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Journey through the Scriptures - Exodus 9:15-17
By jason | January 18, 2008
Scripture
For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. You are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go.
Observation
In this short passage we see that behind the plagues launched against Egypt was more than just freeing the people of God. Ultimately the issue is that God is passionate that his name is proclaimed in all the earth against the glory stealing Pharaoh. In this section see God’s great passion for his own glory (as the the highest end to be sought) and so the plagues are launched against Egypt.
Not only that but we also see Gods compassion to this point (we’re up to plague 7 at this point). He could have completely struck them down but did not. Pharaoh could have relented and God’s hand would have been removed.
And finally while there is this back and forth of hardening Pharoah’s heart (Pharaoh hardens, God hardens, circumstances harden) it is clear that God places the onerous of responsibility squarely on Pharaoh (”You are exalting yourself and [you] will not let my people go”). So God is not the source of sin and rebellion, Pharaoh is.
Application
All this reminds me that my role today is to glorify God with all that I am and enjoy him forever. God is jealous for his own glory (fame) and every piece of my life is to bring him glory and fame.
So maybe the question is, “Is there any part of my life - my motivations, my attitudes, my thinking, or my actions - that need reform?”
How can I live for God’s glory today?
But in this I’m reminded that I can’t just muster up the gumption to live this out. It reminds me of Paul to the Galatians, we are saved by grace but we also live by grace. Ad all of this is the result of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for Jesus. Thank you that you sent us the ultimate, unblemished Passover Lamb through whom our sin can be forgiven once and for all. By your grace cause me to live for your glory today.
Topics: Spiritual Growth, The Scriptures |