The WHAT isn't nearly as important as the WHY.
"I performed My signs among them, that you may know that I am the LORD." (Exodus 10:2)
God performed mighty miracles through the hand of Moses in the process of setting the people of Israel free from captivity in Egypt. On the surface, it appears that the purpose of the signs is to make Pharaoh and the Egyptians believe in the Lord God Yahweh. But a closer look reveals that the purpose of the miracles wasn't for the unbelieving Egyptians but for the chosen people of God: "that YOU may know that I am the Lord" (emphasis added).
The Book of Revelation contains similar signs and judgments as those performed through Moses. It's easy to assume that the purpose of these events is to change the hearts of the disobedient but their reaction is similar to Pharaoh's: "they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory." (Revelation 16:9)
There is no doubt that God would like nothing more than for sinners to repent in the face of His mighty works, but His express purpose for His great works is for our benefit: "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)
Romans 15:4 provides the greatest incentive of all for reading the Bible and learning about the great signs and works of God. It's all designed to give us staying power and keep us hopeful! There is nothing we need more.
All of God's mighty works and actions are on display in the pages of the Bible for our benefit. Everything He has done in the past is for our benefit today, if we are willing to read and learn. It's not so much a record of history as it is incentive for hopeful living today.
May your hope be strong and your faith sure as you consider the mighty acts of our amazing God.
Steve
"I performed My signs among them, that you may know that I am the LORD." (Exodus 10:2)
God performed mighty miracles through the hand of Moses in the process of setting the people of Israel free from captivity in Egypt. On the surface, it appears that the purpose of the signs is to make Pharaoh and the Egyptians believe in the Lord God Yahweh. But a closer look reveals that the purpose of the miracles wasn't for the unbelieving Egyptians but for the chosen people of God: "that YOU may know that I am the Lord" (emphasis added).
The Book of Revelation contains similar signs and judgments as those performed through Moses. It's easy to assume that the purpose of these events is to change the hearts of the disobedient but their reaction is similar to Pharaoh's: "they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory." (Revelation 16:9)
There is no doubt that God would like nothing more than for sinners to repent in the face of His mighty works, but His express purpose for His great works is for our benefit: "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)
Romans 15:4 provides the greatest incentive of all for reading the Bible and learning about the great signs and works of God. It's all designed to give us staying power and keep us hopeful! There is nothing we need more.
All of God's mighty works and actions are on display in the pages of the Bible for our benefit. Everything He has done in the past is for our benefit today, if we are willing to read and learn. It's not so much a record of history as it is incentive for hopeful living today.
May your hope be strong and your faith sure as you consider the mighty acts of our amazing God.
Steve
posted by steve @ 11:04 AM
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