Preparation

Read This Week: Exodus 11

The Lord had said to Moses, “Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you—so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.” Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country. – Exodus 11:9-10 NIV

Exodus 11 is often overshadowed by the dramatic climax of the final plague, but valuable lessons for personal growth, preparedness, and resilience lie in it. This section leads up to the last and most devastating plague – the death of the firstborn in Egypt. It’s a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative with profound implications for our lives today.

This chapter serves as the backdrop to the final plague, giving the Israelites and the Egyptians a preview of what will come. Preparation is a recurring theme in this chapter. For the Israelites, it’s a moment to prepare for their imminent departure from slavery. This climactic moment highlights the importance of being prepared for significant changes or challenges in our lives. Whether it’s preparing for a career transition, a personal issue, or a major decision, taking time to plan and prepare can make a significant difference in how we handle these changes. Pharoah was unprepared for what he was about to face, but Moses and Aaron had God’s directive as their directional force. That is why we must seek the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our preparation, no matter what we face or what is on the horizon.

Verses 4-6 details Moses’ powerful message about the forthcoming plague and emphasizes his role as a leader and a spokesman for God in a pivotal moment. His leadership is marked by clarity, conviction, and courage, as seen in the previous chapters. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in the community, we have the responsibility to communicate effectively and lead with integrity, especially during times of crisis and when God calls us to do something on mission.

This section of Scripture encourages us to embrace the calling and path God has for us despite the seeming barriers or opposition that we may encounter. This principle is especially true if we are in a leadership role. We must focus on clear communication from the Word and confidently making decisions with the Spirit’s help. When we lead with integrity and empathy, we inspire trust and respect from those around us and glorify God.

Once again, we see the gravity of the consequences of Pharaoh’s decisions. The final plague is a direct result of his hardened heart and refusal to free the Israelites. This serves as a reminder that our actions and decisions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only ourselves but those around us. Pharoah’s actions and rebellion give us an impetus to reflect on the decisions we make and consider their potential impact on the kingdom and others. With God’s help, we can make choices that are considerate of others and mindful of long-term, eternal outcomes.

We also see in this chapter that the approaching departure of the Israelites marks a significant change for them. They are moving from slavery to a journey of freedom, a dramatic shift that requires them to adapt to a new way of life – God’s way. Embracing change can be challenging but often necessary for growth and progress. When faced with change, we should trust the Lord and focus on its opportunities rather than the uncertainties. Embracing a positive, godly mindset can help us adapt more efficiently and make the most of new situations, even if they are scary or difficult.

While leading up to the climactic events of the final plague, this intense passage offers valuable lessons that extend beyond its historical context to theological and practical implications. By focusing on preparation, attentiveness to God’s will, and faith, we can draw valuable insights that apply to our daily lives. We are urged through the Scriptures to reflect on these principles and consider how they can inform our actions and mindset as we navigate our own challenges and opportunities. We never have the excuse of being unprepared, as God faithfully equips us with everything we need to live and join Him where He is moving.

6 Comments

  1. Trina on September 5, 2024 at 2:31 pm

    Exodus Chapter 11 Verse 3
    And the lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was exceedingly great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of pharaoh’s servants and of the people.

    ~Understanding God’s Favor~

    God Is Saying To Me:
    The Israelites received favor from me by the commitment of my plan to their return to the promised land. All of Egypt knew and saw my great wonders taking place and Moses was respected and saw the heart of Pharaoh for what he truly was about. Just know that I’ve got you. You are mine and I will take care of you. See sin for the destruction that it causes and stand boldly for me, representing your dedicated work of servitude for my great Kingdom!

    What This Means To Me:
    1. God goes to the ends of the Earth to take care of His chosen people.
    2. We reap what we sow, so it’s important to take sin seriously, especially going against God like Pharaoh.
    3. God saves and protects those that answer His call and serve Him verses those that don’t. He sets us apart.
    4. Make Godly choices, especially choices involving your children and family. You don’t want your sin to affect those around you and those you love.
    5. A willful rejection of God will not end well!

  2. Alma on September 7, 2024 at 11:01 pm

    I got a song in Exodus chapter 11

    Trusting in the Lord

    Let’s come together to worship our Lord. Let’s come together to worship our Lord be blessed because our Lord loves us. Yes, our Lord loves us. The only one who wants the best for you and me. We are called by our Lord. We are called by our Lord, let’s have a heart like our Lord showing others his kindness his patience and love. He is always working. He is always working helping our heart grow Helping our heart grow. We are chosen by Lord we are chosen by our Lord, so let’s grow in our Lord let’s grow in our Lord walking with our father every day amen.

    we have to trust our Lord through all things and know he is always working his spirit lives in us so never give up always go to our Lord amen

  3. PK Chat on September 7, 2024 at 11:11 pm

    Are you the kind of person who values truth and doing what is right? Do you appreciate people of integrity, those with good character and motives, who have built a reputation for doing good?

    Or would you rather be deceived, taken advantage of, misled, and treated poorly?

    The answer seems obvious, doesn’t it? With that in mind, it’s only natural to reflect on how others perceive us. How do I treat people? How do others see me? Am I someone who brings positivity, speaks the truth with kindness, prioritizes others, and serves with love and care?

    This is the reputation I aspire to build, and I believe it’s important for all of us to regularly engage in this type of self-reflection—evaluating our character and actions toward others.

    1. Strive to cultivate a good reputation with both God and people.

    2. Remember that God cares for us and calls us to care for others in turn.

    3. When we live this way, we are blessed and witness the miracles of God in our lives.

  4. Heidi on September 8, 2024 at 9:27 am

    Exodus 11:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will bring yet one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt; after that he will let you go. When he lets you go, he will most certainly drive you out of here completely.

    This is a call to listen and obey.
    God is speaking through Moses to Pharaoh one last call to repent, to have a change of heart.
    He is warning him of what’s to come so he knows without a doubt how the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.
    God is always calling everyone to want to have a change of heart, to want to live a life with Him and to do what’s right.

    For the Israelites God is calling them to prepare for their departure from Egypt, delivering them from slavery.
    God gives them instructions through Moses.
    it’s important for us to hear God and what to do in our situations.Ask Him what to do.

    For us as God”s children it’s important to be listening and doing what He is asking us to do. Yes Lord please help me to want to walk in Your ways.
    because God is always with us to help us through what we’re going through. God is always shaping us for future purposes, and to help others to be able to walk in his will in his ways too
    I hear God saying something simple
    I love you❤️
    Keep your heart open to Me and don’t be afraid to do what’s right .because I AM with you.
    Thank you father God for you are with us and all we have to do is talk to you. Listen because you’re always calling us to go higher and higher in our relationship with you thank you that we get to you. I love you God, I love you, Jesus and thank you father God for your Holy Spirit.

  5. reachchurch on September 8, 2024 at 2:13 pm

    PODCAST
    This Week in the Life: Exodus 11

    For the best experience, we suggest you listen to the first song, the message, and then the second song.

    1. Sunday Worship – First Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20270908-Worship1.wav
    2. Sunday Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240908-Message.wav
    3. Sunday Worship – Second Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240908-Worship2.wav

    Join the Party Line Live – Schedule: https://reachchurch.org/connect

  6. Kathy on September 12, 2024 at 6:56 pm

    This is what I got from God in Exodus 11. I am telling you now Jesus will free you from the devil’s hold. I am faithful to keep My promises. Jesus has given you the power to resist returning you to your former slave master, the devil. Through Christ you have the power to overcome all things. Jesus urges all believers to help others escape bondage, and I want you to do this. Through faith, Jesus gives you the means to stay free of the devil. My law requires restitution for those who are wronged. I want you to help those freed from bondage to remain free. Believers must be accountable to one another. Through faith, Jesus will cause your enemies to fear you. In this chapter, I blessed the Jews financially and also blessed them by making the Egyptians both fear and respect them. I also promise when you walk with Me, that even your enemies will be at peace with you. I am a shield to you when you take refuge in Me. Those who refuse to submit to Me, will be humbled in the end times. Faith in Jesus is the only means to be saved. Jesus is the “Passover Lamb” who brings salvation. Through His blood, judgement will “pass over” His believers. You are to honor Me for your freedom. You are freed in honor to bring you into fellowship with Me, and this includes worship. Worship Jesus in thanks, by being a servant to Him. You are to live as a slave to Christ and not your earthly desires. Worship Jesus with your freedom by staying free from sin. Don’t ignore My warnings to you.

    What this said to me was I need to draw closer to Jesus in order to resist the devil. Jesus freed me, and the devil wants to trip me up. I need to help others escape bondage and help them stay free from bondage. We must be accountable to other believers and to Jesus.

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