LENT: EXODUS 11

Lenten devotions: Exodus 11 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

This is the first out of three chapters when we get into the first Passover narrative. There is an announcement of one more plague in chapter 11 (see the previous devotion when we discussed the number of plagues). Then chapter 12 tells us of the execution of the Passover, and chapter 13 concludes the story by consecration of the Firstborn. So, let’s dive into the text.

By this time Moses had great respect in the eyes of everyone but pharaoh – his pride blinded him, his understanding became dull, and the heart got really hardened. Plague after plague the LORD showed His might and His mercy – for after awhile YHWH would also pull back and restrain Himself. There is a reason why we proclaim that “His mercy endures forever” (see Psalm 136). Even here we should notice that God first gives a final chance to the pharaoh, sending His servant Moses to announce His plans.

He is not a thief, who sets an ambush and attacks in the dark. He warned, He appealed and called back to repentance… All the words of Moses fell on deaf ears. This is very sad when people are pushing back, rejecting the will of the LORD, and then complaining about their circumstance.

What is very interesting here is the Passover begins a list of events that happen at midnight. Think about the king in the Book of Esther, who couldn’t sleep, and it turned the whole story upside down. Or Nicodemus who came to Jesus in the middle of the night for talk and his whole life was changed. People led by the Spirit are coming closer to light. As a result, their life is transformed. Or, like Judas who walked into the night out of the Last Supper, people have their lives ruined – walking further from the light, further from the Lord of light, further from life.

May the LORD bless us during this Lententide shining His light upon us – so we can evaluate our paths, clearing up the mess, and giving thanks for the great gift of His grace that He extends toward us.