“Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 9 “When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, ‘Show a miracle for yourselves,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and cast it before Pharaoh, and let it become a serpent.’ ” 10 So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, just as the Lord commanded. And Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent. 11 But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. 12 For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. 13 And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said.” Exodus 7:8-18 NKJV
God of Gods,
Men have always wanted to be divine and the Pharos’s were well known for making themselves God’s as well as rulers. Men have always wanted to appear above mere mortals. Moses had been warned about Pharoah not listening. But it must have come as a shock when his sorcerers could match his miracles! We do have an enemy who tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). But he is not God. He is limited in power, knowledge and presence. And with the plagues we see the sorcerers can only replicate the first.
The ten plagues: River turned to blood, Frogs, Lice (or gnats), Flies, Livestock, Boils, Hail, Locusts, Darkness, Death of the firstborn.
And Moses was able to ensure that the plagues did not trouble the Israelites (Exodus 8:22). God, You were in the detail. Surely this must have encouraged the Israelites that You were protecting them. Pharoah must have been a hard man or perhaps he truly believed Moses would not get the better of him. Pride? We may not suffer plagues but we do not always have it smooth! Sometimes we try to rely on our own strength and forget to turn and trust in You. Help us to keep our hearts soft to hear You and willing to obey. Even in just the little things. And the last plague reminds us of Jesus. Your first Son, Your only Son who gave His life to save us.
In Jesus name we pray and give thanks, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 27th January 2026
Soften my heart, Lord
Soften my heart
From all indifference
Set me apart
To feel your compassion
To weep with your tears
Come soften my heart, O Lord
Soften my heart
Lyrics: Graham Kendrick