Monday: Read Exodus 7:1-13
There was the thought in Egyptian culture that the Pharaoh was divine. So this “showdown” was more than just a game of tag between the God of the Israelites and the ruler of Egypt.
- What do we learn about the character of God through the power demonstrated in the plagues?
- How might God’s power be a comfort to us?
Tuesday: Reflect on Ex. 7:7 Draw/sketch Moses and Aaron
We would often think about Moses leading his people as a young charismatic, but this is not really the case. Sometimes the pictures we have been presented are not truly the case. In drawing or writing a description of the two people God chose to bring about freedom we see something different from popular portrayals.
- Remembering this, how are you reminded that you are not too old or too young to do what God calls you to?
Wednesday: Skim through Ex: 8-10
Throughout the plagues we see something happening with Pharaoh. Sometimes his heart is hardened by his own accord. Other times it would seem that God is doing the hardening. The question as to why God would harden Pharaoh’s heart has been widely debated.
Having considered this, however, the text still leaves the reader with a sense that God somehow knew what Pharaoh would do and, by the very plan chosen, at the very least aggravated the situation. Those who preserved the traditions in the book of Exodus were not overly concerned about the issue of free will that bothers so many contemporary readers. They believed God capable of directing historical events while at the same time allowing for human responsibility. However we resolve this theological enigma, two matters are underscored by the text: first, Pharaoh made his own decisions to challenge God; second, God was recognized from the beginning of the account as the one who would be the ultimate victor in this contest between the “gods.”
- Why is it important to know that God is victor in all of the “contests?”
- When you are plagued with adversity how do you find comfort in God?
Thursday: Read Exodus 12
There is so much that happens in this chapter. There is the 10th plague of the first born, the exodus and the first Passover. The Passover allows God’s people to remember where they have come from. They still do this to this day, and Christians do it to some degree through the liturgy of communion.
- Why is it important to remember the past?
- Where in your story do you need to look back and be reminded of God’s hand at work?
Friday: Read Exodus 13:17-14:31
Here we see God not only liberating the people but continuing to guide them. A popular thought was that the gods of the land were locked into specific regions or had certain abilities. So there may be a god who was present in the valley region and another who was on the mountaintops. Some may have been for a good harvest and others for protection. But God, YHWH is not limited to this. God is with the people of Israel throughout the lands.
Knowing God will be with us to the point of parting the sea is awesome.
- What do you find liberating about being a child of God.
Saturday: Read Exodus 15
This chapter is a song of praise. Today wrote your own song of praise and then share it with someone or send it to pastor Chris (Chris@faithpointum.org)