Many other people went up with them. (Exodus 12:38)
When
I read the story of Moses, I think of an entire nation (I mean this is the
original mass exodus) of Israelites
crossing the Red Sea to escape the Egyptians. The people, the animals, the
carts and the belongings: all kosher. But Jacob’s children are not alone. The truth
is this group is not nearly as pure pedigreed as we sometimes take for granted.
Others have taken advantage of the plague-induced chaos to hitch their wagons
to those of the Hebrews. In fact, this is not the last time other people groups
will be folded into Israel.
There's
something about finding freedom that attracts other people. Maybe they’ve been
stuck in their old ways for such a long time that it has started to seem
natural – like it’s the way it’s supposed to be. But seeing someone else break
free of their chains causes them dissatisfaction with theirs. If it had not
been for Moses leading his people out of slavery, chances are many others would
have settled for the status quo. They would have stayed where they were and got
along as best they could. But deep down they wanted what Israel had. When the
Hebrews gathered their belongings, their neighbors likewise packed up and
headed out of Dodge.
When
God's people walk in freedom, there's no telling how many others will be
delivered as a result. Who brought
you to Christ?
Who’s following your lead?
Why was it necessary for God to perform so many curses on Egypt when he was claiming to harden Pharaohs heart each time?
ReplyDeleteConnie, the accounts of the first five plagues say Pharaoh hardened his heart. Only starting with plague #6 (the boils) did God harden Pharaoh's heart. This may just be semantics, but it also may be significant. At one point the Scripture says God raised up Pharaoh that he (God) might be glorified. God's power was certainly manifested over the course of 10 plagues, and he was also certainly glorified in the process.
ReplyDelete