READING: Exodus 7-8, Matthew 15:1-20
“The Egyptians will know that I am Yahweh . . .”
Exodus 7:5
The God of the Bible is the God who makes His name known, both in His care for His people and His judgments on those who oppose Him. Let the Word of today’s reading show you some of God’s purpose for carrying out His plague judgments against Egypt and for leading His people out of that nation:
- “The Egyptians will know that I am Yahweh when I stretch out My hand against Egypt, and bring out the Israelites from among them.” (Exo. 7:5)
- “This is what Yahweh says: Here is how you [Pharaoh] will know that I am Yahweh. Watch. I will strike the water in the Nile with the staff in my hand, and it will turn to blood.” (Exo. 7:17)
- “Moses replied, ‘As you have said, so you may know there is no one like Yahweh our God, the frogs will go away from you, your houses, your officials, and your people. The frogs will remain only in the Nile.’” (Exo. 8:10)
- “But on that day I will give special treatment to the land of Goshen, where My people are living; no flies will be there. This way you will know that I, Yahweh, am in the land.” (Exo. 8:22)
By His hand of deliverance on His people Israel, God would make His name known to the Egyptians. He would turn water into blood so Pharaoh might know that He was the only true God. Even when He answered Moses’ prayer on Pharaoh’s behalf to remove the frogs, He would show His power. Further, His protection of His people in the land of Goshen would be evidence of His presence among them. In all cases, God would reveal His power beyond Israel, though Pharaoh would not come to follow God.
I am reminded today that God is a global God who wants His glory to fill the nations. He is not capricious in His judgments, nor is He unthinking in His blessings. He does what He does to spread His fame, all the while working toward fulfilling His plan to draw to Himself followers from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue. That is not to say that everyone will follow Him, but it does remind us that we are privileged to play a small part in God’s plan. As we share the gospel with our neighbors and the nations, we spread His name. Indeed, while God is still a God of judgment, we’re privileged to tell others that Christ has already borne the judgment for us in the cross.
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank God that He made Himself known to you.
- Pray for any believers who are today living in Egypt.
PRAYER: “Father, thank You for making Yourself known to us. Use me to take Your name to the nations.”
TOMORROW'S READING: Exodus 9-11, Matthew 15:21-39
