4 lessons for tough Times

 Read Exodus 11. 

The LORD told Moses to announce the tenth plague.  This time the LORD Himself will pass through the land of Egypt at midnight and kill the firstborn of every family and of all cattle.  This was a direct confrontation with Pharaoh whose own firstborn son was considered a god.  The suffering throughout the nation would be unimaginable.   

The plagues were designed to demonstrate to an unbelieving king and nation the power and authority of the Living God and to call them to repentance toward Him.  The result would be Pharaoh's unconditional release of his Hebrew slaves. 

But there would be no such suffering among the Israelites.  "Not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel." (v.7)    

The Jews had lived in Egypt for 400 years.  As slaves, they had very little in the way of possessions.  Journeying from Egypt to the land of Canaan would require resources to sustain them.  How would this practical need be met?  While Pharaoh hardened his heart against God and the Israelites, the LORD gave Moses and His people favor among the Egyptians.  The Egyptians willingly shared their silver and gold with the slaves in anticipation of their departure. 

There are four lessons here that will sustain us in the toughest of times.

1. God wants everyone to know, love and worship Him alone.

2. God is all-powerful and the ultimate source of all authority.

3. God protects His people.

4. God provides for the needs of His people. 

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)