Exodus 9 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

(The L_rd speaking) ‘Every person that is in the field and not brought inside will die when the hail falls on them.’ Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the W_rd of the L_rd made their servants and livestock flee to shelters, but those who didn’t take the L_rd’s Word seriously left their servants and livestock in the field.” Exodus 9:19-21

This is the first indication that G_d’s warnings were having a salutary effect on the Egyptians. While Pharaoh may have been choosing to harden his heart, some of his subjects were more than willing to consider the Hebrew G_d’s threats. They went as far as taking appropriate measures to steer clear of His wrath. That is not to say that they were full converts, but they (at least) knew to respect Him.

This passage reminds me of the general attitude in the secular workplace. Most managers don’t care about the L_rd, so they do not heed the Bible’s message of the importance of resting. Underpaid and overworked employees do not produce as well as workers in pleasant conditions. A casual stroll through the average HR department file cabinet will give you a strong indication as to the fallout from disgruntled employees.

In contrast, consider Chick-Fil-A. Years ago, the founder of that corporation (a believer in Messiah) determined to not work on Sundays. Not only that, but he gave everyone in their company the day off! On the week’s busiest restaurant day, Chick-Fil-A closes its doors…yet they gross more than their competitors! They honor the L_rd and He honors their faithfulness.

Likewise, those officials in Pharaoh’s administration who believed G_d’s message were saved from disaster. The Bible says that when the exodus occurred, the Hebrews left Egypt with a large number of foreigners. There is no indicator that these particular officials were in that group, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they were.

Have you heard the gospel and witnessed its saving power in the life of someone close to you? Have you noticed that, while followers of Messiah Yeshua are not immune to hardship, they seem to weather hard times better than others?

Maybe it’s time you took a cue from Pharaoh’s officials. Surrender to Yeshua’s L_rdship! Save yourself, while you still have a self to save!

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Monday, March 10, 2014