Forgetting God
It's easy, and in some ways natural, to call out to God when we are in trouble. Although Pharaoh doesn't pray himself, he nonetheless asks Moses to do it for him as the plagues take their toll. But how odd that when Moses asks when Pharaoh wants the frogs to disappear, he says, "Tomorrow." Tomorrow? Why not right away? Perhaps Pharaoh was dim-witted and hard-hearted. Bad combination.
Of course, as soon as the trouble is gone, Pharaoh forgets God and goes back to his "normal self.". Sadly, he isn't the only one with this tendency. Our challenge is to be as prayerful and dependent on God when times are good as when times are bad.
Another recurring theme in this chapter is God's intent behind the plagues; he wants humans to know he is the Lord. What does it mean for us today to know that God is Lord of this world, the events of this day, of the decisions, direction and destiny of our lives? And does that knowledge make us more humble and loving, or more aloof and proud? We may not actually "forget God," but we can forget about his priorities, and the consequences can be just as destructive.
Created almost 2 years ago
