave and take the flocks and herds with them. All of Pharaoh’s servants urged them as well. The children of Israel left in haste, but they were prepared.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh finally surrendered after many people died.
• GOD’s prophecy of the children of Israel plundering Egypt came true.
• The children of Israel left in haste just as GOD prophesied.

 

“Bless me also,” were the words of a broken Pharaoh. Pride could no longer be the focus because death was on everyone’s mind. Frightened that it would happen to them, the Egyptians urged the people to leave, whether Pharaoh agreed or not.

 

Pharaoh’s response was too late. A lot of people could have been spared, but pride got in the way. GOD dismantled the mindset that humans could e gods. Egypt was broken, beat up and devastated. No group would look at them as the mighty nation that broke the wills of humans. They lost all of their stuff, just as GOD said.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s response to the death of the firstborn?
• Has GOD prepared you for a successful exit on the way to your promised land?
• Are you sitting and waiting on the LORD or are you preparing and believing in HIS return?

Tenth Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Tenth Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Exodus 12: ²⁹ And it came to pass at midnight that the Lord struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock. ³⁰ So Pharaoh rose in the night, he, all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

 

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After warning the children of Israel to remember the Passover, GOD did what HE said HE would do. HE struck all the firstborn of the people in the land of Egypt who did not put blood on their doorposts. No matter where a person was, the plague still happened.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave nine opportunities for Pharaoh and his servants to change their minds.
• GOD was dismantling a mindset that a human can be a god.
• GOD used the values of the Egyptians to demonstrate HIS power over their beliefs.

 

Not only was GOD addressing a mindset within the Egyptians, HE was also addressing the same mindset within the children of Israel. It was never okay to place a human above GOD. Free will had gone too far. Humans placed their own thoughts above GOD’s ways. This made slavery a good idea.

 

A group of people could be looked at as servants while others remained superior. GOD saw this and was appalled. Harmony with humanity was disrupted by cruel behavior and abuse of power. GOD ended with a final plague that would break the Egyptians and those who did not put blood on the doorposts. GOD introduced HIS plan of salvation during the tenth plague. JESUS would become the sacrificial Lamb that would save humanity. HIS grace is available to you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS action of killing the firstborn in Egypt?
• Have you delayed having a relationship with GOD because of how someone present HIM or perhaps a misunderstanding of the grace HE has shown you?
• Are you ready to surrender your mindset and allow GOD to direct your path?

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 4 (Blood on Doorposts)

 

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 4 (Blood on Doorposts)

Exodus 12:²¹ Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Pick out and take lambs for yourselves according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb. ²² And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning. ²³ For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you. ²⁴ And you shall observe this thing as an ordinance for you and your sons forever. ²⁵ It will come to pass when you come to the land which the Lord will give you, just as He promised, that you shall keep this service. ²⁶ And it shall be, when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ ²⁷ that you shall say, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice of the Lord, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.’ ” So the people bowed their heads and worshiped. ²⁸ Then the children of Israel went away and did so; just as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

 

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GOD provided very specific instructions to Moses about what was about to happen. Moses collected the elders of Israel and told them what to do. They had to place the blood of an unblemished lamb specifically on the top and two sides of the door posts. They obeyed.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was announcing the need for JESUS to die on the cross.
• GOD made a distinction between the Egyptians and the children of Israel during the plagues, but this time HE needed an outward showing of blood in three spots.
• JESUS would proceed through the streets and look at the mark of belief and HE would not allow the angel of death to enter that household.

 

Anyone who believed would place the blood on the door and the LORD would declare that household saved from the plague of death. “Belief” is the everlasting ordinance. Our belief in JESUS as LORD and Savior gives us a Passover from eternal death.

 

The markings include the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT and the arrangement on the doorposts represent the outstretched hands of JESUS on the cross. This symbolic gesture would save an entire family from tremendous grief.

 

Moses could not tell everyone himself. He had to enlist people to spread the word. GOD does the same with you and me. HE wants you too tell people that JESUS not only saves, but guides people who believe in wisdom and knowledge and understanding.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the placement of the blood on the doorposts?
• Is there a symbolic gesture you can do that publicly declares you belong to GOD?
• What public declaration can you make to show the world you believe you need JESUS daily?

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 3 (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

 

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 3 (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

Exodus 12: ¹⁴ ‘So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance. ¹⁵ Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses. For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. ¹⁶ On the first day there shall be a holy convocation, and on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation for you. No manner of work shall be done on them; but that which everyone must eat—that only may be prepared by you. ¹⁷ So you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this same day I will have brought your armies out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day throughout your generations as an everlasting ordinance. ¹⁸ In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. ¹⁹ For seven days no leaven shall be found in your houses, since whoever eats what is leavened, that same person shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a stranger or a native of the land. ²⁰ You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.’ ”

 

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GOD continues with HIS instructions to Moses to give to the children of Israel. HE gives precise instructions regarding the Passover Feast of Unleavened Bread.

 

My Observations:

• GOD instituted the Feast of Unleavened Bread for the Israelites to follow until sin is abolished.
• GOD wanted the people to celebrate the start and finish of this week.
• GOD seems to equate leaven or yeast with false doctrine and the poisonous mindset of religious leaders who wanted followers versus making followers of GOD.

 

Ever since the garden of Edan, GOD was fighting a mindset that there is no need for HIM or no need to place faith in HIM. Even before religious leaders were established, GOD put together an annual feast that would help the leaders recognize that GOD needs to be followed, not man. Unfortunately, religious leaders focused people on activity versus heartfelt belief, causing people to think they could earn GOD.

 

JESUS would later say, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” Their doctrine did not point to JESUS as the Messiah; rather, they were focused on building selfish kingdoms, misusing HIS name. For seven days, GOD wanted purity and to focus on HIM with no manipulation from human mindsets.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS institution of the Feast of Unleavened Bread?
• Have you wanted something so badly, that you believed you could manipulate GOD by following a religious leader?
• Can you focus your mindset on GOD as your leader versus your favorite religious or political leader?

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 2 (Passover Meal)

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 2 (Passover Meal)

Exodus 12: Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, ² “This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you. ³ Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household. ⁴ And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall make your count for the lamb. ⁵ Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats. ⁶ Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. ⁷ And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. ⁸ Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. ⁹ Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire—its head with its legs and its entrails. ¹⁰ You shall let none of it remain until morning, and what remains of it until morning you shall burn with fire. ¹¹ And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover.

 

¹² ‘For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. ¹³ Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

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GOD turns from speaking to Pharaoh to speaking to Israel. HE told Moses and Aaron how to prepare the Passover Feast. This would be a feast that is performed to this day.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was using a double entendre for the Passover meal; recognizing the historical significance of HIS grace for those who put the blood on their door, and the prophetic significance of JESUS being the Sacrificial Lamb / Scapegoat, shedding HIS blood to save mankind.
• GOD instituted the need for an outward sign of obedience by requiring a specific marking from a specific animal.
• GOD mentioned HE was executing judgment against “all the gods of Egypt” to Israel so they would not worship humans or idols.

 

There seemed to be a lot more going on here with GOD’s statement. We can get lost in the plagues of Egypt and forget that GOD made a promise to Abraham that HE would make a great nation out of his descendants. GOD not only speaks prophetically about JESUS dying for the sins of mankind, but HE mentions the need for a being who needed to be perfect to open the scrolls mentioned in Revelation.

 

A lamb without a blemish would be the requirement of the being who could open the judgment scrolls. JESUS was that lamb. But Moses had no clue about what GOD was talking about. It wasn’t about punishment; rather, salvation! GOD was taking down the mindset that humans could be gods and at the same time HE was announcing that HE would save you and me!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS prophecy?
• What outward action is GOD calling you to do to show you are related to HIM?
• How do you actively remember what GOD has done for you?

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn

Exodus 11: And the Lord said to Moses, “I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will surely drive you out of here altogether. ² Speak now in the hearing of the people, and let every man ask from his neighbor and every woman from her neighbor, articles of silver and articles of gold.” ³ And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.

 

⁴ Then Moses said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt; ⁵ and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the animals. ⁶ Then there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as was not like it before, nor shall be like it again. ⁷ But against none of the children of Israel shall a dog move its tongue, against man or beast, that you may know that the Lord does make a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.’ ⁸ And all these your servants shall come down to me and bow down to me, saying, ‘Get out, and all the people who follow you!’ After that I will go out.” Then he went out from Pharaoh in great anger.

 

⁹ But the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not heed you, so that My wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.” ¹⁰ So Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh; and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go out of his land.

 

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GOD turns from warning Pharaoh to telling him what would happen. The difference with this plague is that it was too late. There would be nothing Pharaoh could do to stop the impending plague. Moses told Pharaoh that GOD would bring death to the firstborn of all Egyptians.

 

My Observations:

• GOD prophesied that HE would bring death to the firstborn of Egypt.
• GOD fulfilled the prophecy of the women asking for silver and gold and receiving it.
• GOD made Moses seen as a favorable leader versus Pharaoh to Pharaoh’s servants.

 

GOD’s grace was never recognized by Pharaoh. He would cause extreme pain to all Egyptian households because he would not give up his belief that he was a god.

 

The tenth plague represents a limit to GOD’s grace. Humans try to say their sinful love is unconditional. This is far from the truth because all humans have a sin nature. There is a part of a human that rebels against GOD. That same sin nature takes GOD’s grace for granted.

 

GOD may leave a leader of a nation alive, even though havoc has been poured out on the people. HE may even allow you and me to keep going in ways that do not include HIM. HE allows our heart to include HIM or not. HE stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. GOD was about to fully dismantle the Egyptian belief that humans can be in control.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the final prophecy of GOD to Pharaoh?
• Have you taken grace for granted in something you need to address?
• Will you praise GOD for HIS grace over your life and remember what HE did for you?

Response to Darkness – Hard Heart

Response to Darkness – Hard Heart

Exodus 10: ²⁴ Then Pharaoh called to Moses and said, “Go, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be kept back. Let your little ones also go with you.”

 

²⁵ But Moses said, “You must also give us sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. ²⁶ Our livestock also shall go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind. For we must take some of them to serve the Lord our God, and even we do not know with what we must serve the Lord until we arrive there.”

 

²⁷ But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go. ²⁸ Then Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me! Take heed to yourself and see my face no more! For in the day you see my face you shall die!”

 

²⁹ So Moses said, “You have spoken well. I will never see your face again.”

 

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After the supernatural darkness was lifted, Pharaoh called for Moses to tell him that he would let the people go, but the flocks and herds had to stay. Moses told Pharaoh that the livestock had to go as well. Pharaoh hardened his heart and said “Get away from me! Take heed to yourself and see my face no more! For in the day you see my face you shall die!”

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh was trying to steal the remainder of the livestock he had not already stolen.
• Pharaoh thought he was in control after the plague was over.
• Pharoah threatened Moses, proving that he would never open his heart up and never would bow down to GOD.

 

The limiting belief of thinking he was a god would be Pharaoh’s downfall. He was leading his nation into total spiritual disaster, all while thinking his abuse of power was justified. GOD was dismantling the limiting belief that any human can be looked at as a god.

 

We treat celebrities, politicians and religious leaders as people who we should temporarily worship. Our limiting beliefs give them power or make us look at ourselves as powerless. BUT GOD says something very different. HE took an eighty year old man with a stick and placed him in front of the most powerful man in the land, namely Pharaoh. HE methodically dismantled Egyptian limiting beliefs, one by one. GOD was not finished.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s threat?
• What limiting beliefs do you have about age, power, or titles?
• Is your secret pursuit of power worth battling GOD for HIS deserved spot?

Ninth Plague: Darkness / Ninth Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Ninth Plague: Darkness / Ninth Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Exodus 10: ²¹ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, ^[b]darkness which may even be felt.” ²² So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. ²³ They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

 

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GOD was at Warning, Action and Response (WAR) with Pharaoh. But this time HE gave no warning. In fact, GOD had given HIS final warning and would only perform actions, or HIS plagues. This time HE made darkness that could be felt.

 

My Observations:

• GOD caused physical darkness that felt like something was touching everyone.
• The Egyptians experienced physical darkness for three days.
• The children of Israel experienced light in their homes.

 

A mindset was being dealt with, namely the worship of the sun god Ra as a very high deity. The Egyptians were sun worshipers and placed high values in star worship to drive their decision making. For three days, the Egyptians could do nothing.

 

Meanwhile, the children of Israel experienced light in their homes. GOD’s light shows truth, shows the way and exposes dangers easily. The absences of light creates confusion, fear and depression. Three days sounds familiar. JESUS was in the grave for three days. GOD was dismantling the mindset of limiting beliefs.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the plague of darkness?
• Have you self-examined whether you are operating under limiting beliefs?
• Knowing that GOD has no limits, will you ask HIM to remove any limiting beliefs you may have?