In Chapter 1 of the book of Exodus, we learn that the Lord’s people have been in captivity in Egypt for approximately 400 years. In Exodus 3, we see that God has called Moses to lead the Hebrews from captivity into freedom. However, as we have learned, this is not a smooth path and the process is filled with much adversity. Between chapters five and ten, Moses and his brother Aaron approach Pharoah nine times with a clear message from God; to release the Israelites from captivity. All nine times, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he refused to do so. As a result, all of Egypt endured increasingly harsh plagues where God’s power is displayed in the face of Egypt and Pharoah and before the people of Israel. But now, in chapter 11, we are building to a grand finale where we see the final confrontation between Pharaoh and Moses and the Lord which results in Israel’s deliverance in the present (Exodus 12:31-40). However, while this one time deliverance from captivity is magnificent, what the Lord wants us to see in Exodus 11 and 12 is that His deliverance goes beyond the now; it also applies to the then, tomorrow and throughout all generations.
In the opening verses of chapter 11, the Lord speaks to Moses and gives him an interesting request to take before the people of Israel. He tells the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver and gold jewelry (Exodus 11:1-3). The Lord is doing this because of the great confidence in the deliverance that is about to come. The Hebrews are not just going to ask their neighbors for a cup of sugar; they will be asking the Egyptians to give from their wealth and their worth. Following this, Moses and Aaron will, once again, do what they have done nine times before. They are going to stand before Pharaoh and proclaim God’s message to let the Israelites go. Only this time, they will also state that failing to do so will result in the death of all the firstborn sons throughout Egypt. But, once again, Pharaoh’s heart is hardend, he does not yield and will not release the Israelites from captivity. Why? As we learn in Exodus 11:9, it is so that the Lord’s wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. Brothers and sisters, Pharoah’s unwillingness to yield is not outside of God’s sovereignty. God is not slowly ramping up the intensity of these plagues to convince Pharoah to comply. This process has been God’s plan all along. Part of the reason that the Lord is intentionally doing this is to display His glory through His deliverance of Israel when they are finally released (Exodus 12:31-40). We also learn in Exodus 12:12 that part of the motivation is to bring judgment on the false gods of Egypt. What is beautiful about this promise that the Lord lays out (the release of the Israelites from captivity) is this complete reversal that is going to take place for His people. In verses 7 and 8 of chapter 11, we see that God’s people are going to go from suffering slaves to complete victors. Conversely, the Egyptians, the strong ones who were a threatening force, will now be weak and cower.
Christian, just as the Lord promised and delivered the Israelites from physical captivity in Egypt, the Lord also has promised you many great things. And, just as the Lord called the Israelites to fix their eyes upon and trust Him, He is calling you to do the same. When the Lord promises you that He is bringing fruit into your life, you can trust that He is. Even when it is difficult for you to see the sanctification process taking place, you can rest assured that the Lord finishes the work that he started (Philippians 1:6). It will not always be according to your timeline or in the way that you would prefer. But, you will see these glorious promises of the Lord coming to fruition in your life. Dad, you may be struggling with a wayward child and wonder if God has forgotten you and your struggle. You may be asking if God knows the struggles and suffering your child is going through. In these times, you must remember that God has never lost one sheep and that He will leave the 99 to pursue the one that wanders away (Matthew 18:12-14). Single adult, after years of being lonely, you may be asking if God will ever bring a spouse. Perhaps you have been dealing with a physical illness for many years and thinking that God no longer cares. These are all natural thoughts that we have when going through difficulties. However, even when it is difficult to see, you can trust that the Lord is working in your pain and in the unknown. Christian, in this life, you will struggle with depression and doubts and you will wonder if the clouds of life will ever lift or if the light of joy will ever pierce the darkness. But, when these dark times come, look no further than God’s ultimate delivery of the Israelites and rest assured that, in His perfect time and magnificent way, He will also deliver you!
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