Wed.’s Devo - The Prophets Meet the False Prophets

Read Ex. 6:26- 7:14 God called Moses to speak to the Pharaoh for him and say whatever God told him to say. Moses’ argument was that he was not righteous enough that God would use him. (How many of us have felt that emotion?) I’m sure Moses was not expecting God’s response. He told him that He had made Moses like a god to Pharaoh and Aaron a prophet. God would tell Moses, Moses would tell Aaron, and Aaron would tell the Pharaoh what he was to do. That is some power! Then he goes on to tell the rest: God is going to harden Pharaoh’s heart and God is going to do signs and wonders in his land. Not only is God going to harden Pharaoh’s heart but he isn’t going to listen to what Moses has to say so God will have to judge the land. And when he does, the Egyptians will know that He is the Lord. I wish I had that clear of direction about my life! God spelled it out for them so that they would be able to obey. Moses was 80 years old and Aaron was 83 when they began speaking to Pharaoh. The number 80 means that they had acceptedly put off the flesh to the point that God could use them. Aaron was 83 so the three means that he conformed to the destiny God had for him. God had given Moses a miraculous sign to use and he told him exactly when to use it. So when Moses and Aaron went before Pharaoh and showed him their sign Pharaoh was not impressed. He brought in his wise men and sorcerers and they could do the same thing with their rod only Aaron’s rod ate up all of their rods. This only made the Pharaoh madder and more determined not to let them go. But notice, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. This showdown was between the devil and God and God had come to Egypt through Moses and Aaron to totally destroy all of his works. The first was the wise men and sorcerers - the false prophets. Before it was over, God had challenged every one of their gods and won. Ever wonder why God has given you the gifts he has? I’m sure Moses wondered why he gave him the sign of the rod turning to a serpent. Apparently that was one of their tricks they used to show their power to the people. The fact that Aaron’s rod ate all theirs was a picture of what was about to happen in their whole land. Lord, help us to be thankful that you have made us the way you made us with the gifts you have given us. They are for your glory alone.