Redeemed by the blood

January 29, 2013            Exod 11–12, Matt 19:1–26, Ps 18:1–4, Prov 3:15–16

Exodus 11-12

1. The plagues were designed to discredit the gods of Egypt. Before the tenth plague God asserted, “I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt” (Ex 12:12; cf. Nm 33:4). This is especially evident in the first, second, fifth and ninth plagues. In the first plague the sacred Nile was affected. By the end of the second plague the Egyptians detested Ptha, the frog headed god and Heka, a frog goddess. Apis the sacred bull could not spare his kind from the ravishing effects of the murrain. Ra the sun god could not penetrate the darkness in which Yahweh wrapped Egypt in the ninth plague.

2. The plagues also served to discredit the religious leaders of Egypt. The counsel of Pharaoh’s wisest men, the sorcery and magic of his personal ministers could not prevent or remove the plagues. In the third plague the magicians retreated from the contest; in the sixth plague they were rendered unclean by the festering boils and thus disqualified from officiating in their priestly role.

3. The plagues revealed the impotence of Pharaoh as a ruler and god. His total lack of integrity, his stubbornness, arrogance, and mortality are clearly shown in the narrative. He was forced during the contest to offer four compromises to Moses, and in the end he was compelled to release the Israelites.

4. With respect to the Israelites, the plagues were designed to free them from bondage and convince them of the sole divinity of Yahweh. They were a visual lesson of God’s awesome power.

5. The plagues were also God’s judgment on the land of Egypt for the years of mistreatment of his people.

6. The plagues were designed gradually to magnify the power of God. In the first two plagues the power of God was imitated by the magicians. They, however, were unable to remove the plagues. In plagues three through six the restrained power of God was manifested. God’s unbridled power was manifested in plagues seven through ten (9:14).

The above six purposes can be summed up in the word know. The contest began when Pharaoh declared that he did not know Yahweh. This word thereafter becomes a key word in the narrative. Through the plagues all parties would come to know Yahweh—Israel (6:7; 10:2; 11:7); the Egyptians (7:5; 14:4, 18); and Pharaoh (7:17; 8:10, 22; 9:14, 29). To know Yahweh means to recognize him because of personal experience and then submit to his authority.

With that definition would you say you know God?

The story of the Passover is vital in the history of the Israelite people and for Christians as well. It deserves great consideration and teaching, however I realize time is limited here so I will let it lay for now.

How did the Passover foreshadow the ministry of Christ?

Matthew 19:1-26

Divorce was a major issue in the day of Christ and it still is today. Some scholars say that the divorce rate in the Roman Empire was about 50%. Among the Jewish teachers of the day there was disagreement as well. The followers of Rabbi Hillel interpreted Deut. 24:1 to mean that a man could divorce his wife for any cause, while the followers of Rabbi Shammai held to a strict interpretation, that marriage could be broken only by adultery. How does Jesus answer this question? How does this apply to today?

Read 1 Corinthians 7 to get a better understanding.

Why did the rich young ruler leave sad?

See 1 Tim. 6:6–10

Many people at that time equated riches with God’s blessing, is this accurate?

How does the life of Christ seem to dispel this completely?

Psalm 18:1-4

David was overjoyed with praise and thanksgiving to God. When in your life have you been in this same state of worship? He says God is his rock. How is God like a rock? He is his horn, this is a symbol of strength.

David says he will love the Lord will all his strength, perhaps this is why he is a man after God’s own heart. Have you committed to loving the Lord with all your heart?

Proverbs 3:15-16

Wisdom is said to be more precious than rubies, all the things you may desire cannot compare with wisdom. With wisdom there are tremendous blessings.

What do you desire most in this life? What are you willing to work for, give up time and energy to get?

Praise God today for the Lamb of God that takes away your sins.

Consider what is most important in life and how your actions show this.