The Study of Exodus with Tina Rains - Chapters 9 & 10

Hi ladies, I hope you are enjoying these chapters as much as I am. What is God showing you? I would love to hear from you. The feedback has been wonderful so far. Exodus is such a great book to dig deep into. There are so many great lessons. Do you feel like chapters 6-10 repeat themselves? What was God adamant about? Why was He repeating himself? Why did God choose the plagues He chose? 

In chapter 9, God chose the plague of the livestock and the plague of the boils. He could have chosen anything. However, He knew what would be the most impactful to the people. What would show HIS power to Egyptians and the Israelites? He chose very specific plagues for specific purposes and because He knew the outcomes He would achieve. Personally, there is something very freeing to know my Yahweh knows exactly what, when, how, why, and where He is doing things on my behalf. In Exodus, he is doing it on behalf of his beloved Israelites even though they were rebellious themselves. Doesn’t that give you comfort? Doesn’t it also give you comfort that He keeps His promises? Every time pharaoh repented, He followed through with the blessing of stopping the plagues. Then what happened? Pharaoh lied and another one would start all over. Did he think it would go unpunished? Did he think God would not keep his word? 

Pharaoh was so filled with pride he continued to refuse. God hit him where it hurt. He revealed himself to be more powerful and sovereign over the gods that the Egyptians believed in. In chapter 9 when He sent the hail, did you notice He sent it everywhere except Goshem where the Israelites were? This time, in 9:27 the pharaoh actually admits he has sinned. Moses tells him he doesn’t believe that they do not fear the Lord God. 

In the John Maxwell study bible, I love how it refers back to the 21 laws of leadership constantly. Chapter 9 talks about the plagues and the law of victory. The law of victory teaches that leaders find a way for the team to win. In this case, it took many plagues to accomplish the goal. Look at Moses’ attitude. What enabled Moses to win the victory he sought? 

1. He was patient (7:2-3)
2. He was consistent (7:4-7)
3. He was discerning (8:10-11)
4. He was prayerful (8:12)
5. He was tenacious (11:1)
6. He was credible (11:3)

I believe God is giving us much more than a demonstration of His power, protection, a calling to worship, and assurance he answers prayers. I believe He is also giving us great examples of both great and bad leadership. Who do we want to emulate?

In chapter 10, we see Pharaoh finally said yes to Moses. Then what happened? He wouldn’t let him take the women and children. The locusts then came to Egypt and once again Pharaoh repented and said he had sinned the locusts left and once again he denied God. In vs 20, it says God hardened his heart again. So God is telling Him to release the people and yet He continues to harden his heart.  Then the darkness came. Each plague seemed to get one step further, however, it was not enough. After the darkness Pharaoh would let them take the women and children now, but not the livestock. That will not work. Moses tells him they must take the livestock to make sacrifices to God. This time pharaoh tells Moses to never come back. Moses agreed he would not return.

Pharaoh’s attitude was “my way or the highway”. Do you know leaders like that? They will not listen to others, will they?  They are so arrogant and prideful. Pharaoh’s pride led to arrogance which lead to rigidity. His way led the Israelites to the promised land and his people to the bottom of the sea. Pride and arrogance have no room in leadership. 

Today at Lifework Leadership, Jim Morgan spoke. He is the former CEO of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. He spoke on the topic of humility. It reminded me of the leader that Moses was. He also had a great point about confidence vs humility. “Don’t confuse self-doubt with humility.” We must be humble servants and remember we can do anything God calls us to. These chapters have emphasized that over and over. God is in control. He shared a sheet of the lies the enemy tells us and the truth of God. It is so good. Here are a few for you to ponder

You say “I can’t do it.” 

God says “You can do all things.” Philippians 4:13

You say “I am not able.” 

God says “I am able.” II Corinthians 9:8

You say “It’s not worth it.”

God says “It will be worth it.” Romans 8:28

You say “I can’t forgive myself.”

God says “ I forgive you.” 1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1

You say “I am afraid.”

God says “ I have not given you a spirit of fear.” II Timothy 1:7

You say “I’m not smart enough.”

God says “ I give you wisdom” I Corinthians 1:30

You say “ I feel alone.”

God says “ I will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

Lord thank you for this study, your word, and for revealing yourself to us in new ways. Continue to prune our pride. Remove any remnants of pride or arrogance. Let us serve you as Moses did. Thank you for answering our prayers, for being a good good father, and for showing us the path so clearly. Help up to follow you in all seasons.