Lesson before the plagues.

A revelation of God's power. Exodus 3 to 13

Before any of the plagues actually began God used some signs to teach Moses some important lessons. God knew it was necessary for Moses to get a revelation of God's authority before setting out to confront Pharaoh with the plagues (Exodus 5 & Exodus 6:1-13).

We see Moses confront Pharaoh with God's message in Exodus 5. Pharaoh responded by making life for the Israelites harder. God reply was to give Moses a 'faith building revelation'

Exodus 6:1-8 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country." God also said to Moses, "I am the LORD.

I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they lived as aliens. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.

"Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgement. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.

Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.' " (NIV)

Note that God emphasised the fact that "I am the LORD" four times in His above discussion with Moses. God was emphasising His changeless omnipotence and faithfulness. A truth we too need to appreciate. God also confirmed to Moses some powerful promises that are still valid for us today

1. I have established my covenant with you and have remembered it (verses 4-5)
2. I will free you out from the burden (or yoke) of Egypt. Set you free and redeem you. (Verses 5-6)
3. I will take you as My people and be your God (verse 7)
4. I will give you a possession or heritage (verse 8)
The shed blood of Jesus also accomplishes all the above things for us. The promises in the Bible are made available to us only when we ?accept by faith? the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Compare the following promises with the four above .

1. Galatians 3: 15-18
2. Colossians 1: 12-15
3. Romans 8: 14-15, Galatians 4: 4-7
4. 2 Peter 2: 1-4

We need to appreciate these. After receiving these truths for himself, Moses presented them to the Israelites who were - too broken in spirit and bitter to receive it (Exodus 6:9).

Moses had to be totally convinced of his God given mission. Moses conviction was a necessary shield against the negative circumstances that were to arise. God invested time and effort into giving Moses an understanding of His plans. Moses needed a revelation of God's power if he was to successfully fulfil God's plan.
Likewise, we need to mediate on the power of the blood of

Jesus so that our confidence in its power becomes stronger and deeper. Its only then that we will begin to see the full power of the blood working on our behalf.

The reason why so many plead the blood and seem to get no answer is because they have not taken time to meditate on and build up their faith in the 'authority and power in the blood of Jesus Christ'.

God's message to Moses in Exodus 6:1-8 was prior to the first plague. Moses faith and confidence in God was being built up during this time. We also need to build up our faith by meditating on the power and authority of the blood.

Meditation brings revelation and revelation brings the power of God to our lives.

Next > The place of the blood .