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Darkness & Death

Reflect

The final two plagues came, and although they were not more bugs or blood in the water, they were just as intense and hit Pharaoh hard. The 9th plague was one of darkness. Not just nighttime darkness, but black, endless darkness. Close your eyes and imagine this kind of darkness. It’s difficult to do so. Even when it is dark outside, you have the stars and the moon. When you're in a dark room, your eyes adjust. This was a different kind of darkness. It was terrifying, and the Egyptians could no longer deny what was happening. But Pharaoh’s heart was still hard.

The final plague loomed. You may have heard of the Passover, but do you know where it came from? The plague of the firstborn was the final plague. God knew that this was the one that would finally convince Pharaoh to free the Israelites. The Israelites were told to sacrifice a pure lamb and paint the frames of their doors with its blood. Any house that has the blood on the door frame would be passed over by God (get it?) and their family would be safe, but anyone who didn’t sacrifice the lamb and paint their door frame would lose their firstborn son during the night. Pharaoh did not heed the warning of the plague, and his oldest son died.

After all this, we can see that God loves the Israelites, but isn’t God supposed to love all people? A lot of people think having God in your corner means you’ll have an easy life, and from the point of view of the Egyptians that looked to be true. But the Israelites were about to embark on a journey that was anything but easy. Having God in your corner does not promise an easy life. We live in a sinful world, but that does not mean God loves us any less. There are so many times in Scripture when God hears cries and sees tears and shows compassion and love without granting wishes like a genie. It may seem like God was extremely harsh on the Egyptians. It was Pharaoh who refused all of the chances to do what was right. And through it all, God’s will was done.

Respond

After you've read the passage today grab a journal or open your notes. Take some time to reflect on today’s reading. Use the SOAP acronym to help you engage. (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer).

• Scripture - What did you read?
• Observation - What did you learn?
• Application - What will you do?
• Prayer - Write out a prayer talking to God like a friend.