R³ Devotional - Day 33

February 2nd, 2025
by Kyle Childress

R³ Devotional - Day 33 from Exodus Chapter 12:33-42

By: Kyle Childress

As we come to Exodus 12:33 the Egyptians were ready for the Israelites to leave their country! Verse 33 gives us the concept that they were urging them to leave. Through all the plagues, and back and forth interactions with the Pharaoh, God’s sovereign work was being carried out. His people were about to be delivered. As they were leaving a very interesting thing was happening. The people of Israel were doing as Moses commanded and were asking the Egyptians for silver, gold, and fine linens and the Egyptians were giving it to them! These very parting gifts would come to play a big part of the Israelites future. For good and for bad.

On the good side: In Exodus 25-31, God gives Moses the instructions for building the Tabernacle in the wilderness. Many of these materials would be used in the building of the structure and coverings. The majesty, glory, power, and holiness of God would be honored by the gold silver, and fine linen.

On a bad side: In Exodus 32, it is most certain some of the same jewelry was used in making the golden calf that they intended on worshipping. The same blessings would become a curse and result in a plague against Israel because of their use of them.

Real: Life Principles

God is always working. Even in the times when we can’t seem to understand how. Throughout the whole time of the plagues and the dealings with pharaoh, God was preparing the Israelites and the Egyptians for this very day.
God is always providing for his people and his purpose. The Israelites probably did not even understand what was truly happening when they were receiving all this wealth and provision, but God had plans for his people and his will for them.
We must be careful to be good stewards of the blessings God bestows upon us. We must use those blessings for his purpose and not turn those blessings into an idol of worship.

Real: Life Applications

When times get tough or seem to be out of control, as believers we must always remember that God is in control, and he is busy working out the details for his purpose. The Israelites were obedient to God’s commands and even though they might not have understood the relevance of the things that God was providing, they had faith that God would see them through.
The Israelites surrendered their newfound wealth to build the Tabernacle. They were obedient to the call. They used the wealth God had gifted them to provide a place for God’s presence to reside with them. But just a short time afterward, they forgot his commitment to them and surrendered some more of the gold to build a Golden calf to worship. We must remember that God is always faithful, therefore we must always stay faithful in our walk and not make the same kind of mistakes the Israelites were making.

Ready: Life Action Steps

Make a list of what God has blessed you with! You might be surprised just how long the list might be. Thank God for those blessings! Then ask yourself: “How can these blessings be used for the Kingdom?”
Ask God to help you as you strive to be a good steward of the blessings he has bestowed upon you. We must use those blessings for good and not evil.