God's Power in Signs and Wonders (Exodus 7:1-13)

As children, we sometimes hear the story of Moses and the plagues without the context of Exodus 3-6. We read of a baby boy lifted from a basket and adopted into Pharaoh’s family, meeting God at the burning bush, and immediately bursting into Pharaoh’s palace making demands. Yet there's a lot missing when we read Exodus that way. We miss God’s preparation of his prophet, Moses. We also lose sight of the plan and purposes of God in the plagues.

God’s Purpose

Throughout the previous chapters, we've learned of God’s plan to free the Israelites and work mightily in the presence of Pharaoh. In chapter 7, God reiterates his purpose in this way: “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, lay my hand on Egypt and bring my people out of Egypt by great acts of judgment. The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” (paraphrase of v. 3-5). 

The Exodus became one of the most monumental acts in the history of Israel. When the Israelites spied out Jericho, Rahab said that all the inhabitants of the land melted away before them because they heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt. (Jos. 2:9-10. In Israel’s songbook, they sang that “In the sight of their fathers he performed wonders in the land of Egypt… He struck down every firstborn in Egypt. (Psa. 78:12, 51) The early church recounted the Exodus in their global gospel mission speaking of Moses as the man who “led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. (Acts. 7:36). Even Jude powerfully states that it was Jesus who “saved a people out of the land of Egypt” (Jude 5). 

The immediate purpose was that Pharaoh and Egypt could know that God is LORD. Yet, the greater purpose is that the world, including you and I, could know the power of the LORD, the God of Israel. We must ask ourselves this question: Do I know Him? This is one of the greatest questions we can ask ourselves. Apart from a true knowledge of God and His knowledge of us, we have no hope of eternal life (John 17:3).

God’s Prophet

As we’ve already seen, God prepared Moses to be the prophet who would speak “as God” to Pharaoh (v. 1). Aaron was like a prophet of Moses, but God gave ultimate prophetic authority to Moses. He and Aaron had spent time in God’s presence and, at the right time, “did just as the LORD commanded them” (v. 6) 

Though some will try to argue against a historical Moses and Exodus, we’ve already seen a genealogy as well as the specific ages of Aaron and Moses at the time of the Exodus. Moses is two-thirds of the way through his life, and now it’s go-time! We have no good reason to doubt the historical reality of an event that echoes throughout all of Scripture. Not only should we believe that the Bible is faithful and has no errors, but we should also trust that God penned these details as historical truth for His people through the ages.

Is God preparing you for something in this season? Some of us are still in the firs third of our lives. We may be in Egypt learning the ways of the world around us while consciously feeling the urge to separate and be with the people of God. Others of us are in the middle third of our lives, arguing with God that we are not strong enough or suited for the job He has called us to. Yet still, others of us are in the final third of our lives doing precisely what God has prepared us for. We may not spend literal 40-year periods or thirds of our lives in these seasons, we should seek the LORD for His guidance in the season we’re in.

God’s Power

The obedient prophet and his brother went before the face of Pharaoh. He met them with a challenge, “Prove yourselves,” just as God told them he would (v. 9). The proof is in the pudding—or the staff in this case! 

At first, it seems as though Moses and Aaron lose the fight against Pharaoh’s wise men and sorcerers. Aaron threw down his staff and it turned into a serpent. This was incredible! Then the wicked magicians of Pharaoh did the same by their secret, occult, arts. Just like the cross of Christ, all hope seemed lost in that moment. If they can do the same as God’s prophet, how does God win? Yet, “Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs” (v. 12)! God allowed them an inch of satisfaction to harden Pharaoh’s heart, but He would win this battle. Just as the LORD told them, Pharaoh didn't listen because his heart was fortified in disobedience.

The signs and wonders Moses and Aaron displayed point us to the power of God in the gospel (Rom. 1:16). This mighty power was on full display when Jesus rose from the dead on the third day (Rom 1:4). God powerfully redeemed Israel from Egypt and this redemption foreshadowed his glorious work to redeem us from sin and death. The book of Revelation shows even greater signs and wonders than these being poured out on all who reject God’s Son and Kingdom in the last days.

We, too, deserve to face such judgment from (Rom. 3:23). Our great hope against facing the wrath of God is the One who took the wrath for us (Isa. 53:4-6). As we will soon see, all who are not for God are against Him, yet God will shield His people from wrath, even as they live in the midst of great acts of judgment. In Christ, we may face tribulation, but we will never be on the receiving end of God’s fierce wrath. Ah, what a relief it is to be in Jesus!

Reflection Questions

• How did the LORD’s hardening of Pharaoh’s heart help make the LORD known in Egypt and throughout the world? How is this challenging to our view of God? How does it bring you comfort?
• How does the power of God in Israel give you hope today amid your trials and difficult circumstances? In what ways does God’s power in Exodus point you to the gospel?
• How is God at work in your life right now? If you’re not saved, do you feel God drawing you to Himself? If you’re a believer, how do you sense God preparing you to fulfill your calling? If you’re confident that you’re fulfilling your calling presently, how do you see God’s power at work in your life and relationships?

Prayer Points

• Seek God’s mind. It can be tough to discern God’s purposes in the face of persecution or trials. Ask God to reveal His mind to you through His word. Ask Him to help you obey even when you don’t understand.
• Pray for patience. Sometimes God doesn’t work in ways that seem efficient in our eyes. Pray for patience and trust as you continue to walk by faith. Ask the Spirit to help you discern specific ways He’s helping you grow in this season.
• Rely on His power. As you share the gospel, do the work of the ministry, or live out your calling in everyday life, thank God for His power in you. Confess your weaknesses, and express your inability to change hearts. Seek His strength and power for every moment.

Photo by David McEachan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gray-pyramid-on-dessert-under-blue-sky-71241/