God's Mercy

 By: Cindy Browning

Each month, our Northside women meet in small groups for prayer, fellowship, and to read and discuss a devotion written by our writers' group. This year we're studying the book of Exodus as we delve into the character of God. The following is from our August devotion:

Many years ago, when Beth Moore was at the height of her Living Proof tours, I decided that I

would take a group of women to Atlanta to hear her speak. There was no official women’s

ministry in that church, so I acted on my own to arrange this event. I just knew that everyone

would share my enthusiasm for going. Months before the event, I used my credit card to reserve

several rooms at an Atlanta hotel. Sunday after Sunday, I manned a sign-up table in the hall of

the church. But, alas, my efforts were for naught, and I gave up trying to get folks to attend. My

enthusiasm wilted, dried up, and I just let the whole idea go.

Then one day (cue the suspenseful music), I came home late from teaching school. My husband

Kent had beat me home that afternoon and told me that I had a strange message on the

answering machine. (I told you that it was several years ago!) I went to the bedroom to listen to

the message: “Mrs. Browning, this is the hotel in Atlanta, and we are confirming that your group

will be coming this weekend to the conference. We have booked the rooms using your credit

card and we are looking forward to your group’s arrival. See you soon.”

Oh my! I had totally forgotten to call the hotel and cancel those rooms. I knew that Kent was

going to lose it! The money lost would be a sore topic of conversation for the remainder of our

lives! I fell to my knees and begged God to help me in this situation. I dreaded calling the hotel,

but I had to do it. At first, I spoke with a person at the hotel registration desk. I explained my

dilemma and asked if I would be charged for the rooms, even though I knew that the time had

expired for cancelling them and I would be responsible for paying. After all, the hotel had my

credit card number. The person I spoke to felt compassion for me, but did not have the authority

to release me from my debt. He did assure me that the hotel manager would call me later.

Finally, the phone rang, and the hotel manager told me that she would not make me pay. Words

cannot express the level of relief that was inside me. I fell to my knees and thanked God for the

mercy of the hotel manager. Whew! Freedom from that debt I owed!

Now that was mercy: not receiving the consequence I deserved because of my own doing. The

desk receptionist had compassion for me, but the hotel manager, having authority, was able to

extend mercy.

There are many acts of mercy recorded in the book of Exodus. For almost 400 years, God

created a nation from the line of Jacob while in Egypt. After becoming slaves, God raised up

Moses to deliver them out of the land. They witnessed the power of God through mighty signs

and wonders. They received freedom from the burden of slavery. They walked on dry land

through the Red Sea and watched as water swallowed up the Egyptian army. They saw God’s

cloud by day and fire by night leading them where they were to go. And yet, they questioned His

faithfulness. They grumbled when they were hungry and grumbled when they were thirsty. They

lacked trust in His faithful provision. But, instead of turning away from them, God mercifully

provided them with food from heaven and fresh water from a rock. When enemies attacked,

God was their shield, a banner over them. But as wonderful as these acts of mercy were, He

extended the greatest act of mercy through the covenant He made with them on Mt. Sinai.

The covenant is recorded in Exodus 19 – 24.

The covenant provided a way for this faithless, grumbly, and potentially wayward group of

people to become God’s special treasure, a holy nation to Him. This covenant was sealed with

blood sprinkled on the people as they agreed to follow the terms of the covenant.

Almost 300 years later, King Solomon thanked God for the mercy shown through this very

covenant as he dedicated the temple to the LORD.

1 Kings 8:

22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel,

and spread out his hands toward heaven; 23 and he said: “Lord God of Israel, there is no God in

heaven above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants

who walk before You with all their hearts.”

But as merciful as this covenant was, it was only a foreshadowing of the greatest act of mercy to

come for all of humanity. The people who were once slaves in Egypt found out that they were

slaves to sin. The law of the covenant exposed their sin. They were unable to live freely under

the burden of the law. But when the time was right, God made a new covenant, a way for man

to be reconciled to Himself and to be freed from the penalty of sin, which is death--a complete

separation from God.

The writer of Hebrews explains how the new covenant, sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ, is

superior to the old covenant in chapter 8.

"Hebrews 8 presents a profound message of transformation, hope, and renewal. Jesus, as our

High Priest in heaven, mediates a New Covenant that surpasses the old, promising not only a

deeper personal relationship with God but also a transformative power that comes from the

laws of God written in our hearts. In the face of this, we are challenged to embrace this New

Covenant, knowing that through it, we are brought into a better promise, a superior hope, and a

more intimate knowledge of God." (from Bible Hub)

(Suggested extended reading, Hebrews 8 – 9)

Jeremiah prophesied about this new covenant that God would make.

Jeremiah 8:

31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the

house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on

the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that

they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 For this is the covenant that I will

make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them,

and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no

longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they

shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their

iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

What great news for Israel! What great news for all people because this new covenant would be

for everyone!

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7

Preparing Our Hearts for the "Holy"-days

 By: Alaina Mankin

The leaves are rapidly falling off the trees, the flowers in our front yard have gone dormant, and it's now completely dark outside by the time my family sits down for dinner. The shift from October to November signals a shift in mindset for my family--it's time for the holidays!

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is usually marked by a whirlwind of activity that has me squeezing every last inch of space from my calendar. There's Christmas parties, extra shopping, presents to wrap, and those special once-a-year family traditions. I want to cram as much warmth and enjoyment into the holiday season as possible. But by the middle of December, instead of feeling warm, fuzzy, and full of holiday cheer, I feel exhausted and "grinchy."

Before we fully dive into the chaos of the holiday season, I'm reminded of Jesus' words to Martha--another woman who found herself overwhelmed by busyness. If you're unfamiliar with the story, Jesus and His disciples had come to visit Martha and her sister Mary at their home in Bethany. While Martha bustled around the house trying to make sure everyone was comfortable and fed, Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to His words. Overcome, Martha finally said to Jesus:

" 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So, tell her to give me a hand.' The Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken from her.'" (Luke 10:4042, CSB) 

Have you ever thought about the word "holiday"? It comes from the Old English word haligdaeg which literally translates to "holy day." During the busyness of the holiday season, do you find time to reflect on the holiness of what we are celebrating? Do you carve out enough space to feel the weight of what God has done for us? Before the pressures of the holiday season kicks into gear, take a moment to reflect on this awesome truth: The God of the universe chose to leave His throne in Heaven to dwell with sinful, mortal man. he healed our infirmities, prayed over us, ate with us, and wept for us. He lived a sinless life in order to take our sin on His shoulders. He took our punishment, He took our shame, and through His death and resurrection He defeated death once and for all. Some of my favorite family traditions happen around Christmas time, but this Christmas, before I start attempting to play Tetris with my schedule, I'll remember Jesus' words to Martha: "only one thing is necessary." 

"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don't let your heart be troubled or fearful." (John 14:27, CSB)

 

 

Finding God's Love in the Exodus

by: Bitsy Rawlings

Each month, our Northside women meet in small groups for prayer, fellowship, and to read and discuss a devotion written by our writers' group. This year we're studying the book of Exodus as we delve into the character of God. The following is from our July devotion:

Last month, we discussed the incredible grace (unmerited favor) God displayed to the Israelites

during the first Passover. The angel of death spared the firstborns of those who had covered

their doorposts and lintels with blood from an unblemished lamb. But the first born of the

Egyptians and their animals died.

    We also talked about God’s specific instructions leading up to the Passover. One instruction - to

tuck their tunics into their belts for a quick departure - was important. He even had the Israelites

burn the rest of the uneaten lamb. These instructions implied that they were getting ready to

RUN. Not running to escape - but running to FREEDOM.

As God promised, in the middle of the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and told

them to take the Israelites and leave. Momentarily humbled, Pharaoh even asked Moses to

“bless me also.” (Exodus 12:31-32)

It’s important to note that Pharaoh (briefly) experienced the lesson that God is the Ultimate

Sovereign - the King of Kings... The Bible says “...everything was created for Him and by Him” and

that - through Jesus (God the Son) - "every knee will bow to Him” (Col.1-15-23; Phil.2:1-11.)

There are 55 references to “pride” in the Bible. In the New Testament, James says: “But He gives

us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient

life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “GOD IS

OPPOSED TO THE PROUD and HAUGHTY, BUT [continually] GIVES [the gift of] GRACE TO THE

HUMBLE [who turn away from self-righteousness].” (James 4:6, Amplified)

    In Chapter 13:1-2, God commands the Israelites to consecrate their first born - both people and

animals. That word, consecrate, according to Got Answers (web, copyright 2022-2024) means “the

separation of oneself from things that are unclean, especially anything that would contaminate

one’s relationship with a perfect God. Consecration also carries the connotation of sanctification,

holiness or purity.’”

    Here, God is commanding the first born of the people of God to be set apart for Himself. This is in

direct contrast to what happened when the Egyptians lost their first-born to the Death Angel during

the Passover! God explains this further in Exodus 13:11-16: during the institution of the Feast of

Unleavened Bread, God wants His people to remember their redemption from slavery by the setting

apart of the first born for Himself. Again, true to His ordered nature, God gives them specific

instructions on how to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

In Exodus 13:17-22, we see God’s loving hand guiding His people out of Egypt. He takes them through

the Wilderness to the Red Sea. We’ve been told already that the Israelites were in battle formation,

but God was careful not to create a battle situation for them. In verse 17, God directs them around

Philistine territory to avoid conflict. Along this path, God then sends His presence with them via a

pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God’s presence never leaves them. And He has

never left us.

So... it appears that Pharaoh’s humility after his loss was short-lived. But that wasn’t a surprise to

God. God went before the people and had them go back and camp at a place near the Red Sea.

The Israelites were about to see God’s rescue in a way that they’d never forget! This same Ever-

Present God who had redeemed them from slavery, disciplined and humbled a hard-hearted

Pharaoh, guided them through the wilderness, and surrounded them with His presence, was now

about to rescue His people once again. But the people saw Pharaoh and his troops marching toward

them. Naturally, they blamed Moses for bringing them out to the wilderness and decided they were

doomed to drown! But our God is so much bigger than Pharaoh and his armies... or any

enemy we may face!!! None of this caught Him by surprise!!!! God told Moses to lift up his staff over

the waters of the Red Sea in order for it to part. Moses did just as God instructed, the water

separated, and DRY land appeared! It took a while for all of the Israelites to cross, but once the last

one had made it, Moses let down his staff. Our GOD caused the wheels of the chariots of Pharaoh

and his army to become stuck in the MUD of the Red Sea floor! The walls of water fell back in place,

and Pharaoh and his army drowned!

    In Chapters 15 and 16, we see the people celebrate. Moses writes a song about the God who

threw Pharaoh’s horses and riders into the Red Sea... and Miriam also dances with her female

friends in celebration. At the end of chapter fifteen we see God take care of Israelites’ basic

needs. The water is salty, so God instructs Moses to throw a tree into it, and the water becomes

sweet. In Chapter 16, the people are hungry, so God brings them “manna” (which literally means

“what is it?”). The people begin to know God as their Provider. God also gives them some specific

instructions on how to gather the manna, but they don’t always follow them.

Sometimes we have to learn things the hard way. But God proves once again that He is a faithful

Father to His children. In Chapter 17, we see the people thirsty again. Moses goes to God, and

God tells him to strike the rock and the water will come! God provided water from a ROCK!!!

Moses marveled, “Is God with us?” Then at the end of Chapter 17, we see God’s might with the

Israelites when they are attacked by the Amalekites. Moses tells Joshua to pick some mighty

warriors to go up against the Amalekites. They listen to his instructions and fight the battle.

Moses, Aaron, and Hur scurry up a hill to watch. During this time, Moses stretches out the same

rod he’d used to strike the rock for the water – the same rod that God had given him earlier to

pick up the snake by its tail... the same rod God had used to part the waters of the Red Sea... and

holds it over Joshua and the Israelites in battle. When Moses lifts his arms over the Israelites, the

Israelites have the advantage. But when he puts his arms down, the Amalekites gain the

advantage. When Moses’ arms grow tired, Aaron and Hur support them. Moses realizes that God

is indeed with them! It was not by military might that they won the battle. God won it for them!

    When we look at all the ways that God showed His love and favor toward the

people of Israel, we learn about a God Who is intimately involved in all we do and who cares for

us. He is our Redeemer, our Rescuer, our Guide, our Provider, our Banner. He surrounds us with

His presence and gives us loving wisdom. He goes before 

us and He is behind us. He strengthens us when we’re weary in battles – even the ones we didn’t

choose for ourselves or didn’t see coming. This... THIS, girls, is our God. And He loves YOU!

“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” - Exodus 14:14

God's Grace: Getting What We Don't Deserve

By: Bitsy Rawlings

Each month, our Northside women meet in small groups for prayer, fellowship, and to read and discuss a devotion written by our writers' group. This year we're studying the book of Exodus as we delve into the character of God. The following is from our June devotion:

“And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.” - Exodus 12:36

    The Bible says that God had given favor to the Israelites in the face of the Egyptian people. 

That word "favor" in Hebrew is the equivalent of our English word "grace." Grace is beyond unmerited favor. It’s to be lavished upon someone. It is extravagant.

In the New Testament, John 1:16 describes God’s grace in Christ as “grace upon grace.” This

gives the picture of waves coming onto the seashore... one stacking upon another.

    At the end of Exodus 10, Pharaoh told Moses not to show up again in his court – if he 

did, he’d be

killed. Yet, Moses had one more word from the Lord for the stubborn-hearted Pharaoh. So, while still

in Pharaoh’s court, Moses announced to Pharaoh that there would be one last plague brought upon

Egypt. The Lord would take the first-born of all the Egyptian males and their first-born male

livestock.  By the end of Chapter 11, God had drawn a line in the sand for both Pharaoh and the Egyptians. God

knew that Pharaoh and the Egyptians would fail to obey His instructions. This time, however, God

told Moses that although Pharaoh’s heart would continue to be hardened, two things would happen:

Pharaoh would let the children of Israel go and the Egyptians would believe Moses’ words.

    God commands Moses to call the elders of the Israelites to select and kill specific lambs.

Then they are to take a bunch of hyssop, dip the hyssop into the lambs’ blood, and cover the lintel

and the sides of the doorposts of all the Israelite households with the blood. This covering of

the doors with the blood of the lamb was a foretelling of the future Messiah... a Redeemer who

would come and cover our lives with His blood as a covenant of

redemption for us.  When the destroyer passed over the Israelite homes,

they were spared from death. Just as the lamb’s blood covered their homes and protected them, so much

more does Jesus’ blood from His death on the Cross cover us!

    At midnight, the destroyer killed all the first-born Egyptian males (of ALL ages) and livestock, just like

God had promised. Pharaoh’s house was not spared. This caused Pharaoh to send Moses and Aaron

and the Israelites out of Egypt. He even asked that God would bless

him, too! This is important because Pharaoh (who thought himself to be a god) was humbled, if

only for a moment.

We’ll discuss the Israelites leaving in depth next month, but I want to point out two things:

1) God showed His favor (grace) upon the Israelites once again (Exodus 12:36). God’s grace is ongoing

toward them in the same way it is ongoing to us. God’s grace is a gift – it cannot be earned. (Eph.2:8-

9)

2) The Israelites left in a hurry. This was not a surprise to them! In His specific

instructions, God told them to eat their Passover meal with their tunic tucked into their belts for

quick travel. He is a God of preparation and order. They obeyed and trusted in His Words.

    I’ve heard it said that a good definition for God’s grace is the

acronym GRACE: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. That’s what happens when we believe on Christ

for our redemption – our perfectly Holy God looks to the Spotless Lamb of God

– Jesus – and sees His sacrifice on our behalf. He tosses our sin into the depths of the sea and

remembers it no more. That is lavish grace!

Prayer from the Trenches

 My life was a circus. 

There I was, the ringmaster, standing in the middle of the chaos that is three boys under the age of 10, trying to make sense of it all. I've always been someone who

desires order. I don't like to leave dirty dishes in the sink or clothes in the dryer. I plan out our meals each week and keep track of our constantly changing schedule on an actual paper calendar that hangs in our kitchen. I love being able to see what's next and knowing what to expect. Doesn't everyone? I always thought I would by the mom who had it all together (whatever that means). I was never going to be the kind of mom who sends her child out into the world with a head full of cowlicks and chocolate smeared on his face. And yet, somehow, in spite of my good intentions, I had become that mother. I was the mom fielding phone calls from teachers struggling with my child's behavior. I was the angry mom who finally snapped after a full day of repeating the same instructions over and over again. My days would begin with hope and end in exhaustion and defeat. What made it worse was that I had everything I had always wanted--house, husband, kids. Why was everyday such a struggle that by the time I crawled into bed each night, I was ready to quit?

    At the end of another trying day with my preschooler (actually, it was more like a trying month), I was, again, exhausted, defeated, and failing. What was I doing wrong? I'd read the books and taken the classes and done countless internet searches. I'd memorized the parenting formulas for producing perfect, well-behaved children (i.e., If child does "A," then I respond with "B" which should equal "A Hallmark movie"). But life didn't feel like a Hallmark movie. It felt dysfunctional and chaotic. 

    It was then that the Holy Spirit finally got my attention. My son didn't have a "behavior" problem. He had a "heart" problem. And the solution to a "heart" problem wasn't going to be found in a parenting blog or the latest behavior modification strategy. Only God is powerful enough to change hearts: "The LORD will circumcise your heart and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love him with all your heart and all your soul so that you will live" (Deut. 30:6, CSB). If I wanted to have children who loved God with all their hearts and souls, I needed God's help. And in order to get His help, I needed to begin praying intentionally for the hearts of my children.

    I realized that for months, prayer was something I engaged in only in times of desperation. My prayer closet was our downstairs bathroom where I could lock the door and turn on the fan in an attempt to drown out the toddler tantrum happening on the other side of the door. God was who I came to once I'd exhausted my own strength and was at the point of tears. Wouldn't life be easier if I learned to depend on HIS strength from the beginning, before everything got so out of control?

    Starting a consistent, intentional prayer time did not magically give me perfect children. But as I began to ask God to soften the hearts of my children and to incline their hearts toward righteousness, I noticed that He was changing my heart as well. Instead of being focused on my child's behavior, I began to see opportunities for teachable moments. And slowly, overtime, my house felt less like a circus, and more like the home I wanted. 

    We're not made to shoulder everything life throws at us on our own. But, as believers, we have access to a perfect Heavenly Father who has offered to shoulder our burdens for us, if we would only let Him.

    "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5: 6-7, CSB)

The Compassion of God Found in the 10 Plagues by: Marsha Stephenson

Each month, our Northside women meet in small groups for prayer, fellowship, and to read and discuss a devotion written by our writers' group. This year we're studying the book of Exodus as we delve into the character of God. The following is from our May devotion:

  

 “Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, ‘How long will you refuse to humble

yourself before me?’” Exodus 10:3 

 

    There were many beliefs and myths that surrounded the idea of Pharaoh, and most were

based on the concept that all Pharaohs were sons of gods. While we don’t know much about the

Pharaoh leading Egypt during the Israelites’ slavery, we can surmise that he was arrogant and defiant

which eventually leads to the destruction of his land and people.

    In contrast, we know God holds characteristics we can never fully duplicate or even understand.

In Exodus 7:4-5, God tells Moses, "...I will lay my hand upon Egypt and bring

my people the Israelites, company by company, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment.

The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the

Israelites from among them.” (NRSV) While His judgment is for those against the Israelites, His

compassion is focused on His chosen people. But, as we’ll see, His compassion can also extend to the

Egyptians. All of this – the slavery, plagues, and release of the Israelites – is a fulfillment of God’s

covenantal promises with both Abram and Moses!

#1 Nile River to Blood (Ex 7:14-25)

After Aaron’s staff becomes a serpent that swallows up the serpent conjured by the magicians,

Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. Presumably, this is because he was unimpressed by God’s power. So,

God turned the Nile to blood - “its rivers, its canals, and its ponds, and all its pools of water...even in

vessels of wood and in vessels of stone” - but the magicians were able to duplicate it. There is a

distinct difference, though. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary says that “even if they were able to

mimic God’s miracle, they were unable to reverse it. The Egyptians thus had to dig for water while the

Nile ran polluted and stank for a week (Ex7:24).

So, where is compassion found? We see it in two ways: First, although they had to dig for it, the

Egyptians still had access to clean water. Second, since the Bible doesn’t say that the Israelites had to

dig for water, we can safely assume that their water was not affected by the blood.

#2 Frogs (Ex 8:1-15)

Pharaoh’s magicians manage to replicate this plague as well. But, again, though they can create, they

cannot dispose, and Pharaoh asks Moses to “pray to the LORD to take away the frogs from me and

my people...” God does so, but not by sending them back to the water. Instead, they die where they

are “in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields. And they gathered them together in heaps, and the

land stank.” Eww.

Look for God’s compassion - the frogs are only found in Egypt, not affecting the Israelites, and He

does remove them, in His own way.

#3 Gnats (Ex 8:16-19)

This time compassion is again seen in God’s protection of the Israelites because only the Egyptians

are affected. The magicians are also forced to acknowledge, “This is the finger of God!” (v19). Their

recognition of their own failure leads others to be aware of God’s power even if Pharaoh ignores

their wisdom.

#4 Flies (Ex 8:20-32)

We aren’t told this, but some experts believe these could have been biting flies, making this the first

potentially afflicting plague. It’s also important to notice that the magicians aren't mentioned this

time.

Where is compassion here? Although only the Egyptians are affected again, this is the first time God

declares His compassion for the Israelites, saying that “on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen,

where My people live, so that no swarms of flies shall be there...Thus, I will make a distinction

between My people and your people” (v21-23). God’s compassion is found in His continued protection

of the Israelite people.

#5 Death of Livestock (Ex 9:1-7)

This is the first definitively afflicting plague killing all the Egyptians’ livestock.

God’s compassion: The obvious answer is His protection of His people’s livestock, but an easily

overlooked aspect is that He first gave warning - “The LORD set a time, saying, ‘Tomorrow the LORD

will do this thing in the land’” (vs 6). By announcing a specific time, He was both declaring His power

as being behind the plagues while also giving anyone who believed an opportunity to prepare.

#6 Boils (Ex 9:8-12)

Where can we see compassion? Once more, the Israelites are protected as God’s chosen people,

leaving only the Egyptians to be afflicted. In addition, although they are clearly in pain, the Bible does

not state that anyone died.

#7 Hail (Ex 9:13-35)

How can you say there’s compassion in death and destruction? Here is the harshest plague yet,

killing people as well as animals and crops, yet it also holds the most compassion.

According to verses 15 and 16, God could have easily killed Pharaoh just to have him out of the way,

but He didn’t. He could have caused all the Egyptians to drop dead, allowing the Israelites to simply

walk out of Egypt. But He didn’t. Why? Because God is merciful, offering Pharaoh opportunity after

opportunity to acknowledge His power.

Secondly, God again gives a warning in verses 18 and 19 of what is to come as well as when it will

happen. Verse 20 tells us that some of Pharaoh’s officials believed in God and “hurried their slaves

and livestock off to a secure place.” This means that even the Egyptians could be protected from

God’s wrath, but it was still only in Goshen where the Israelites lived that no hail fell.

Third, God keeps his promises. He told Moses where and when and He did just that. There was no

waiting and wondering, just fulfillment of His promises.

Last, all of the crops in the fields of the Egyptians were destroyed, but we’re specifically told in verses

31-32 that “the wheat and spelt were not ruined, for they are late in coming up.” God didn't leave the

Egyptians destitute.

#8 Locusts (Ex10:1-20)

In verse 3, God asks Pharaoh, “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?” It reminds

me of Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pharaoh’s

refusal to humble himself has already brought about the destruction of his country, economy, and

people.

Where is God’s compassion? When God asks Pharaoh why he refuses to humble himself, He is

telling Pharaoh exactly why all of this is happening. But it’s up to Pharaoh to change. God also gives

another warning of the coming destruction in verse 4. Once again, only the Egyptians are affected;

the Israelites are protected. Lastly, when Moses prays to God, He removes the locusts.

#9 Darkness (Ex 10:21-29)

God did not give a warning for this plague. It must have been terrifying especially considering their

“belief that the regular circling of Amun-Re, the sun god, meant his blessing on Egypt. Any

interruption in that cycle spelled disaster” (NRSV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible).

Look for compassion. Even though there was no warning, the timing was set and after three days

there was light. (Yes, there are parallels with Jesus’ death and resurrection; no, we don’t have time.

😊) The Israelites did not experience this darkness as they were again protected by God.

Warning of the Final Plague (Ex 11:1-10)

Before God describes the final plague to Moses, He shares with him that His covenant with Abram in

Genesis 15 is about to be fulfilled. He tells him that after this last plague, Pharaoh will let them go,

and that they will come out with great possessions.

Find God’s compassion. The entirety of this section is a warning for all who hear, and He even

includes the time, “about midnight.” The horror coming is only directed toward the Egyptians -from

Pharaoh down to the female slave and livestock; once again, the Israelites will be shielded.

Aside from the specific glimpses of God’s compassion found within each plague, there are several

overall instances of compassion to recognize. First, God planned and held to it, to only have 10

plagues. Second, for many of the coming plagues, there is either a warning for the people of what it

will be or when it will occur. Third, because God offers the warning and/or time, His provision can

carry over to anyone who believes in or fears him. Fourth, we cannot finish without recognizing God’s

compassion toward Pharaoh to not kill him even in his stupidity. Do not fall under the belief that God

needed him or was simply using him. God could have easily found another way, but He didn’t.

The Rock-Solid Shadow by: Cindy Browning

 

I have a bird. Her name is Shirley, as in, “Shirley, goodness and mercy shall

Shirley

follow me all the days of my life.” She is fairly large, and black, and Kent and I glued her feet down on the top of the column under our front porch. Okay, she is made of resin, but I like to pretend she is real. I always like to see if guests notice her. She is an attention-getter. 

This spring, a wonderful thing happened to her. Two very small birds, House Finches, built their house right under her. They tediously flew back and forth with little bits and pieces of twigs to weave the sweetest little nest right in her shadow. I don’t know why they chose that spot. Perhaps they knew that Shirley would provide protection for their nest and for the eggs they soon would lay.

I looked forward to the day when I would see little baby bird heads sticking up out of that nest. In due time, sure enough, babies were born.

 One of the grandest sights was seeing Mama and Daddy Finch feeding the babies. Daddy stood right on top of Shirley, supervising as Mama dropped the tiniest bits of insects into those stretching and squawking mouths. Aren’t birds smart?

Watching Shirley and the finches reminded me of the beautiful promises given to us in the Book of Psalms.

Psalm 91:4

Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with his feathers; He
    will protect you under His great wings.

    His faithfulness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you.

 

Psalm 36:7

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!

And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

Needless to say, I have never seen God, but I don’t think that He is covered in feathers or has wings. I believe that the writer of this psalm is using familiar imagery for us to better understand God’s Holy Faithfulness.

Recently, Christie Hale (one of our Northside women) shared an incident that happened in her backyard. She and her family have some hens. A snake got under one of the hens as she was sitting on her eggs. She never moved. All that mattered to her was protecting what belonged to her.

When evil slithers about to devour us, surely goodness and mercy will surround us. We are not promised that evil will not show up. We are not promised that bad things are not going to happen to us. But those who belong to God are promised that He will shield us with His faithfulness. Why? To protect us. We may not know it or feel it. After all, those chicks inside the shells had no idea a snake was nearby. Mama did. God knows what threatens us too. Trust the covering of His impenetrable Shadow. It is rock-solid!