March 26 -- "Who is the LORD?"

  Today's Reading:  Exodus 5

"Who is the LORD?"

Pharaoh's questioning of God's authority can be understood in the context of the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Egypt. The Egyptian religion had a complex system of gods and goddesses, with each deity having a specific role and function in the universe. The Pharaoh himself was considered a “god-king,” the son of the sun god Ra and the living embodiment of the god Horus on earth.

When Moses and Aaron came to Pharaoh and demanded the release of the Israelites, they presented themselves as representatives of Yahweh, a God that Pharaoh did not recognize or worship. This likely made Pharaoh skeptical of their claims and authority, and he questioned the legitimacy of this God and his power over the Egyptian gods. You can actually sense Pharaoh’s dismissive attitude when he says, “Who is the Lord?”

Pharaoh's skepticism and refusal to acknowledge the God of Israel will result in a series of plagues that demonstrate Yahweh's power and sovereignty over all creation. These plagues were meant to convince Pharaoh and the Egyptians of the true power and authority of God. Each plague was a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods, demonstrating that they were not truly powerful and that the God of Israel was the one true God.

The Bible is full of instances where people initially questioned God’s power and sovereignty over creation, but ultimately discovered the truth of His authority over all the universe. Job questioned God's justice and wisdom. Gideon questioned God's power and asks for multiple signs to validate God’s calling. Sarah laughed at the idea of becoming pregnant, doubting God's power to fulfill such a promise. The disciple Thomas famously doubted Jesus' resurrection. Jonah questioned God's mercy and compassion for the people of Nineveh. Zechariah questioned the angel's message about Elizabeth giving birth to a son. Martha doubted Jesus' power to raise Lazarus from the dead.

These stories demonstrate that questioning God and His power is a natural part of our faith journey, and that God is patient and understanding with those who doubt. However, these stories also show that God is faithful to His promises and ultimately works all things for the good of those who love Him. In Jeremiah 32:17, the prophet declares, "Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you." This statement acknowledges God's power as the Creator of all things, and affirms that there is nothing beyond His ability to accomplish.