LENT: EXODUS 10

 Lenten devotions: Exodus 10 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

This chapter tells us about two “last” plagues. We are so used to thinking in terms of 10 plagues, but it can be “structured a little bit differently: 9+1. Nine ones that go from the lowest point – the water, to the highest point – sun. Step by step, plague by plague YHWH destroys all the divinity images Egyptians created so far. The last one, as we’ll discuss in our next devotion, is more into the ultimate power of the Living God or God of live.

So, the last out of nine is the three-day darkness. Before we as New Testament Christians jump on “three-day” wagon, we need to talk about the darkness. And, before we compare the Exodus darkness over the darkness of Calvary, let’s spend some time with the darkness we see over Egypt (pun intended).

At first, we hear the command of the LORD telling Moses to stretch his hands toward heaven, then the darkness will fall (Exodus 10:21). The very next verse though adds an adjective to describe the scenery – pitch darkness. Sages have commented on this as the darkness so thick that it could be cut with a knife. So thick…

Just think about it, you stretch you arm into the darkness and can NOT see your palm, or maybe even your elbow… It is scary dark. I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel comfortable in a darn environment. I am not afraid, not paralyzed with fear, I just don’t feel comfortable. At the same time – I prefer to fall a sleep in the darkness, without night-stand light.

Where am I go with that – there is a time for light, and there is a time for darkness. BUT (!) 3 whole days of pitch-dark darkness!!! That can break anyone. I don’t think that there is a human who can survive this mental hit without the consequences. Add to the story the lack of electricity in the houses or on the streets. Remember, we are in 15^th century BC.

At the same time we need to remember, that the LORD provided the light for the Israelites during these three days – God is with His family. It is not their achievement – the light is His gracious gift. Jesus is guiding us through the daily routine, through the stressful times, and through the breaking point of our lives. He is the light for His followers (John 1:5; 8:12). May this Lent be a reminder of His light in our life, as every day increases the day-light time. May we joyfully expect the celebration of the resurrection – when the Lord of Light broke through the darkness of the tomb.