None Greater
Opening Prayer
Eternal God, I know the world is full of false gods, but I am Yours and bow to You alone.
Read Exodus 10:21-29
[21] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt-darkness that can be felt.” [22] So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. [23] No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived. [24] Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, “Go, worship the LORD. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.” [25] But Moses said, “You must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the LORD our God. [26] Our livestock too must go with us; not a hoof is to be left behind. We have to use some of them in worshiping the LORD our God, and until we get there we will not know what we are to use to worship the LORD.” [27] But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go. [28] Pharaoh said to Moses, “Get out of my sight! Make sure you do not appear before me again! The day you see my face you will die.” [29] “Just as you say,” Moses replied. “I will never appear before you again.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What familiar scenario is repeated once again here?The plagues have a pattern to them: two plagues are announced, then the third comes as an unannounced judgment. They also grow in seriousness as the consequences of Pharaoh’s stubbornness become ever more ruinous. The darkness is another, unannounced judgment. So thick and brooding that it can almost be touched, darkness brings all life in Egypt to a standstill for three days. A sense of impending disaster spreads across the land. Pharaoh tells Moses and Aaron to go and worship the Lord, but they are to leave their livestock behind (24). Perhaps Pharaoh thinks they’re not coming back, so he can replace the livestock Egypt has lost and save some face. When Moses refuses, Pharaoh explodes with rage. He still hasn’t grasped who’s really in charge in Egypt. This is the complete expression of God’s authority over Egypt. The most powerful god in the Egyptian pantheon was Ra, the sun god. God had earlier brought death to the divine Nile, and now God banishes the divine sun for three days. No one is greater than the Lord.
Apply
How might you pray for God’s reality to be more fully revealed in your life, your work and your world?
Closing prayer
God of light and life, I’m grateful that I can walk in the light of Christ each day. Thank You.
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