I firmly believe that God’s preferred method of winning over human hearts is through His love and kindness. Paul expressed this idea when he wrote, “Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2.4).
In instances where kindness alone does not succeed in transforming human hearts, God permits us to reach a state of utter despair, commonly known as “rock bottom.”
God’s love forms the basis of both acts of kindness and difficult circumstances. God operates with the understanding that the most compassionate course of action is to grant individuals a personal encounter, whether through kindness or through challenging experiences.
Think About It.
We do well to recognize that God’s love serves as the foundation for his acts of kindness. His kindness is intended to draw us deeper into a relationship with him.
Everyone faces challenging circumstances at times. We should trust that even in difficult times, God’s love is at work, shaping us and leading us toward personal growth and a deeper relationship with him.
Let’s understand that God desires to have a personal encounter with each individual. We give ourselves a significant gift when we are open to recognizing and embracing these encounters.
The Staff Becomes a Snake
When Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh, Aaron threw down his staff, which transformed into a snake. Pharaoh’s magicians also managed to turn their staffs into snakes, but Aaron’s snake devoured theirs (see Exodus 7.10-12).
In Hebrew, the “snake” is a great serpent, dragon, or crocodile. It was national the symbol of Egypt.
The dramatic confrontation of Egypt’s power with that of Jehovah did not change Pharaoh’s mind.
Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said (Exodus 7.13).
First Plague: Water Turned to Blood
It is possible that Pharaoh went to the Nile to worship the Nile River god, Hapi. Moses and Aaron met him and enacted the first plague, where the waters of the Nile were turned to blood.
Verse 17 reveals God’s intent to reveal his nature and character to Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
Thus says the Lord, “By this you shall know that I am the Lord.” See, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall be turned to blood (Exodus 7.17).
Pharaoh had earlier said, “Who is the Lord, that I should listen to him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go” (Exodus 5.2).
God will make sure that Pharaoh knows who he is. The Nile is considered sacred by the Egyptians. They turn it to blood (See Exodus 7.19-21).
Pharaoh’s Magicians
The magicians were able to make more of the bloody water and Pharaoh’s heart remained hard (verses 22-24).
The magicians were able to copy the miracle of Moses and Aaron, but they were not able to make clean water.
Think About It.
Let’s learn from a very meaningful history lesson and apply it today.
(1) This encounter emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and submitting to God’s sovereignty in our lives.
(2) God wants humans in every generation to know his name. God’s “name” refers to his character, nature, and attributes.
When we pray, “Hallowed be your name,” we are asking to understand better his character and nature.
(3) God challenged the false gods of Egypt at every turn. This passage reminds us to evaluate our own beliefs and ensure they align with the truths revealed by God.
(4) There is a limit to worldly power. We do well to place our trust in God’s infinite power and wisdom, rather than relying solely on human achievements or abilities.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
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