The LORD's Rule

Read Exodus 9-11
 
Exodus 9:2-4 If you continue to hold them and refuse to let them go, 3 the hand of the Lord will strike all your livestock—your horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, sheep, and goats—with a deadly plague. 4 But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and that of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die…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 throughout all the earth.”
 
HERE are three ways God demonstrates his supremacy and authority – that he is El Shaddai, LORD God Almighty. First, the LORD created a storm to punish Pharaoh and Egypt. When a storm rages through an area, it seems impossible for us to believe it is the LORD’s work. It’s true that not all storms are God’s judgment. But he does control every element through the heavens and earth.  
   Second, God’s supreme authority is revealed in the storm’s pointed destruction. It will kill Egypt’s animals but not touch Israel’s animals. God’s authority is very specific and purposeful.
   Third, through Moses God tells Pharaoh. “I have raised you up for this very purpose.”  Again, it’s difficult to understand that God raises and gives even evil rulers their power. But in his will all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. (Romans 13:1b) – [If you’d like I can send you my notes on Romans 13.]
   Pharaoh would reject God’s authority. His prideful disobedient caused great destruction in Egypt, he would eventually die. On many days in the months and years to come, Israel, too would reject God’s authority. And many would die in their rebellion.
   Pay attention. Remember HE IS is charge.
  
The LORD’s Grace
 
Exodus 11:3 The LORD made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people.
 
DID you know the Egyptians – even Pharaoh’s officials – highly regarded Moses? Would we not assume every Egyptian hated him? And could we think that many Israelites were suspicious of Moses? Some certainly opposed Moses. Yet, a vast nation eventually followed Moses into a wilderness.
   Moses’ favored status in Egypt is another demonstration of God’s power over nature – even over human nature. Moses, the reluctant servant, became God’s ambassador to both Egypt and Israel. The Egyptian people’s favor gave Moses leverage against Pharaoh and leadership strength for Israel. God was preparing Israel’s hearts to say, “Yes!” when Moses said, “It is time to leave Egypt.”
   The Lord God does the same for you, doesn’t he? With the Holy Spirit’s anointing, you are transformed to be Jesus’ ambassador. Pray for God’s favor of fellowship with others, so they will say, “Yes!” when you invite them to God’s kingdom.