Tenth Round KnockoutSample

His Power

Plague 9: Darkness

At this moment, Pharaoh can realize that God has presence in Egypt, also His providence in making a difference between His people and the Egyptians, however he doesn’t change his mind. Now came the ninth plague, darkness. This time Moses did not give Pharaoh a warning of what God was about to do. Instead, darkness so complete and deep fell, that the Egyptian sun god Re, was buried in it. So, Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days, not a glimmer of light remained, as if God said, “Go for it, Mr. Egyptian sun god; let’s see what you’ve got.” And Re had nothing at all to match the power of God. 

This blackout was a rifle shot to the heart of the Egyptian gods, of which Re was considered the chief god, and Pharaoh his representative. Now in darkness far worse than New York City’s blackout, Re was revealed as false. Therefore, Pharaoh summoned Moses and told him: “Go, worship the Lord. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.” But Moses refused his propose. Isn’t Pharaoh beginning to look desperate? “Young man, young man, your arm is too short to box with God.”1 He’s a dealer with nothing to deal, but he keeps trying to bargain with God! (Of course, you or I would never do anything so futile and silly, right?) We’re not told that Moses prayed for light to be restored in Egypt after three days of darkness, but we are told that the Israelite’s were never in the dark.

As believers in Christ, it is God’s will that we would shine. In Matthew we read: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” The power of God shining through your life differentiates you from other people. The most attractive thing about a godly woman can’t be bought at a makeup counter in the mall; it is a shining light in her eyes. A man of respect is not created through achievements but from a character that reflects brightly the light of Christ. When we allow God’s power to have control, we are like a building with electricity in the midst of darkness and everybody can see how strong the light of God shines on your life.

Notes

1. James Weldon Johnson, The Prodigal Son in God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse, 1927.