Exodus 9:16: "But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth."
For the month of November, students are studying the word “Because” while reading Exodus 9:16: “But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” (Look for a blog post on the November verse for the Twirl program in a few weeks!)
This verse comes in the middle of the story of Moses. Moses had been chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He was nervous, but God gave him strength and help through his brother, Aaron. Together, they confronted Pharaoh. However, this did not go well. When Pharaoh chose not to let the Israelites leave. His heart was hardened. God had a plan, and his plan was to get the Israelites out of Egypt so He sent plagues. Even after a few of the plagues had hit, Pharaoh would still not let the Israelites leave. God still had a plan. So He sends Moses with a specific message to Pharaoh.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning, confront Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me, or this time I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth. For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. You still set yourself against my people and will not let them go.”
If you have read Exodus, or see The Prince of Egypt, you know what happens next. Pharaoh does not relent and refuses to let the Israelites go until the plague of the first born. Yet even in Pharaoh’s disobedience, God’s plan succeeded and God’s glory and power were proclaimed. Whoa.
God has had a very good plan from even before the beginning. His plan was to create people, lots of people. All of whom, He loves dearly. He wants his people to love Him and love each other.
This is God’s “because”:
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:2-3
That joy set before Him, was all of us. His people loving Him and loving each other.
This then is also our “because.”
We have been created to love God and love His people. What does that look like in your life?
“I think God could untangle your soul, your story, your gifts, your people, your place, and your passions, and begin to weave it into purposes that you haven’t been brave enough to imagine.” -Jennie Allen
This year has looked very different than any of us could ever have imagined. Yet despite all of that, God’s plan is still in place. How has God used this year in your life to create a new purpose or to continue one that was already in place?
If you open your eyes and look for God’s purposes, you may not see it right away. Sometimes our humanness, pain, sorrow, or sin can make it difficult, but keep looking! God’s purposes and plan will continue.
“Now let me tell you what I know. Our God is real. Our God is coming. Our God has plans for us. Our lives are short. We must get after it. Because heaven is coming fast. And what we are about to do here is urgent. It’s more urgent than we could ever imagine. We get to play little parts in the epic story of a God who put this whole universe in motion with a word.” - Jennie Allen
This month, as we gather in our homes to celebrate a time of gratitude, take a moment to talk about how you have seen God at work this year.
Maybe even start a new tradition! Grab some paper and list out the many blessings God has given your family this year. Younger family members can even draw these blessings in creative ways. Save these lists and pictures for next year. If you do this every year, you will have a whole collection of reminders of the way God has continued his plan in your lives.
On social media, we are inviting everyone to post pictures of what they are grateful for every Sunday! Check our instagram and facebook to see what we are thankful for, and then share your own gratitudes. Make sure you tag us! Let’s all create an atmosphere of gratefulness in our studio, homes, and communities.