What can we learn about obedience to God from the Israelites' experience? Darkness Everywhere—Except Where God’s People Lived Exodus 10:23: “They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings.” Key Observations • Egypt’s defiance plunges the land into a supernatural darkness so thick that no one even moves. • In the very same land, the Israelites’ homes glow with light—no frantic scrambling, no paralyzing fear. • God draws a bright line (literally) between those who resist His will and those who submit to it. What Obedience Looks Like in This Moment • The Israelites are staying put in Goshen, the place God appointed for them (Genesis 46:34; Exodus 8:22). • They accept Moses’ leadership and God’s timing—no shortcuts, no back-room deals with Pharaoh. • Their faith is visible; while Egypt gropes helplessly, Israel enjoys everyday life in full illumination. Lessons for Us Today 1. Obedience Positions Us Under God’s Protection – Psalm 91:1: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” – When we remain where God tells us to remain—geographically, morally, relationally—His covering is evident. 2. Obedience Illuminates Our Path – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – The Israelites’ literal light mirrors the spiritual light God promises to every obedient follower. 3. Disobedience Breeds Paralyzing Darkness – John 3:19-20 speaks of people loving darkness because their deeds are evil. Egypt embodies this truth. – Romans 1:21 shows that rejecting God darkens understanding; Egypt can’t even locate a candle. 4. Obedience Distinguishes God’s People – Malachi 3:18: “You will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked.” – The contrast is not fuzzy; God makes sure it’s unmistakable. 5. Obedience Requires Waiting on God’s Timing – Numbers 9:23: “At the command of the LORD they camped, and at the command of the LORD they set out.” – Israel remains in Goshen until the Passover night. We, too, trust His calendar, not ours. Related Snapshots of Obedience and Light • Exodus 12:28—Israel does “just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron,” and the death angel passes over. • Joshua 6:15-20—marching around Jericho seems odd, but obedience brings the walls down. • 2 Chronicles 20:17—Judah stands still as instructed and watches God fight the battle. • Acts 16:25-34—Paul and Silas worship in prison; obedience turns a dungeon into a revival meeting. Practical Takeaways • Stay where God has planted you until He clearly moves you—light is found in His designated place. • Daily, simple faithfulness (listening, obeying, waiting) can spare you from crises others stumble through. • Measure choices by one question: “Will this keep me in God’s light or nudge me toward darkness?” • Remember that obedience often blesses an entire household; Israel’s children played in the light while Egypt’s children sat in pitch black. When God says “Let there be light” in the lives of those who obey Him, no force of darkness can dim it. |
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