February 28, 2022 -- Exodus 9:13-17 -- Confidence in the LORD in these fearful times

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Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Get up early in the morning, confront Pharaoh and say to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: let my people go, so that they may worship me, 14 or this time I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth. 15 For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. 16 But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 17 You still set yourself against my people and will not let them go.
Exodus 9:13-17 NIVUK

The plagues which ravaged Egypt were sent for the express purpose of revealing the power of the LORD so that His Name would be known through-out the earth. Pharaoh, defeated six times already by the plagues of God, still acted defiantly, as the leader of his people he was taking them farther and farther into the wrath of God the True Sovereign. In this passage the revelation is given that the LORD could easily have wiped out all of Egypt from the earth. The All-Powerful One greatly restrained His wrath, showing it is mixed with mercy so that the people who witness these acts might have time and opportunity to repent.

Interesting to me also is the opportunity the Hebrews have to see the work of God and turn from their enculturation to the ways of Egypt. The LORD would bring His people out of Egypt, then He’d take the Egypt out of His people. Though they were freed from their slavery in that land, they would even as freedmen act as slaves. You read that over and over again in the Old Testament. In the passage today the LORD is showing His people His wrath and His mercy so that they too might repent and trust in Him alone for their salvation.

Yesterday a newscaster was telling parents and teachers how to comfort students in these confusing and agitated times. Think of it—Covid mandates are finally dropping and now these students are being whipped up by fears World War III might be on the horizon. The obviously-secular newscaster was saying it’d be good to explain the history of the conflict and the players involved, like the United Nations, which can contain the war. Such information may calm the students and give perspective. Hooey!

Why not teach the children the LORD of Heaven and Earth is in charge?! Jesus, the King of Heaven, rules the events of earth and even now is subduing all the rebellious ones, as did His Father against Pharaoh. The King of Heaven brings wrath and troubles in order to extract His people from the tyrannical sins of these days and to bring His people to the place of mercy and hope. The LORD of Heaven and Earth His Name will be exalted and His people will be delivered from the bullying of tyrants. Such as are delivered will also unlearn the ways of their former slavery and walk in new-life in Christ by the power of the Spirit.

Yes, there are fires and wars, there are plagues and earthquakes, all of these are signs the end is near and King Jesus is prepared to take all His holy ones from the earth to bring the redeemed of the LORD to Himself in the bliss of eternity. Pray for the world that many will know Jesus Christ. Pray for those afflicted by Russian aggression. Pray that false gods and demonic attempts at God-obscuring hopes will be exposed and thrown down. Comfort those who are afraid in these times with the great and glorious assurance the LORD is near. The Word is true. The Spirit will safeguard in you the rich blessings of the Father and the Son until the day of Jesus’ return.

LORD of Angel armies, King of Glory and Splendor, Spirit of Power and All-Comfort, let Your wrath bring many sons and daughters from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of the Son, Whom You Father sent in mercy and love, Jesus our Redeemer and Reconciler. Spirit of Truth, expose the false gods of our age and expose the final resting place of despots and tyrants: the dunghill of history books and just punishment of hell. Comfort Your children who are running as lost and frightened sheep. Jesus, Great Shepherd, bring hope and help: spiritual, mental, physical and emotional. Father in heaven, let such sustaining help given by Jesus in these days of battle revive our faith until the final trumpet call is sounded and history ended. Father in heaven and Jesus our Intercessor, keep pouring out Your Spirit so that Your people will be purified by these refining fires, prepared for the trials and suffering ahead, and sustained to endure until the final sounds of clashing swords is ended and You, Father, are all-in-all. Amen.

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