Day 35, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Exodus 7:14–9:35
Removing Idols
What things or people do we place our confidence in? Government? Business or Artistic careers? Relationships? Insurance? Material possessions? These things are not carved images, but they can become our gods when we rely upon them instead of God.
The Almighty creator and sustainer of the universe is the one and only God. Sometimes he has to demonstrate that to people who are arrogant and self-sufficient. He may strip them of their gods [what they depend on] and humble them. He is the Sovereign of the universe. That means he is in control. He may punish the wicked, but he is also kind to his own. God protects and provides for his people.
The Egyptians, in the times of the Biblical patriarch Moses, placed their confidence in many gods. They had spirits that governed the waters, weather, sun, crops, fertility, and more. They were represented by idols, to which they worshipped and paid homage. But in today’s Bible reading, we learn that in a short order of time, all their reliance on these gods is destroyed, one by one, by the LORD. How and why does he do this?
Why does God plague Egypt?
First, the LORD brings ten plagues on the Egyptians to see who is really God. In our last Bible study (February 3), we learned that Pharaoh neither knew God nor feared him. Through these plagues, the Egyptians will see that the LORD is Sovereign, more potent than any of their gods, and he can work wonders. He is no fake—he does not make idle threats—he carries out his will!It’s not a nice thing to think about, but God may also send trouble to our lives to strip us of dependence on things or people. He is the Almighty God, the Creator, and the Savior. The LORD wants to be worshipped because he is God and cares for us. He can provide our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs—only God can bring forgiveness, peace, and life for our souls (more...).
Second, God plagues Egypt so that the Israelites will see who is really God. They have been exposed to Egyptian gods and their worship for 400 years. Each of the ten plagues is an attack on their gods and the protections they are supposed to provide (more...). When God delivers the Israelites, they see his power and might and revere him. They also see his favor toward them. From this, they begin to have hope that God will keep his promises to deliver them from bondage and bring them to the Promised Land. When the LORD works his mighty power in our lives, it also brings us faith and hope.
Third, God uses Moses to display the power of the LORD. This makes Pharaoh fear the LORD’s servant. Seeing God’s miraculous power also gives Moses confidence in the LORD for future ventures into the wilderness. He will soon be leading at least two million Israelites to the Promise Land, and there will be many challenges ahead.
As it will soon be with Moses and the Israelites, it is in the wilderness of our lives that our faith is tested. We need to pay attention and draw confidence from God before difficult days come upon us.
In what or whom do we place our trust? These may be idols. If we were to lose these, one by one, what would happen in our spirits? Is the foundation of our lives on shaky ground? The LORD gives a firm foundation for our souls. He delivers us from the bondage of sin and is ready to help if we put our total reliance on him.
Our ways may not always be easy, but he will provide our needs as streams in the desert. Let’s strip our lives from idols and trust him.
Discussion
Why did God bring the plagues upon Egypt? What did these people learn from them—the Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Us
God is Sovereign. What does he expect from us?
Focus Verse
Psalm 9:9 (NIV) “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
You can watch a video of today's lesson here. It does use artistic license but seeks to capture the spirit of the story. Start at 16:48 and end at 20:09
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
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Looking Ahead: God delivers the Israelites from slavery and establishes a ceremony to remember that day. It is A Picture With a Purpose. Join us to discover what that is and how it applies to us in our Next Lesson.
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