READING: Exodus 1-4
“I am sending you to Pharaoh so that you may lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”
Exodus 3:10
I enjoy watching documentaries about World War II, primarily because I’m struck by how wicked the human heart can be. Just a few minutes of hearing again about the murderous Nazi regime takes me there. It really is incredible how depraved we can be.
But then, I read today about an Egyptian king who was so concerned about the growth of the Hebrew people that he required them to “throw every son born to the Hebrews into the Nile” (Exo. 1:22). I cannot fathom the depth of evil that would call for such an act – even though we know it would not be the last time a king threatened by a child would call for the death of boys (Matt. 2:16). Wicked people, including you and me, are in deep trouble as we follow our hearts we cannot fix.
Here’s the good news, though. A Hebrew couple among many others gave birth to a baby boy, and God protected him and raised him up to lead His people out of Egypt. In Exodus 2 he was first just “a little boy, crying” (Exo. 2:6), but God knew the plan He had for this little one. In the little body of a baby resting in a basket lay the God-given potential of the one who would change history for God’s glory.
If you are the parent or grandparent of a baby today, consider the possibilities in that little life. God might be raising up a life whose light will shine brightly in the darkness that is our world. Start today to pray that way.
ACTION STEPS:
- If you are a parent or grandparent, pray intentionally and recurrently for your offspring today.
- Pray also for a little one you know whose parents are not believers. You might be the only one praying for him or her today.
PRAYER: “God, use my children or grandchildren to turn others to You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Review of Job 25-42/catch up on reading