Daily Reading: Exodus chapters 9 thru 12

Key Verse: Exodus 9:16

The Lord reminds Pharaoh that He could have destroyed him and the Egyptians with the preceding pestilence, but instead He spared Pharaoh in order to demonstrate His power and spread His fame.  The Lord used Pharaoh as an example of what happens to a person who is determined to resist the power of God.

A 3-fold purpose pertained to the plagues, namely, the Egyptians would recognize that Yahweh was incomparable, that His power would be demonstrated through them, and that His name, character, attributes, and power would be known everywhere.  Egypt could not keep from other nations her humiliation by the plagues of Israel's Lord.  It is evident throughout the Old Testament that word got out about the Egyptian scenario and the power of God.

In Romans 9:16, Paul makes it clear that the ultimate destiny of men or of nations does not rest in the strength of their will or in the power of their exertions, but rather in the mercy of God.  Paul further states in verse 17 that God's sovereignty is seen not only in showing mercy to some but in hardening others.  Pharaoh is cited as an example.

Today we must pray for God's mercy upon our nation.  The hearts of some have been hardened and they resist God in all their actions.  We, as his sons and daughters, must stand in the gap and pray.