Today’s Reading: Ex. 12:1 – 15:21
Pharaoh finally let go of the Israelite, but he did not forget to say “and also bless me” to Moses. I guess we should not surprised that he is after his own interest only.
On Day 20, God affirms to Jacob – “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again”. When the Israelites left Egypt, there was more than 600,000 men without counting women, children and “others” (I presume slaves or foreigners). Do you remember on Day 20 that only 70 people (men) moved to Egypt by Jacob & Joseph? After 430 years, there were more than 600,000 men ++. Then, let’s recall Day 6 – when Abraham was doubtful on the God’s promise, he was told that “Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be” and God also predicted that “Know for certain that your descendents will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be slaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves and afterward they will come out with great possessions.” Let’s count, shall we? (1) from Abraham alone, to 600,000 men; (2) they stayed in Egypt in 430 years; (3) the Lord brought down plagues upon Egypt – in fact, he made Pharaoh’s heart hardened so that he would bring those miracles/curses (depending on whose side) upon Egypt and (4) the Egyptians gave gold and silver and clothing willingly or “so they plundered the Egyptians” Wow!
Do you feel that God is not with you or helping you in your current trouble? It is not about you, but it is all about God – we are just a part of His Big Story. What did you ask of Him about your life? Is it a part of His Big Story, or is it a selfish one, just like Pharaoh’s “And also bless me”? Despite our being selfish, out of His great love for us, God will provide what you need at the time He chooses, not accordingly to our own timing. After 430 years, one of God’s promise to Abraham came true (slavery for 400 years and punishment to Egypt). If Abraham knew of that, he might have forsaken or did not even believe God because it seemed so far away. I find that sometime we just don’t need to know certain things because we cannot even comprehend what’s going on or true meaning. So let us focus on what is in front of us today – have you “sacrificed” your first “one” to God today? If not, we still got more than 12 hours before we do!
I almost read for tomorrow’s reading as well — here comes the Red Sea tomorrow! But, it certainly reads much better if you read today’s. I bet if the Israelites were told that they needed to cross the Red Sea on its floor, they would just unpack their bags and stayed in Egypt! Oop…. Too much teasing here! Enjoy today’s reading and stay tuned for tomorrow!