WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30
Exodus 12:29-33
Genesis 15:13-14

“… and afterward shall they come out
with great substance.”

TRIMESTER IS UP

As promised in the tenth plague, the LORD took the life of every firstborn of man and beast, both of the high and lowly among the Egyptians. Pharaoh’s son was dead too. There were great cries in the night air across Egypt. Despite being warned, Pharaoh went to sleep as usual. Perhaps he thought that this plague too would be over after some time. But this time it was the irreversible loss of human lives. This is the danger of hardening our hearts when God repeatedly gives us chances to repent. There will be a punishment that we may never recover from. But the Hebrews obeyed the Passover instructions and were spared by the destroyer. Pharaoh suffered a great personal loss. He summoned Moses and Aaron and, without any negotiation, commanded them to leave Egypt. This time, Pharaoh told all to get out – all men, women, children, and their livestock – immediately. Even his own people wanted their slaves to leave as quickly as possible.

The trimester was up. Moses was initially unwilling and fearful to lead the people out of Egypt, but now his faith had grown. The Hebrews initially blamed Moses for asking Pharaoh to let them leave. But the intense and increased cruelty made them want to get out. Pharaoh would not release them. But with this final plague, Pharaoh and his people could not wait to expel them from Egypt. Just like when the timing is not right, when the baby is not ready, premature birth can be dangerous. God moved with infinite wisdom and control, bringing the situation to the exact conditions needed for Israel to be birthed out of the womb. Let us be patient and trust God’s timing as He works out His perfect plan. He is in sovereign and perfect control, arranging the conditions to achieve His results. Any earlier or any later will be trouble. In His timing, you and those around will be in the best state of readiness, determination, and faith and the best outcome will result.

THOUGHT: The LORD is never late or early. His timing is perfect.
PRAYER: LORD, I put my hand in Thine, please lead me.