God’s Power and Our Faithful Response
Morning: Exodus 7-8
Evening: Matthew 17
In Exodus 7-8, God’s power is displayed as He sends Moses to Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites. Despite signs, plagues, and wonders, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. Meanwhile, in Matthew 17, we witness Jesus revealing His divine glory in the Transfiguration and later teaching about faith as small as a mustard seed. These two passages remind us of God’s sovereignty and power and challenge us to respond with faith and obedience, even when circumstances seem insurmountable.
God is powerful, but He also invites us into the story through faith. Pharaoh’s refusal to submit contrasts sharply with the disciples’ call to believe—even in small measure. Are we like Pharaoh, resisting God’s work in our lives, or like the disciples, striving to understand and walk in faith?
Key Insights
- God’s Sovereignty Is Unshakable: In Exodus, God shows His control over creation through the plagues, demonstrating that no earthly power can rival His authority (Exodus 7:5).
- Hardened Hearts Lead to Destruction: Pharaoh’s refusal to heed God’s command illustrates the dangers of pride and stubbornness.
- Faith Unlocks God’s Power in Our Lives: Jesus teaches that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Even small steps of trust allow God’s power to work through us.
- God Reveals Himself to Strengthen Our Faith: The Transfiguration was a glimpse of Jesus’ glory meant to bolster the disciples’ confidence in His mission and identity (Matthew 17:5-8).
- God’s Call Requires a Response: Both Pharaoh and the disciples were faced with choices—to resist or submit, to doubt or believe. Our response to God shapes the course of our lives.
Connection to Other Scripture
This theme of faith and response is echoed in Hebrews 11:6, which declares, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Both Exodus and Matthew show us that God rewards faith and obedience but resists the proud and the rebellious.
Questions to Reflect On
- What areas of my life am I resisting God’s direction or softening my heart toward His will?
- How does the story of Pharaoh challenge me to let go of pride and submit to God?
- Where am I being called to trust God, even if my faith feels small?
- How does Jesus’ glory revealed in the Transfiguration encourage me in difficult seasons?
- What “mountains” in my life do I need to bring before God in faith?
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, You are the sovereign God who holds all power in Your hands. Forgive me for the moments I resist Your will and cling to pride. Help me to walk in faith, even when my circumstances feel overwhelming. Strengthen my heart to trust You with the mountains in my life, knowing that even small faith is enough when placed in You. Reveal Your glory and presence in my life, Lord, and guide me to respond with obedience and humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.