Exodus 7:14-24
We have before us today the first of the ten plagues God sends on Egypt. God had a vision of a people who are free to worship Him, and these plagues were sent to break the stronghold of Pharaoh, who held them in bondage. This first plague was on the Nile River, a source of life for all Egypt. It watered their crops, as well as livestock, and was an avenue for trade, but it had become a god to them. The name of the god of the Nile was Hapi. God was going to show all Egypt, as well as His own people, that He was the one and only God.
We find Pharaoh at the river's edge in the morning, worshiping it. So that is where God sends Moses and Aaron with a message to let His people go, or He would turn it into blood. God always forewarns of His coming judgments because He “is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) If there is one thing that the skeptics and atheists don’t have an answer for, it is prophecy. Only a true God can say what He is going to do, and then fulfill it. The whole nation of Israel is an example of God’s prophecy being fulfilled, even before our eyes today.
So Pharaoh is confronted and forewarned to let God’s people go, or else. As God prophesied, he refused, because his heart is hardened. As predicted, Aaron smote the water, and turned the once life-giving river into a death-giving river of blood. This was done by a God that Pharaoh wouldn’t obey, or even acknowledge. “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?” (Exodus 5:2)
Pharaoh, in the hardness of his heart, is not moved at all to repentance, but instead, calls for his magicians to see if they can duplicate this miracle. God, in His wisdom, allows for them to do it, which only hardens Pharaoh's heart more. It is interesting to note why didn’t Pharaoh have his magicians reverse the plague, and turn the blood back into water? Instead, he makes more blood, only furthering the plague. I guess a hard heart is also a foolish heart. So God’s judgment fell upon the water of Egypt, and there is no fish to eat, no water to drink, only the smell of death. But even in judgment, God shows His mercy. Seems there is still fresh water in the banks of the river that can be had with some diligent digging. God is merciful; His judgments are followed by His mercy. Moses’ first miracle was to turn water into blood. Moses brought the law, which brings judgment of sin. Christ’s first miracle was to turn water into wine, a sign of gladness of heart. A heart is glad when it is delivered from judgment. Judgment and mercy; can you see it?
~ Jim Frantz
