Bible Talks: The Story of Moses the Man of God

Listen from:
• BibleTruthPublishers.com
In spite of the further display of God’s mercy to Egypt in sending away the plague of locusts, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened so that he would not yet let the people go. Therefore a thick darkness— even darkness which might be felt — was brought upon the land. This ninth demonstration of God’s judgment on the wicked ruler and his land presents a picture of the spiritual darkness in which this world lies under the rule of Satan — a darkness which is only dispelled when the light from God enters the soul. We read: “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3,43But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:3‑4). It was for this purpose that the Lord Jesus came into the world, “To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:77-7977To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:77‑79).
Had Egypt been willing to let this divine light shine ‘upon their land they would never have known the dread judgments that fell upon them. But their minds were indeed blinded. During the darkness of this ninth plague “They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days.” But what a difference in the land of Goshen! The darkness could not penetrate where God provided light and thus it is recorded: “But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” verse 23. An enlighted soul can easily see the great spiritual and moral darkness that engulfs the world all around us, but the light of Christian testimony shines clearly through it, for it reflects the light that is of Christ Himself. “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness.” John 1:4,54In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:4‑5). “The entrance of Thy words giveth light.” Psalms 119:130130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130).
The absence of the bright sun and blue skies common to Egypt and the thick darkness frightened Pharaoh, who once more called Moses and said: “Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.” verse 24. Should this not have satisfied Moses — the ruler now willing for the children to go with the parents? No, there was still a withholding on the part of Pharaoh that was unacceptable to God’s servant. He saw readily enough that if the herds remained behind there would be no means of sacrifice to offer Jehovah and they would be deprived of true worship.
Moses replied that “There shall not an hoof be left behind,” but also he demanded that Pharaoh must make available to them sufficient beasts to enable the observance of whatever the LORD might show them would be suitable after they reached the wilderness. Yes, dear reader, there is here a most important principle for God’s people. “Not a hoof shall be left behind” speaks of full dedication to the Lord — nothing kept back from Him. If anything remained behind, the heart would be with it and unable to fully respond to the claims of God who had redeemed them.
ML 12/22/1968