The One True God

January 28, 2013            Exod 9–10, Matt 18:12–35, Ps 17:8–15, Prov 3:13–14

Exodus 9-10

The plagues were actually a “declaration of war” against the gods of Egypt (see 12:12). The Nile River was worshiped as a god since it was their source of life (Deut. 11:10–12), and when Moses turned it into blood, God showed His power over the river. The goddess Heqt was pictured as a frog, the Egyptian symbol of resurrection. The plague of frogs certainly turned the people against Heqt! The lice and flies brought defilement to the people—a terrible blow, for Egyptians could not worship their gods unless they were spotlessly clean. The murrain attacked the cattle which were sacred to the Egyptians; Hathor was the “cow-goddess” and Apis was the sacred bull. The gods and goddesses that controlled health and safety were attacked in the plagues of boils, [5 highlighted hail, and locusts. The plague of darkness was the most serious, since Egypt worshiped the sun god, Ra, the chief of the gods. When the sun was blotted out for three days, it meant that Yahweh had conquered Ra. The final plague (the death of the firstborn) conquered Meskhemit the goddess of birth, and Hathor, her companion, both of whom were supposed to watch over the firstborn.

All of these plagues made it clear that Yahweh was the true God!

We may trace these same plagues in the Book of Revelation, when God describes His final conflict with the god of this world, Satan: water to blood (Rev. 8:8 and 16:4–6); frogs (16:13); disease and afflictions (16:2); hail and fire (8:7), locusts (9:1ff); and darkness (16:10). The Egyptian magicians were able to imitate some of Moses’ miracles—turning the rod into a serpent (7:8–13) and the water into blood (7:19–25), and bringing forth the frogs (8:5–7). But they could not turn the dust into lice (8:16–19). Second Timothy 3:8–9 warns us that in the last days false teachers will oppose God by imitating His miracles. See 2 Thes. 2:9–10. Satan is a counterfeiter who deceives the lost world by imitating what God does (2 Cor. 11:1–4, 13–15).

Matthew 18:12-35

In context here Jesus is still talking about children. With the high priority Jesus puts on children how should to direct our children’s ministries?

How are commanded to deal with offenses? How do you normally deal with them.

In context what is Jesus talking about when He says that when two or more are gathered He is there also?

How many times should we forgive (1 Cor. 13:5)?

What is the meaning of the parable?

Is there someone you need to forgive?

Psalm 17:8-15

David asks God to protect him as one would protect the pupil of their eye. To what extent do you try to protect your eyes? To what extent does God go to protect us?

Like David we need to make a daily commitment to worship and follow the Lord.

Proverbs 3:13-14

In what ways is wisdom better than silver and gold?

Pray today that you can see the deceptions of the devil. Pray about what the gods of this age are and how God is superior.

Pray about your attitude of forgiveness. Praise God for his forgiveness.