Daily Devotions
Exodus
"It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:32
Text: Exodus 8 : 8
TRANSFORMED FROM TIMIDITY TO BOLDNESS
With the passing of every moment, Moses gained even more confidence and boldness. No more the inward-looking, self-doubting person who kept complaining that he was the wrong man to be sent to Pharaoh! Moses was a man to be feared! Two plagues had unsettled
Pharaoh somewhat.
A CHASTENED PHARAOH
Just as in the first plague, Pharaoh felt powerless, the second plague brought about an even greater sense of humiliation. He had power over the mighty kingdom of Egypt, but he had no power over the little frogs that kept making their appearances all over the land. Not even Pharaoh’s household was spared!
“Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said,
‘Entreat the LORD that He may take away the frogs from me
and from my people; and I will let the people go,
that they may sacrifice to the LORD.'”
EXODUS 8:8
1. It was Pharaoh who called for an audience with Moses
It is normal protocol for people to request an audience with the ruler of the land. But these were unusual times. Pharaoh had to swallow humble pie when he finally called for Moses and Aaron to appear before him.
2. Acknowledgment of the God of the Hebrews
Pharaoh would not fully comprehend the significance of the word “LORD” when he mentioned His holy name in his dialogue with Moses. But there is no denying that he had at least accepted that the God of the Hebrews, the LORD, was truly awesome in power.
3. A special entreaty from Pharaoh!
Pharaoh was personally involved in a number of religious ceremonies in the land of Egypt. The powerful priests of Egypt enjoyed tremendous privileges, conferred on them by the Pharaoh. The priests certainly knew their craft. Pharaoh having knowledge of Egyptian religious practices, knew that he could not get the God of the Hebrews to listen to his prayers! But perhaps the God of the Hebrews would listen to Moses and Aaron, for were they not His servants?
STILL HUMBLE AND MEEK
Moses refused to accept any credit or honour for what was happening in Egypt at that time. He had grown quite savvy to the ways of Pharaoh and the Egyptian court. Were they turning to the Lord in humble repentance? Moses had grown immensely in just a few weeks! He was no longer so naive to interpret Pharaoh’s words (Cf. Exodus 8:8) as a sign of defeat or repentance. Moses and Aaron continued to be their humble selves before Pharaoh!