Daily Devotions
Exodus
"The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness. The world and those who dwell therein." Psalm 24:1
Text: Exodus 8 : 24-27
UNMISTAKABLE FINGER OF GOD
Did the magicians have a higher regard for God now? They should! No longer did they attempt to imitate the signs that Moses performed. They knew that they would fail. Their understanding concerning “the finger of God”, thus acknowledging the might and power of God , was essentially correct!
“And the LORD did so. Thick swarms of flies came into
the house of Pharaoh, into his servants’ houses, and into
all the land of Egypt. The land was corrupted because of the
swarms of flies.”
EXODUS 8:24
How long could Pharaoh stand against the might of God before he capitulated? Helpless and frustrated, Pharaoh knew that he had to summon Moses to see him.
A GRUDGING OFFER
Once again, Pharaoh and Moses met up. The former had lost none of his arrogance, though he was humiliated time and again. Moses continue to lean upon the Lord, trusting His leading as he stood before Pharaoh.
“Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said,
‘Go, sacrifice to your God in the land.'”
Exodus 8:25
1. A compromise at best
This word from Pharaoh was not what God demanded! The word from the Lord was total release from bondage. Worship was another matter altogether.
2. “In the land”
Pharaoh was not prepared to let the children of Israel leave the land. He had finally reconciled within himself that no great harm would be done if his slaves were to take time out from their work to offer sacrifices to their God! But they must offer their worship “in the land”. After their worship, they must return to their work as slaves!
WISE DISCERNMENT
Moses had grown wise to the shrewd way Pharaoh did things. He would not be taken in by this false offer of Pharaoh.
“And Moses said, ‘It is not right to do so,
for we would be sacrificing the abomination of the Egyptians
to the LORD our God. If we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, then will they not stone us? We will go
three days’ journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to
the LORD our God as He will command us.'”
EXODUS 8:26-27
There was nothing but truth in this reply. The key thought must not be compromised. They must do all that God commands, and reject compromises!