Darkness is as Light to You
Originally uploaded by honey 77
Moses and Aaron continued to perform the signs and miracles the LORD told them to do in Egypt. They continued to speak with Pharaoh, and he listened, experienced the miracle/plague he was told would happen, and then he would repent. But the LORD continued to harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that the promises Pharaoh made to Moses and Aaron were no good. He refused to let the Hebrew people go. Think about the many plagues already: the blood, frogs, gnats, flies. Now the livestock, boils, hail and locusts. And now the darkness.
This darkness was spread all over Egypt and the Word describes it as a darkness that can be felt. That’s pretty scary. I know I have experienced darkness a few times that made an impression on me. Once while cruising the Caribbean, we were out on the bow of the boat with nothing in sight but darkness. The sky was literally chock full of stars I had never seen. And a solitary light on the bow shined. But there was darkness all around us. We were moving in dark waters. And the other day, I came home in early evening, before dark, but the garage door light was out. So when I closed the garage door and got out of my car, the garage was pitch black. I could see nothing. I had to feel my way around the car. And even after a few minutes, it was so dark I could still hardly make anything out. That was a darkness I could feel. It was uncomfortable.
Exodus tells us that this darkness could be felt, and lasted three days. It was so dark, the Egyptians could not move nor could they see anyone for 72 hours. That got Pharaoh’s attention. By this time, the plagues had gotten the attention of Pharaoh’s officials, Moses was highly regarded, and they wanted the Israelites to go. But still, the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart.
What was the purpose of these plagues? Not only to let the Israelites go to follow Moses to worship the LORD. Not only for the salvation of Israel from the bondage of Egypt. But also for another purpose. That purpose was so the Egyptians may know that there is no one like the LORD in all the earth. But also so they may know that the earth is the LORD's. God was flexing his muscles big time. And the Egyptians would know it in every fiber of their being. Not only was God in control of the earth, but the LORD controlled Pharaoh’s heart. It was the LORD who allowed Pharaoh’s heart to be hardened as well.
So, what’s the take away? For me: Fear God. The earth is the LORD’s. No one is like Him. He is not only in control of nature, but every last detail of our lives. He can even allow our hearts to harden if it suits his purposes. Fear what God can do. Not only is He in control, but He has the power not only destroy, but also to bless us immeasurably. Truly, the earth is the LORD’s.
LORD, may we join with the psalmist David in declaring your praises today. Surely, The earth is Yours, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. May we worship You with pure hearts, and serve You with all we are.
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