God's priorities are not always obvious at first glance. Just like our own to-do lists don't necessarily reveal what's most important to us, we need to look deeper to understand what matters most to God.
The central theme emerging from Exodus 11 is that God is preparing a people to live near Him. While there are many moving pieces - freeing slaves, humbling Pharaoh, displaying His power - the ultimate goal is relationship with His people.
Through nine key observations in Exodus 11, we see God's priorities unfold:
He makes the cost of resisting Him extremely high
He provides generously for service to Him
He replaces fear with favor
He fights like a warrior for His people
He protects His firstborn while executing judgment
He exchanges Israel's cry for Egypt's cry
He actively protects His people in present circumstances
He humbles opponents before His servants
He establishes new beginnings and rhythms for His people
These principles remain relevant:
We can trust God to overcome opposition
His provision is meant for service, not just personal benefit
He can transform hostility into favor
He fights on behalf of His people
He brings justice in His timing
He protects His own through trials
When God redeems His people, it marks the beginning of a new era. Just as the Israelites needed to learn new ways of living outside of slavery, believers today need to learn new patterns of living in relationship with God. While the joy of salvation energizes us, specific instructions help guide our steps in this new life.
Questions to consider:
What occupies most of your attention - urgent tasks or eternal matters?
How are you using God's provisions to serve Him rather than just yourself?
In what areas do you need to trust God's protection rather than fear circumstances?
Challenge: Choose one area where you've been prioritizing urgency over importance. Make a conscious decision to align that area with God's priorities this week, whether through prayer, service, or changing your approach to daily tasks.
Remember: God's ultimate priority is having His people live near Him. Everything else flows from that relationship.