Famine is a devastating thing in ancient agricultural societies. Four centuries earlier, the ancestors of the Hebrew slaves came to Egypt because of a continental wide famine. Joseph, a Hebrew, saved Egypt from the famine by having the foresight to stockpile excess grain. For his genius, he was given a ministerial post, and his family lived like royalty.
But by the beginning of our Exodus story, the Pharaoh has forgotten this bit of history. He is about to be reminded of the horror of famine.
With the seventh plague, God takes out unrippen grain and livestock with hail. But in his mercy, God tells Moses to give fair warning so the people who believe in Moses can get their livestock under cover.
As the hail struck and kill those who don't take Moses seriously, Pharaoh admits to "sin" for the first time. It is "sin" to think one God's equal. It is sin to say "no" to God. It is "sin" to treat people like dirt.
God knows Pharaoh's repentence is not yet complete. But he agrees to a ceasefire nonetheless. Because the Egyptians have suffered enough under the Pharaoh's sin.
Write
Think about your faith story: how have you experienced the way God convicts you of sin?
Presently, what sin may God be calling your attention to?
Who do you know is struggling to come clean with God?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about the ways he convicts you of sin. Thank God for the way he points out error so you can be healed of it.
Pray about your spiritual health. Ask God for the help you need, the reassureance of his presence, and the courage to acknowledge sin.
Pray for your friend who is struggling to come clean with God. Ask God to show you how you can come along side and support your friend..
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way he takes care of your spiritual health, and in the way he points out error so you can be healed of it.