In today's reading we see that our Lord threatens destruction against unbelieving Egypt. As if the plagues they had sustained thus far were not enough, they are now threatened with the death of every firstborn of the nation. Egypt has already been plunged into various hardships which threatened their water supply, their food supply, their sanitation, and all their physical comfort. Now, after enduring a night that lasted three days, they are threatened with the loss of their future leaders, an overturn of all the customs of inheritance, a tremendous social upheaval. All they need to do is release Israel from bondage.
Why does Pharaoh refuse to grant God's demand given through Moses? This ongoing refusal angers Moses. It is very provocative. Yet God has told us many times that Pharaoh's refusal results in God's showing his wonders and his majesty. Notice in Exodus 11.3 that the people of Egypt understood that the Israelites had God's favor and they did not. They were willing to give what they had to the people of Israel. Doubtless many of them would even ask to join with Israel, becoming members of the covenant community as well. In this way the offspring of Abraham can become a blessing to another nation.
As with the people of Israel, our society looks at us. We proclaim God's wonders. Do we exhibit them? We suggest that our Lord is mighty. Do we live as if he is mighty? We say that the Lord is forgiving. Do we confess our sins and seek his forgiveness? We say that the Lord gave himself for our sins. Do we realize that we are without hope except for this forgiveness? May the Lord display his wonders in our society, showing through us his nature, a nature that convicts of sin, brings people to repentance, grants them forgiveness, and makes them walk in new life through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
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