Prayer
“O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works” -Psalm 105:1-2.
Today’s Hymn
Words: Traditional French carol (Les Anges dans Nos Campagnes); translated from French to English by James Chadwick in Crown of Jesus, 1862. Music: Gloria (Barnes), French carol melody; arranged by Edwin S. Barnes.
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
Click here for tune.
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Refrain
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
Refrain
Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Refrain
See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.
Refrain
Thought Provoker
“Why do you believe your God to be the true God?” Have you encountered questions like this one from others? What answer did you give? Prepare your family for today’s Scripture by asking: “Why should God (the God of the Bible) be obeyed?” After discussion, be sure to give your reasons for believing, following, and obeying our Lord, instead of another presumed deity.
Dad’s Study
Starting in Exodus 5, God begins the long process of getting “Egypt out of Israel.” God had promised deliverance from Egypt’s bondage. Israel could have no better guarantee. In the same way, Christ has promised redemption for us. He has already completed all that is necessary for our justification. Once justified, sanctification is a life-long process.
1. As you read verses 1-14, ask: How did Pharaoh respond to Moses’ confrontation? Pharaoh’s (Amenhotep II) question (v. 2) is the same question many ask today: “Who is God that I should obey him?” This first rejection to Moses’ confrontation (vv. 1-14) was the beginning of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart to the Lord.
2. As you read verses 15-21, ask: How did Israel respond to the additional work enforced upon them? Pharaoh reacted to this challenge of his claim to deity by increasing pressure on Israel. But Israel did not recognize God at work; instead they reacted by rejecting Moses’ leadership (vv. 15-21).
3. As you read verses 22-23, ask: How did Moses respond to Israel’s complaining? Even Moses’ faith faltered when he questioned God’s plan (vv. 22-23). Will God answer Moses? What will He say? At the end of this chapter, we are left as if perched on the edge of a cliff. Tomorrow we will hear God’s answer!
4. By way of application, ask: Am I hardening my heart to the Christ’s Gospel? Do I welcome increased pressure as God working sin out of my life (sanctification)? Do I question God’s plan by complaining and challenging authority?
Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.
Truth in Practice
Here are some subjects you might find helpful for the next several chapters. Even using a one-volume Bible dictionary can provide enough information to assist in understanding the chapters of the Ten Plagues. Of course, personal interest and/or time constraints will determine your indulgence in further study. Enjoy!
Geography? What is the composition of Egypt’s geography, climate, and agriculture? Why is this land conducive to making clay (mud) bricks? How does Egypt’s geography help us understand our sin nature?
History? Can you reconstruct a simple outline of Egypt’s ancient history? How did Egypt enslave Israel? How does Egyptian history illustrate the bondage and oppression of sin?
Catechism
Question 67
Q. What does every sin deserve?
A. Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life and that which is to come (Eph. 5:6; Ps. 11:6).
