R³ Devotional - Day 32

February 1st, 2025
by Jose Maldonado

R³ Devotional - Day 32 from Exodus Chapters 7-9

By: Jose Maldonado

Summary

In these chapters we see GOD showing that He has supreme power over everything and no so-called gods can stop him. We see Moses and Aaron’s obedience. How the magicians use trickery to fool those that want to be fooled. Later they end up acknowledging it is “the finger of God”. We see a proud, arrogant, manipulating and rebellious Pharoah. Here is a brief summary.

Aaron's Staff Becomes a Snake**: God instructs Moses and Aaron to perform a miracle before Pharaoh. Aaron's staff turns into a snake, but Pharaoh's magicians replicate the miracle. However, Aaron's snake swallows their snakes. God turns the Nile River into blood, causing the fish to die and the water to become undrinkable. Pharaoh's magicians replicate this plague using trickery, and Pharaoh's heart remains hardened.

God sends a plague of frogs that invade homes and cover the land. Pharaoh's magicians replicate this plague using trickery, but Pharaoh asks Moses to pray for the frogs' removal. Once the frogs died, Pharaoh hardened his heart again. God turns the dust into gnats, which infest people and animals. The magicians fail to replicate this plague and acknowledge it as the "finger of God," but Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. God sends swarms of flies that ruin the land of Egypt, but Goshen, where the Israelites live, is spared. Pharaoh offers to let the Israelites sacrifice in Egypt, but Moses insists on going into the wilderness. Pharaoh agrees but later changes his mind. God sends a plague that kills the livestock of the Egyptians, but the livestock of the Israelites is spared. Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. God instructs Moses to throw soot into the air, causing boils to break out on the Egyptians and their animals. The magicians cannot stand before Moses because of the boils, but Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. God sends a severe hailstorm that destroys crops, livestock, and people in the fields. Goshen is spared. Pharaoh admits his sin and asks Moses to pray for the hail to stop. Once the storm ceased, Pharaoh hardened his heart again.

Real: Life Principles

God's Sovereignty: God's power and authority are supreme, and He can intervene in human affairs to fulfill His purposes as He wishes.
Obedience to God: Obeying God's commands is crucial, even when faced with opposition or challenges. Pharoah hurt his people, by not obeying God.
Perseverance in Faith: Trusting in God's plan and persevering in faith, even when circumstances seem difficult. The people of Israel had to wait until the merry-ground stopped and they could go at God’s time. They did not know when or how many more times God had to prove He is All powerful to Pharoah. That Pharoah can not win.

Relevant: Life Applications

Recognize God's Authority: Acknowledge God's sovereignty in your life and trust that He is in control, even in challenging situations and challenging people. God allows and raises up situations and people so that He alone can get the Glory
Obey God's Commands: Strive to follow God's guidance and commands in your daily life, knowing that obedience leads to blessings. Do not harden your own heart.
Stay Faithful while waiting: Maintain your faith and trust in God, even when faced with trials and difficulties, knowing that He has a plan for you.

Ready: Life Action Steps

Prayer and Surrender: Spend time in prayer, surrendering your worries and challenges to God, and asking for His guidance and strength. Examine yourself so you will not harden your heart.
Daily Devotion: Commit to these daily devotions to deepen your understanding of God's commands and how to apply them in your life.
Encourage Others: Support and encourage others in their faith journey, reminding them of God's sovereignty and the importance of obedience and perseverance.