Focal Passage: Exodus 7:1-13
In Arthurian legend, Sir Lancelot enjoys the favor of the King as one of the Knights of the Round Table and Arthur’s closest companion. Yet, in a selfish display of betrayal, Lancelot takes Guinevere the Queen for himself. In spite of all that his lord had done for him and all of the status that accompanied being a knight of Camelot, he came to value something more.
That which we prize above all else is what we will exalt to a place of worship in our lives. However, there is one and only one who is worthy of such honor, namely God, and He will share His glory with no one.
All that He is and all that He has done throughout the history of man has been for the knowledge and display of that glory. Israel’s deliverance from bondage under Pharaoh is the Old Testament’s greatest example of God displaying His power that His people might worship and serve Him.
Both the simple obedience of Moses and Aaron and the stubborn hardening of Pharaoh’s heart make way for the sovereign hand of God to move for His glory. Judgment and deliverance work toward the same end but with drastically different consequences for those involved.
God will accomplish His sovereign purposes in creation and redemption. His glory will be known and shown throughout the earth. We stand to be a part of that glorious display, either through simple obedience and freedom in Christ or through the stubborn hardening of our hearts and judgment.
In light of who God is and all that He has done for us in salvation, it is only reasonable that we offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him.
As we trust in the Spirit’s power to renew our minds and transform us, we live by faith through simple obedience to His commands, trusting that He who began a good work in us will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.