Exodus 11:1a Now the LORD said to Moses, “I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt….”
I have a dear friend who is a gifted artist. She recently shared a series of pictures of her latest commission in process. Just like with speed videos she’s shared in the past, I was fascinated to see the progression from the chaos of the background with light sketching in pencil to the beauty of the finished piece. Seeing the final pieces of God’s plan for the Israelites begin to come together in Exodus 11 reminds me of watching the gifted strokes of an artist.
Exodus 11:1b “…After that, he will let you go from here, and when he does, he will drive you out completely.”
God has a vision before the first brushstrokes hit the page. Where the uninformed see chaos, God’s building a firm base for what is to come. He didn’t just want Pharaoh to allow His people out for brief worship. He wanted them freed. He didn’t want His people destitute after years of forced labor. He wanted them compensated. He didn’t just want the Egyptians to let them go. He wanted the Egyptians to recognize His sovereignty. God, the Master, has this under control.
Exodus 11:2 “Tell the people that men and women alike are to ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for Your master plan. Thank You that You can see the final picture before You even lift the brush, that You can bring beauty and order from chaos and turmoil. Thank You that we are Your works in progress, masterpieces all, and that what seems like a mess from here is really just part of the firm base You are building for our good and Your glory. Draw us closer. Amen.
Exodus 11:3 (The LORD made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people.)
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.