Exodus 14- 15
Pharaoh lets the people go
It took ten plagues for Pharaoh to finally allow
the children of Israel to leave the land of slavery. It took the slaughter of a
lamb, blood on the doorposts, and the death of the first-born to bring deliverance
to God’s people.
The Lord, we are told, hardened Pharaoh’s heart.
That’s what happens when sin had played itself out in the life of an
individual. That’s the danger of resisting God. We can harden our own heart
toward God. Nine plagues had visited
Egypt, each with convincing proof that this was done by the Lord’s hand. Each
time Pharaoh’s heart grew harder. He would not let God’s people go. Finally, it
took the death of the first-born without the sign of the blood of the lamb upon
the door of the house to convince Pharaoh that it was time; the children of
Israel must go.
God continues to be patient with His people when
they are terrified by the trials of their faith. He comes to help them with His
words and promises, “Do not fear, only believe.” (Mark 5:36) When we stand firm
in our faith, we will see without fail “the salvation of the Lord.” (Exodus
14:13)
Lord God
Almighty, even as You bless Your servants with various and unique gifts of the
Holy Spirit, continue to grant us the grace to use them always to Your honor
and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Schnorr
von Carolsfeld Woodcut used with permission © WELS
Collect
for Grace to use our gifts, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing
House, St. Louis
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