The Response That Comes From God’s Sovereign Action

I have fond memories as a child of taking old plastic gallon ice cream containers full of dominoes and placing them along the tile in my grandparents kitchen…

Read Exodus 12:29-42

Action from God: Death of the First Born (v. 29)

The people of God have been given instruction, they’ve been warned about what is coming. The action that God takes here is not out of the blue but rather has been threatened and explained. There are details here that vary from what is included in chapter 11. We are told there that this plague will have an effect on everyone from the first born of the pharaoh to the first born of the slave girl. However, we are told here that the deaths ranged from the first born of Pharaoh to the first born of the captive in the dungeon.

I want to be clear that this is not a contradiction between the two chapters but rather an attempt by Moses, who is writing these things, is attempting to communicate that there is no one that is immune from the wrath of God. From the richest, most powerful person in Egypt, down to the most destitute, if there was no blood on their door posts and lintel, the first born in that house would not be spared.

The same concept is still true today regarding both the ultimate plague of death, eternity without the existence of God. Whether a person has the most status and wealth or is without a home, they have the same access to salvation made possible by the death of Jesus on the cross. And a rejection of this salvation goes in the opposite direction where a person’s eternal situation is in hell, without any sort of divine presence.

Consider with me one example found in Matthew 19:16-22.

Matthew 19:16–22 ESV

And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

The rich young ruler is interested in eternal life. He is willing to come to Jesus and inquire. But at the end of the day, he was unwilling to give up what meant most to him in order to follow Jesus.

So, God takes action in this case, knowing how all of the humans involved in the situation will react. As we look at the reactions in a moment, I want to note that the action from God is so effective in this case because of His knowledge of how people will react. His omnipotence assists in guiding the actions of people. But we must keep in mind that the Lord will never force a person into heaven. When it comes to spiritual decisions, we must determine that aligning with God’s will must be something that takes place on our own.

We see two reactions to the death of the first born. First,

Egyptian Response: Release of God’s People (v. 30-33)

Ultimately, as was foretold by the Lord, Pharaoh releases the Israelites from their slavery. However, there are a few collective reactions that take place prior to the actual release. First, the Egyptians, along with Pharaoh, awake in the middle of the night to realize that firstborn children across the land have indeed died as they were told. This is likely to have happened because of the unease of the foretelling of the plague but also may have happened because of the crying out heard from other houses.

I don’t have to convince you of the great sorrow that would take place upon finding out that your firstborn has gone on. Pharaoh is finally convinced that now is the time to send the Israelites on their way. You’ll notice that they are sent in the way that the Lord would have for them to go. Taking all of the people with their cattle. This was not a point of negotiation unlike times in the past. He doesn't suggest that they go just outside of the city.

I consider this response similar to that of a person who has finally reached rock-bottom and has no other choice but to surrender everything to the Lord. We speak from time to time around here about God putting someone on their back so that the only direction they can look is up toward Him. While ultimately, Pharaoh does not turn His attention to the Lord, it is clear that he does submit to the Lord’s will and request that the people of Israel be released.

The Egyptians are insistent that the people leave before any other sort of harm comes upon them. This is to emphasize that they have not turned to the one true God but are simply responding out of preservation for themselves and their families. Regardless of their intent, they have still done what God desired that they would do: release His people.

Because of the release based on this final plague, we now look at the

Israelite Response: Leave in a Hurry (v. 34, 37-39)

Based on the urgency communicated in verse 33, we see that the people leave in such a hurry that the bread that was being prepared is not yet leavened. I want to clarify that what we covered last week regarding the unleavened bread was instruction for future Passover celebrations that would align with the experience of Israel. They happily leave but do so under pressure to make it happen quickly.

This was what the Lord desired but I want it to be noted that there might have been some Israelites that did not want to leave because this was the only home that they had ever known. The departure would have been difficult in some ways because of the unknown. Regardless, the people are ready because God told them to be prepared.

Now, the plague is not the only action from the Lord in these verses.

Action from God: Favor of Egyptians for Israel (v. 36)

We also see that the Lord granted favor to the people of Israel with the Egyptian people. This could be a small aspect but this favor is what leads to the flourishing of the Israelites as they depart. The Egyptians clearly had no favor for the people of Israel as they had enslaved them for four generations now. But in this moment, the Lord works on the hearts of the Egyptians when they ask for jewelry and clothing as they depart. What is the response based on this softening of the Egyptian hearts?

Israelite Response: Ask Egyptians for Resources (v. 35)

This would have taken a great deal of boldness because of the previous relationship between the two groups of people. Rather than cowering before the Egyptians, they ask for what they are in need of for their journey. This would have been necessary as they departed to trade with other travelers for resources that would make the trip easier as well as for the proper worship of the Lord in the wilderness. The claiming of resources is a reminder that the army of God’s people were victorious in the end.

This action, made possible by the Lord, coordinates with the message Moses received at the burning bush in Exodus 3:22

Exodus 3:22 ESV

but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

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Egyptian Response: Allow Plundering by Israel (v. 36)

It should be noted that the Egyptians did not just give in to the request of the Israelites because of what had just taken place with the death of their firstborn children. Divine intervention takes place beyond fear and the Lord softens their hearts.

This morning, there is a lot to gain when we consider God’s action in our lives. He is in control of all things but we ought to respond and every situation is different.

When God works in a supernatural way, do you walk through the door or do you sit back and analyze what is going on? He gives us opportunities to share the gospel with those whose hearts were previously hardened. He gives us the chance to join with other Christians in fellowship. But each time when the Lord works, it is vital

*Testimony of the Lord bringing our family to Columbus*

This morning as we close, I’d like for you to consider what God is doing in your life right now. Is the Lord taking action in your life that requires a response? Will you respond by taking action or will you sit back and be skeptical that He is really working? Maybe you’ve been on the fence, like the rich young ruler. Will you give Him your everything today? Do you feel like God has put you on your back and theres no where else to turn but to Him? Would you do that today?