LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Monday 2nd May 2022
IF YOU REFUSE
Scripture Reading: Exodus 8
And the Lord spoke to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all your territory with frogs. Exodus 8:1–2
The first plague of turning the waters of Egypt into blood, lasted for a week. The Lord in His mercy restored their waters. However, the first plague did not turn the heart of Pharaoh. He hardened his heart against the Lord and His people. Because of Pharaoh’s stubbornness, the Lord issued instructions to Moses for a second plague.
The second plague against Egypt was directed again at the water of Egypt. The Lord gave Pharaoh and Egypt time to rest and reflect on their actions. Before the plague came, the Lord served notice to Pharaoh and gave him the opportunity to avert the calamity that was coming on him and his people.
• Let my people go. This was God’s demand notice to Pharoah. From the first time that the Lord met Moses around Mount Horeb, His purpose had remained the same. The Lord wanted to redeem Israel unto Himself. He wanted to free the people of Israel and make them His own people. Throughout all the plagues, God’s liberation agenda remained the same.
• If you refuse to let them go. By His foreknowledge, the Lord knew Pharaoh’s predisposition, yet He gave Pharaoh the opportunity to accept the demand and avoid the plague.
• I will smite all your territory with frogs. This was God’s warning to Pharoah. If the king of Egypt resisted God’s purposes, the Lord would flood his territories with frogs.
The frogs were going to overrun the waters and enter people’s homes. Unlike the bloodied water that stayed in the waters, the frogs were going to move from the waters and into the homes of the people. They would even hop into the beds of the Egyptians including that of Pharaoh.
When we refuse to heed the voice of the Lord, we expose ourselves to His judgment.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are our deliverer. Smite every evil force that resists your purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.