Exodus 3:9-10 MSG

“The Israelite cry for help has come to me, and I’ve seen for myself how cruelly they’re being treated by the Egyptians. It’s time for you to go back: I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the People of Israel, out of Egypt.”

As I read through the story of Moses I noticed one very obvious characteristic of God – patience.

 It’s easy to skim through the 10 plagues and take them at surface value, but when you break them down you quickly understand that the land and the people of Egypt were basically decimated during the process.

The blood plague destroyed their drinking water, and all fish in the river.

Frogs, Gnats and flies tested their mental health.

Next is their animals. God sent a plague of an unnamed disease to strike their horses, donkeys, camels, cattle and sheep.

Plague 6 is boils. After the land, water and animals were destroyed, the people of Egypt were now suffering intense physical pain.

Next comes hail. This hail storm took out people, livestock and plants. On top of everything else, people were perishing, had no cattle to eat, and had no plants for medicine that they probably so desperately needed.

Locusts followed, and terrorized what crops were remaining from the hailstorm.

Darkness came next. No one could see each other, and no one moved for three days.

Finally, the most awful and tragic plague came – death of the first born son.

The Egyptians had absolutely nothing left. Their once beautiful, towering city, was now reduced to ashes and barrenness.

Yet, as stubborn as Pharaoh was, he was given ten chances to release God’s people. How often do we reject and run from the very thing that will save us? How many times have we ignored the call of God because it just wasn’t the right time? Be reminded today that it’s not too late, and that your God is one of tremendous mercy.

Open the door of opportunity that has been placed in front of you today, for on the other side is a forgiving, patient and kind God who loves you infinitely.

God, I’m sorry for turning from You. Help me to understand and really grasp that you are full of mercy, and that You delight in showing it.