God's Double Purpose

 There are some things that we do that have a very specific purpose. They are designed to accomplish one thing for one specific time or for one specific person. We can throw a birthday party for a family member or friend. We are only really trying to show our love and appreciation for that one person. However, at the same party others might benefit from the love that is being shown, too. That is a simple example of a double purpose. This could be done intentionally or unintentionally, but the results are what matters.

God had a double purpose for all of the signs and wonders He did to the Egyptians when He was bringing about the release of the Hebrews from Pharaoh's bondage. Yes, He did all of the ten plagues to convince Pharaoh to let His people go. (Deuteronomy 34:12) However, it was with God's mighty power that Moses performed all of the terrifying acts in the sight of all Israel, too. Both the Egyptians and the Israelites should have learned from their experiences in Egypt.

God was directly challenging Pharaoh and the leaders of Egypt by showing His great power in the plagues. There were definitely terrifying works that were done, the fiery hail stones, the terrible swarms of locusts, and finally the death of all of the firstborn in the country. Just think of the destruction and death and God sent upon them to get freedom for His people. Still, did Pharaoh and his leaders really learn their lesson and trust the Lord? No, they died at the bottom of the Red Sea. God gave them a chance, though.

At the same time the Israelites saw all of these terrifying acts, too. They were protected from the effects of many of the plagues, but they had a front row seat for all that went on. They heard the cries during the night when the firstborn were killed, and they were saved by putting the blood on their door posts. They watched Pharaoh and his army drown in the sea. However, did they learn to trust the mighty power of God? No, they would not trust God to lead them to victory in the Promised Land. God gave Israel the same chance, but they failed, too.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 1-3.