Previously, when Moses and Aaron had spoken God’s message, “Let my people go,” to Pharaoh, it only seemed to make things worse (5:22-23). Moses and Aaron were discouraged. So the Lord told them his whole plan. The Lord knew that, even though he displayed many wonders, Pharaoh would only harden his heart. But finally, the Lord would rescue his people by an act of judgment on Egypt (5).

The first sign the Lord gave Moses and Aaron to perform before Pharaoh was to turn Moses’ staff into a snake (8-9). It should have made Pharaoh fear God. But Pharaoh summoned his own magicians, who replicated the miracle by their secret arts. Moses’ staff swallowed up the Egyptian magicians’ staffs, showing the Lord’s superiority over the gods of Egypt. Still, as predicted, Pharaoh only hardened his heart.

Sometimes the way God wants to use us doesn’t produce visible success, at least not at first. But if we let him lead, we can be sure he is using us to reveal his glory as well as save his people.
Application: Father, thank you for using faithful people to reveal your glory. Help me trust you and keep speaking your words, even when I don’t see visible success.
One Word: The Lord will work through us