God Speaks
A Hard-Hearted Pharoah; God Begins Sending Plagues
Verse of the Day: “Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD commanded them. . . . Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Pharoah’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go.” (Exodus 7:6, 14 NIV 2011) [These verses summarize the beginning of the plagues God used to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.]
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We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding Exodus 7-9
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Exodus 7
1. God sees the condition of people’s hearts and knows if they will respond to Him or not.
2. People need to soften their hearts toward God and worship Him; then He will deliver them.
Exodus 8
1. The LORD has the power to send plagues on those who have harded their hearts against Him.
2. People are made to worship, and they will, whether it is the LORD God according to His direction or various elements in His creation.
Exodus 9
1. God makes a distinction and specifically protects the people who put their trust in and obey Him.
2. People should be like the officials of Pharoah who, upon hearing the warning about the hail storm, feared the word of the LORD and hurried to bring their slaves and livestock to shelter.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding Exodus 7-9?
Dear Sovereign LORD, thank You that You are greater than any “made-up” gods that people have worshiped for many millennia. You not only proved it in Moses’ time with Pharaoh and the Egyptian people, but You are also proving it every day to people who open their eyes and hearts to You. You did (and do) these things to prove who You are so that Your people (anyone who puts their trust in You) can be set free from slavery (of any kind) to worship You. You want everyone to know that I AM is LORD and is to be worshiped above all else. Jesus, like the Nile river, You are life-giving (eternal life) water. In this situation with Moses, blood in the Nile brought death, but faith in Your blood brings life (eternal life). LORD, I ask that leaders, especially governmental leaders like Pharaoh, would not harden their hearts against You or Your people. I ask that they listen to sound advice from men (and women) of God, like Moses and Aaron. I pray that we, Your people, will cry out to You with all of our problems, however large or small. I realize that there are many problems that afflict all of humanity, but in certain cases, You make a distinction and specifically protect Your people. Help us to trust You in either case. When I am given a warning by the LORD, may I fear the word of the LORD and hurry to take action. LORD, please help me keep my word and do what I promised in a moment of desperation. I want to live by Your strength for Your glory, LORD. AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Exodus 7-9? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- The next time I am tempted to follow the ways of my ungodly culture, my self-centered ideas and emotions, or satanic/occult influences, I will worship the LORD, because He has set me free in Christ and empowered me with His Holy Spirit.
- I will study the Bible daily so that I can learn God’s warnings and avoid at least some of the disasters in life.
- I will daily ask God for mercy, protection, and favor so that I won’t have to suffer some of the plagues in this life.
- I will examine my own heart to see if I have hardened my heart and mind against God and what He wants to show me.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________