The story of the plagues in Egypt reveals powerful truths about how far God will go to rescue His people from oppression and slavery. Through plagues two through six, we see God's judgment, protection, and ultimate purpose in making Himself known.
How Does God Make Himself Known Through Judgment?
God demonstrates His power through increasingly severe plagues while humbling rival spiritual powers. The Egyptian magicians initially replicate some plagues but eventually admit "this is the finger of God" when they cannot match His power. Even this small portion of God's power proves overwhelming.
How Does God Protect His People During Judgment?
Starting with the fourth plague, God makes a clear distinction between the Egyptians and Israelites:
The Israelites are protected from swarms of flies
Their livestock is spared from death
They are saved from the festering boils
This shows God's ability to protect His people even while executing judgment.
What Does This Tell Us About True Worship?
When Pharaoh offers to let the Israelites worship while remaining in Egypt, Moses refuses. This teaches us that:
God doesn't just want occasional worship while we remain enslaved to sin
He desires His people to be wholly devoted to Him
True worship comes after rescue and redemption
God wants full relationship, not partial devotion
What Can We Learn from the Key Characters?
From Pharaoh:
Don't harden your heart when you see God at work
Stubbornness against God leads to suffering
From Moses:
Spiritual authority is given to benefit others
Stay humble even when God works powerfully through you
From Israel:
God knows how to rescue His people from trials
He can protect His people even during judgment
Consider these questions this week:
Where might I be hardening my heart to God's voice?
Am I trying to worship God while remaining enslaved to sin?
Do I trust God to protect me while He works in judgment?
Challenge:
Each day this week, ask God to reveal any areas where you're resisting His voice or attempting partial obedience. Commit to responding with full surrender when He speaks.
Remember:
The same God who rescued Israel is still at work today. He remains powerful enough to deliver His people while making Himself known through both judgment and mercy.