Exodus

Exodus 10: God rules worship and judgment

Begin in prayer

Before locusts and darkness show Egypt the LORD's rule, let us ask Him to break our pride. Pray that our children will learn His works and that each one will come to Christ in faith.

We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, his strength, and his wondrous deeds that he has done.

Psalm 78:4

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Make us willing to honor Your authority over all our lives. Show our children the saving glory of Jesus. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

God tells Moses that the signs are to be recounted to future generations. Pharaoh offers to let only the men worship, and Moses refuses to leave the rest behind. The LORD brings locusts on an east wind, and they eat every green thing left after the hail. Pharaoh confesses and asks for prayer, but still refuses when a west wind removes every locust. God then sends thick darkness for three days, while Israel's homes have light. Pharaoh offers release without the livestock, and when Moses refuses, the king threatens him with death.

As you read Exodus 10, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God makes His power known and commands His people's worship on His terms.

The LORD explains that these signs must be told to children and grandchildren, so they may know who He is. Pharaoh's refusal becomes part of the history Israel must remember. His servants can see that Egypt is destroyed, but he still tries to control who may worship. Moses names the young, the old, sons, daughters and livestock as belonging to the feast. The locusts consume what the hail left, and only God's change of wind removes them. Then darkness stops Egyptian life for three days, while Israel has light in its dwellings. Pharaoh yields on the children but tries to keep the flocks and herds. Moses cannot accept a king's terms in place of God's command. The LORD's hardening and Pharaoh's threat leave the contest awaiting its final judgment.

How does Exodus 10 show us that God makes His power known and commands His people's worship on His terms?

God's works must be told to the next generation.

Moses must tell his son and grandson what God has done in Egypt. Knowing the LORD is the purpose of remembering. Parents still teach God's Word so their children may come to know Christ.

God commands the worship Pharaoh tries to limit.

Moses includes young and old, sons and daughters, flocks and herds. The whole people must hold the feast God commands. Pharaoh's permission cannot replace God's authority over His people's service.

God commands winds and darkness while Pharaoh refuses Him.

An east wind brings the locusts and a west wind removes them. Three days of darkness follow, while Israel has light. The Creator's rule exposes the helplessness of the king who still claims control.

Memorise

How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Exodus 10:3

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what part of my life am I keeping back from Jesus?

Moses declares, “Not a hoof shall be left behind.” Pharaoh may offer a limited release, but God has commanded the worship of His whole people. The darkened land exposes how little control the king possesses.

We have also claimed the right to keep part of our life from God. Jesus offered Himself without reserve, suffering for His people's sin at the cross. He rose to everlasting life, with the saving task fully accomplished. His sacrifice is enough, and the freedom He wins belongs to all who trust Him.

Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Receive the forgiveness that He promises to those who believe. Then worship Him with the life that is His to command. Tell the next generation what the Lord has done, and lead them to the Savior who brings light.

Parent's note

Tell your children what God did in Egypt, then explain how Jesus died and rose to rescue people from sin. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for making His power known and claiming the worship of His people, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness.

John 12:46

Father, thank You for the mighty acts You have given us to tell our children. Please humble our hearts and draw us to trust Jesus. Keep us from bargaining over obedience. Help parents teach Your Word faithfully, and bring each child to know the Savior. Amen.