GOD vs. gods

Exodus 7-11

The Plagues of Egypt: A Story of God's Power and Our Hearts

In the ancient tale of the Exodus, we find a profound narrative that resonates deeply with our modern lives. The story of the plagues of Egypt is not merely a historical account but a mirror reflecting the spiritual battles we face today. At its core, this story is about God versus the "lower case g" gods – a confrontation between the one true God and the idols that vie for our attention and devotion.

As we delve into this narrative, we're reminded that behind the visible conflicts of our world lies a spiritual war. The plagues weren't just about weird bugs or cattle diseases; they were God's way of demonstrating His supremacy over every false deity and demonic force. Each plague was a direct challenge to a specific Egyptian god, revealing their powerlessness in the face of Yahweh's might.

But this story isn't just about God's power; it's also about the human heart. Pharaoh's journey through the plagues offers a sobering look at how our hearts can become hardened. Initially, Pharaoh's stubbornness was his own doing. The Bible tells us that for the first five plagues, Pharaoh hardened his own heart or it simply became hard. It wasn't until later that God stepped in to harden it further, living into the word He had foretold.

This progression serves as a warning to us all. When we consistently give our hearts to things of this world, to things that are not of God, our hearts can become calloused. We become desensitized to the things of God, making small decisions that lead us further away from Him. It's a gradual process – no one wakes up one day and decides to become a murderer or an adulterer. Instead, it's a series of small choices that blur the lines between right and wrong.

The story reminds us of the importance of genuine repentance. Pharaoh often said "I'm sorry" to get through difficult situations, but he never truly repented. Real repentance isn't just saying sorry; it's stopping, turning around, and actively walking towards the Lord. It's a renewal of mind and life that God calls us to, and it often begins with small decisions.

Consider the story of a man whose life was transformed by the simple decision to go to bed on time. This choice led to a cascade of positive changes – he had energy to eat healthily and work out, he attended church regularly, and he found time for intimate quiet time with the Lord. These small decisions allowed God to change not just his body, but his mind and heart as well.

In contrast to Pharaoh's hardened heart, we're called to draw near to God. The very word "Goshen," where the Israelites lived during the plagues, means "to draw near." This idea is echoed in James 4:8, which tells us,

"Come near to God and he will come near to you."

When we draw near to God in genuine repentance, washing our hands and purifying our hearts, He draws near to us.

The plagues story also points us to Jesus. Just as darkness fell over Egypt for three days, darkness fell over the land when Jesus was crucified. At the cross, Jesus took on himself the judgment that we deserved. He experienced chaos, darkness, and death so that we could be remade. In that moment of "uncreation," as the rocks split and the earth shook, we see the promise of recreation – the dead coming back to life, anticipating Jesus' resurrection and our own spiritual rebirth.

This is the heart of the gospel – that no matter what we've done, no matter how far we've strayed, nothing can separate us from God's love. The God who made a public spectacle of the Egyptian gods has triumphed over all powers and authorities through the cross of Christ. He offers us a new exodus, leading us from sin into a new life of freedom and liberation.

But this new life requires genuine and authentic repentance. God, in His grace and mercy, gives us chances to repent. He doesn't immediately bring judgment; instead, He patiently waits, desiring that all would come to repentance. As Ezekiel 33:11 reminds us, God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.

So, what does this mean for us today? It's an invitation to examine our hearts. Where have we become desensitized to God's word and way? How is God calling us to draw near to Him? Perhaps it's through small decisions – like going to bed on time, choosing to attend church, or setting aside time for prayer. Maybe it's by asking God to reveal the sin we're unaware of, even if that's a dangerous and uncomfortable prayer.

Remember, the story of the plagues isn't just about judgment; it's about deliverance. God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, and through Christ, He offers to deliver us from sin and death. He invites us to be part of His family, to join in His covenant, regardless of our background or past mistakes.

As we reflect on this ancient story, let's allow it to challenge and inspire us. Let's examine our hearts, repent of our sins, and draw near to the God who has already drawn near to us. For in Him, we find not just deliverance from our "Egypt," but a new life of freedom, purpose, and unending grace.