Daily Devotions
Exodus
"An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes." Psalm 36:1
Text: Exodus 10 : 21-24
LEARNING VITAL LESSONS ABOUT THE WICKED
Moses learned many vital lessons that would stand him in good stead for the rest of his life and ministry! He had come face to face with one of the most devious and wicked people ever! There was one lesson that stood out above all else. It must have been like an oracle from the Lord to his heart. The wicked have no fear of God in their hearts, and thus they behave the way they do!
THE PLAGUE OF PITCH-BLACK DARKNESS
Pharaoh had refused to yield to the Lord again and again. Would he now be more ready to listen if he experienced the next plague?
“Then the LORD said to Moses,
‘Stretch out your hand toward heaven,
that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt,
darkness which may even be felt.’
So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and
there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.
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.”
EXODUS 10:21-23
1. “Darkness which may even be felt”
How terrifying that must have been! Darkness so thick nothing could penetrate it! One could not tell whether it was day or night! The mind could become totally disoriented if the darkness persisted, and it did – for three terrible days!
2. “Nor did anyone rise from his place for three days”
Light is often taken for granted until it is taken away! The darkness that prevailed caused all activities to come to a complete halt! Nasty accidents could occur on the road if travel was contemplated. Animals would become terrified in the unnatural darkness that settled over the land! Even human beings were afraid of venturing out into the darkness. One could be slain without ever knowing who the assailants were!
3. “But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings”
God continued to make a distinction between Israel and Egypt! Would the blessings that the children of Israel enjoyed helped the Egyptians to respect the God of the Hebrews?
SUMMONED TO SEE PHARAOH AGAIN
At the end of three terrifying days, Pharaoh summoned Moses to see him. Another compromise was offered to Moses.
“Go, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds
be kept back. Let your little ones also go with you.”
EXODUS 10:24