LENT: EXODUS 9

Lenten devotions: Exodus 9 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

From frogs, gnats, and flies we come to livestock, boils, and hail. As you see, the level is rising – to some extent. But there are things that don’t change. Pharaoh fights to the last, then surrenders, then changes his mind. But my point for today is different.

Beginning with the fifth plague the damages don’t impact Israel. Exodus 9:6b says: And all the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one of the livestock of the people of Israel died. This middle plague constitutes a turning point. The final hit – death of the first-born – will resemble the similar feature, to some extend (I know o repeat myself, I don’t like it either). Later, in chapters 11-12-13 we will read that the houses will be protected by the blood of the lamb. Not by ancestry connection to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Not by claiming the suffering relatives during the Nile boys’ mass-murdering. Not by anything – only by the blood of the lamb. We’ll talk about the symbolism of that rite in a few days, but the point is – from now on there will be a separation between those who trust and, therefore, obey the LORD and those who don’t.     

The time of Lent is the time of trust. Christ calls us to follow the path of trustful obedience. Obedience to the Word, being drawn to the Sacraments. Sometimes it is not easy, more than often it looks difficult. But there is a reason Jesus invites us to pray – lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil [one] (Matthew 6:13). He promises to guide us through the dark tunnel, the wilderness, the twilight… Standing next us, He promised to protect our path to the final destination – heaven, when we will see the Lamb who share His blood for our redemption.