Author: Dave Dishman (Page 387 of 475)

Pharaoh spent his last night engulfed by an impenetrable darkness, the latest in a series of extraordinary events aimed specifically at him.

Plagues, the death of his first-born, and now a path through the sea. Unconvinced by even the miraculous, the king refused to believe in this Hebrew god. At first light, Pharaoh spurred forward to destruction.

In Pharaoh’s universe, no GOD existed, only gods. The gods existed for him to manipulate and bend to his will. Besides, wasn’t he a god himself? Pharaoh knew how to handle the gods.

Pharaoh never understood. There exists only one GOD, and it’s not Pharaoh or me or you or any other being under the sun. Occasionally our Lord reminds us of this.

And I need these reminders, whether through stories like this one or personal experience, as I’m often tempted to believe the gods work for me.

Exodus 15 in week five of reading the Bible cover to cover.

For me – frogs. Frogs in my kitchen. Frogs in my food. Frogs in my mixing bowls. Frogs floating in my milk when I fix my Cheerios.

I imagine leaping out of bed after a frog glides across my face, landing awkwardly on another, hearing that one squish under my foot, and falling on top of a mound of their cousins. There I am, lying stunned on the floor, surrounded by slimy peepers. I’m surprised Alfred Hitchcock didn’t do a film featuring frogs.

Without argument, the death of the firstborn remains the most devastating plague. I’m thinking of only the first nine when considering my worst.

God’s creativity knows no bounds. When he wants our attention he finds infinite ways to shake us. I so hope the Lord doesn’t turn to frogs the next time I need awakened.

Exodus in week five of reading the Bible cover to cover.

Paul prays in Ephesians 1 for the good members of the church in Ephesus. It’s a prayer repeated for centuries. Paul entreats God for hope, riches and power. Don’t we all want those? I know I do.

As I scan the horizon for hope, Paul prays I would see the hope God has for me.

When I’m enamored by stories of vast wealth, Paul prays I would understand the riches God has already given me.

While I’m sure I could work power in so many helpful ways, Paul prays I might allow the incomparable power of God to work through me.

I want what I want. Paul prays for what I need.

Thank you, Paul.

Week five of reading the Bible cover to cover.

Moses engages in a remarkable dialogue with the God at the beginning of Exodus. Moses complains about his assigned mission to Egypt, “no one will believe me or listen to my voice.” He’s afraid that people will think he’s crazy as he speaks for God.

The Lord replies, “What is that in your hand?” Moses holds a staff (a long stick). “Throw it on the ground,” the Lord instructs. The staff turns into a snake and Moses runs away in terror. Surely God rolled his eyes.

Moses didn’t need any special abilities or magic powers to free his people. God brought all that. God showed Moses that he could use anything, a stick, a bush filled with non-consuming fire, and even a frightened shepherd, to accomplish his purposes.

That’s encouraging.

Week five of reading the Bible cover to cover.