S) "7 But against any of the sons of Israel a dog will not even bark, whether against man or beast, that you may understand how the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel."
Exodus 11:7 (NASB)
O) Moses was quoting the LORD, telling Pharaoh about the last plague that was about to befall Egypt. The first born of all of the land was going to die, including the cattle. Moses warned Pharaoh that there would be terrible wailing, such as had never been heard. But, no one would cry against God's people. God had given His people great favor in the sight of all of Egypt, to ask their neighbors for silver and gold (see vv.2-3). Now, it would carry over to protect His people against any retaliation by the people of the land. God was intent to rescue His people from their slavery, provide for their physical needs, and protect them as they escaped. He was being completely gracious to His people in every way. He was distinguishing Himself as the only true God, and personally claiming His people as His own.
A) God is very much interested in His namesake. By claiming Jesus Christ as my Lord, I am taking on His name. I am labeling myself as His disciple, taking His name when I call myself a Christian. Everything I do, then, bears God's name on the action (or inaction). Life brings hardship, though, and Jesus promised no different for His disciples. The difference is always in how we handle it, as believers. So, I live in a community, a culture, a society, and a country. There are things that will befall my community, tragedies or calamities. Those difficulties are opportunities for my life to glorify His name. I must live my life in such a way, that onlookers see a distinction between me and the world. There must be a difference. In the case of the Exodus, the plagues did not touch Israel, while they were being completely protected from it. In my own life, I cannot expect God to isolate me from all harm. However, when something grievous does happen, it's how I react that makes the difference. If I am grieving as those without hope, then how has Christ made any difference in my life? On the other hand, as I look to the LORD for hope, and receive peace and joy through the Holy Spirit, that becomes a beacon for unbelievers, as they see the distinction that my Father God gives me.
P) Father, You have been ever faithful. You have brought me through some hard times already, but harder times may still be ahead of me. You know, God, and I don't. Prepare me, Father, for every hardship that will come my way. Let me rely fully on You for my comfort, peace, and joy. When calamity strikes, whether it's my family, community, or nation, let me seek You alone and be protected, healed, and supplied, to the glory of Your name. Let me be fully equipped so that my very life is a beacon to others, and serves to further Your kingdom purposes. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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