READING: Exodus 4-8
As one interested in missions, I always appreciate when I read about God’s desire for the nations to know His name. We find some expression of the Great Commission recurrently in the New Testament (Matt 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, Acts 1), but the heart of God is evident in the Old Testament as well. Today’s reading speaks of God’s displaying His power through “signs” that encouraged Moses—but that would also teach the Egyptians who God is, even in His judgment:
- “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)
- “This is what the Lord says: ‘Here is how you will know that I am the Lord. Watch. I am about to strike the water in the Nile with the staff in my hand, and it will turn to blood.’” (Exo 7:17)
- “Moses replied [to Pharaoh], ‘As you have said, so that you may know there is no one like the Lord our God,the frogs will go away from you, your houses, your officials, and your people.’” (Exo 8:10-11)
- “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, the Lord, am in the land.” (Exo 8:22)
Pharoah had said, “Who is the Lord? . . . I don’t know the Lord” (Exo 5:2)—but God answered the king’s question by His mighty displays of power. He made Himself known both to Israel and to their enemies. You and I still have the privilege of serving this all-powerful God!
PERSONAL REFLECTION: In what ways has God made Himself known to you lately?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, You are the omnipotent Lord. Amen.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 9-11