READING: Exodus 7-9, Matthew 17:22-18:20
It’s easy—though incorrect—to assume only the New Testament speaks of the global focus of God. After all, that’s where we find the texts we most often identify with the “Great Commission” (Matt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:45-47, John 20:21, Acts 1:8). And, that’s where we pastors most often turn when we want to preach on missions.
Today’s Old Testament reading, though, reminds us that the first testament also reveals God’s work among the nations. He was preparing to bring judgment on Egypt, and the plagues to come hung in the air. Pharaoh would not ultimately listen, but God would still make Himself known to the Egyptians: “The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the Israelites from among them” (Exo 7:5). Indeed, we will learn later that God’s plan for the Hebrews crossing the Red Sea led the Egyptians to recognize the power of Israel’s God; in that event, the drowning Egyptians cry out, “Let’s get away from Israel because the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!”(Exo 14:25). Among their pantheon of gods, they would learn what the magicians learned in the plagues: their own powers and their own gods were no match for Yahweh.
Billions of people around the world need to know this God, and It’s our responsibility to proclaim His name among the nations. The peoples of the globe await the good news.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for who You are. You are all powerful.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Pray for people around the world who worship false gods today.
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 10-12, Matthew 18:21-19:12
